We recommend the Sage Bambino Plus more than almost any other espresso machine in our best espresso machines under £500 guide, and the reason is simple. It is small enough to sit in the corner of a compact kitchen, yet it makes shots comparable to machines that are far larger and more expensive. It also has an automatic steam wand that removes the hardest skill in home espresso. Prices are approximate and change often, so check the live listing before buying. It is often found at around £330 to £400 in the UK.
Our verdict at a glance
- Best for: small kitchens, and anyone who wants café-style flat whites and lattes without learning to steam milk by ear.
- Not for: people who want a grinder built in. There is none, and you will need a separate burr grinder.
- Good to know: the water tank and drip tray are small, so busy mornings mean more emptying and refilling.
Who tested this and how
Ben, the Kitchen Kit editor, used the Bambino Plus as a daily driver for ten months. Testing focused on espresso consistency, how the automatic milk texturing compares with steaming by hand, and how practical the machine is to live with in a compact kitchen.
How it compares to the alternatives
The Bambino Plus sits between the all-in-one Sage Barista Express and fully automatic bean-to-cup machines. The Barista Express adds a built-in grinder and a larger footprint. A bean-to-cup machine does everything for you but gives you less control over the shot. The Bambino Plus is the middle route: real espresso with a proper portafilter, but far less faff with milk.
- Versus Barista Express: similar espresso, much smaller, but no grinder.
- Versus a bean-to-cup machine: more control and better shots with a good grinder, but more steps.
- Versus the standard Bambino: the Plus adds the automatic steam wand and a larger water tank.
The footprint: why people buy it
The Bambino Plus is roughly 19cm wide, which in espresso-machine terms is tiny. It uses the same 54mm portafilter and the same pump as its bigger siblings, so the trade-offs are in water tank size and drip tray capacity rather than brewing quality. If your worktop is short on space, that is the whole appeal.
Espresso quality: the part that matters
With proper grinding, the espresso quality matches the Barista Express. The Thermojet system heats from cold in around three seconds, so you can walk in, switch on and be pulling a shot almost immediately. That speed also makes it feel less like a chore on weekday mornings. As with any machine, results depend heavily on pairing it with a dedicated burr grinder and fresh beans rather than pre-ground coffee from a supermarket bag.
Automatic milk texturing
The automatic steam wand is the Plus difference. You set your milk temperature and texture, place the jug under the wand and let it do its work. It produces consistently silky microfoam without having to learn to free-pour-steam by ear, and it is excellent for flat whites and lattes. An experienced barista might get better results by hand, but most households will be delighted, and it is very consistent from one drink to the next.
Living with it: small-kitchen realities
Daily use is straightforward thanks to the fast heat-up and compact size. The water tank and drip tray need refilling and emptying more often during busy mornings, especially if you make several milky drinks. Remember also that adding a grinder changes the footprint, so measure the space for both before you buy. Descaling is needed periodically in hard water areas, and the machine prompts you when the time comes.
Is it worth it over the Barista Express?
The decision comes down to space and whether you already own a grinder, not to espresso quality, which is similar. Choose the Bambino Plus if you are short of space, want automatic milk, or plan to pair it with a better standalone grinder. Choose the Barista Express if you want grinding and brewing in one machine and have the worktop room.
Pairing it with a grinder
Because there is no grinder in the box, plan the whole setup at the start. A decent conical or flat burr grinder with fine adjustment is what lets you tune the shot to the beans, and it is the single upgrade that makes the biggest difference to the cup. Look for stepless or very fine steps, a consistent output and a hopper you can empty easily when you switch beans. Our guide to the best burr grinders under £200 covers the sensible options. Budget for it alongside the machine rather than treating it as an afterthought, and remember that a good grinder will outlast several espresso machines.
Everyday running: cleaning, descaling and cost
Day to day the Bambino Plus is easy to keep tidy. Purge the steam wand after each use, wipe the portafilter, and empty the drip tray before it overflows, which happens sooner than you might expect on a small machine. Use the cleaning cycle now and then and descale when the machine asks, more often in hard water areas. A jug of filtered water helps. Running costs are low: it heats in seconds rather than keeping a boiler hot all morning, so it wastes little electricity between drinks. Spare parts and accessories are easy to find, though the machine is less user-serviceable than a traditional manual model.
Who should skip it
If you want to tinker with pressure, temperature and pre-infusion, or you want to steam milk by hand as a skill, a manual machine such as the Gaggia Classic Pro will give you more to play with. If you have plenty of space and want everything in a single unit, the Barista Express is easier. And if you simply want a coffee at the touch of a button, a bean-to-cup machine is the more honest answer. The Bambino Plus is at its best for households that want real espresso and easy milk in the smallest possible footprint.
Sage Bambino Plus
Alternative: Sage Barista Express
If you want a built-in grinder, our Sage Barista Express review covers the all-in-one option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Sage Bambino and Bambino Plus?
The Plus adds an automatic steam wand, a larger water tank and an extra programmable shot button. The standard model has manual steaming and a smaller tank.
Does the Sage Bambino Plus come with a grinder?
No. A separate burr grinder is essential, because espresso quality depends heavily on the grinder you pair it with.
Is the Sage Bambino Plus good for beginners?
Yes, with the caveat that you must learn to dial in grind settings on a separate grinder. The automatic features make it forgiving once the grinding is right.
How long does the Sage Bambino Plus take to heat up?
Around three seconds from cold, thanks to the Thermojet heating system.
Is the Sage Bambino Plus worth the money?
Recommended for tight spaces or existing grinder owners. If you want all-in-one convenience with built-in grinding, the Barista Express may suit you better.
New to home espresso? Start with our first home espresso setup guide.
