Representative small brushed-steel espresso machine steaming milk in a bright kitchen with holiday greenery — Representative illustration — check the listing for the exact item.

XmasGoat gift guide

Curated pick

Breville Bambino Plus

Breville BES500

Breville's compact machine: ready in three seconds, with automatic milk texturing for consistent lattes.

Breville's Bambino Plus BES500 fits a small counter, is ready in about three seconds and textures milk automatically to a chosen temperature and foam level. The espresso gift for someone with a grinder or a favourite bag of pre-ground.

Over $100Coffee makers & espresso machines

♡ Add to my wish list

Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing. · affiliate link

Reviewed by XmasGoat Editorial · Updated September 17, 2026

Why Bambino Plus espresso machine works as a Christmas gift

The hard parts of home espresso are waiting for the machine and steaming milk without making a mess. The Bambino Plus removes both.

ThermoJet heater ready in about three seconds; 54 mm portafilter with pre-infusion, per Breville
Automatic milk texturing with three temperatures and three foam levels
Compact footprint and a 64 oz tank; brushed stainless finish

Who should receive Bambino Plus espresso machine?

Great for: the daily latte drinker who wants café milk without learning to steam.
Great for: small kitchens and condos where the Barista Express is too big.
Great for: someone who already owns a grinder, or who is happy with a good pre-ground espresso.
Skip for: a black-espresso purist who never steams milk; the automatic wand is the reason to pay for the Plus, and the plain Bambino or a manual machine suits them better.

The verdict

The right Breville for most kitchens

Unless the recipient wants a grinder built in, the Bambino Plus is the more sensible Breville: faster, smaller and easier for milk drinks. Pair it with a grinder if the budget stretches, or a bag of freshly ground beans if it does not.

Why it works

ThermoJet heater ready in about three seconds; 54 mm portafilter with pre-infusion, per Breville
Automatic milk texturing with three temperatures and three foam levels
Compact footprint and a 64 oz tank; brushed stainless finish

Tradeoffs

No grinder; fresh grounds make a real difference to the shot
Small drip tray and tank mean more frequent emptying and filling
Premium price for a machine without a grinder

As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.

What to check before buying Bambino Plus espresso machine

Model: BES500 is the Bambino Plus with automatic milk texturing. The plain Bambino (BES450) has a manual wand and costs less; both are listed together.
Grinder: it needs ground espresso. Breville's Smart Grinder Pro is the usual pairing; a good pre-ground espresso works to start.
Colour: brushed stainless is standard; other finishes exist in some markets at different prices.
Included: Breville lists a razor dose trimmer, single and double-wall filter baskets, a tamper and a milk jug in the box; check the listing's contents.
Seller and warranty: buy from Breville's listing or an authorised retailer; keep the receipt for the warranty.

Bambino Plus espresso machine FAQs

Bambino Plus or Barista Express?

The Barista Express adds a built-in grinder and a bigger body; the Bambino Plus is smaller, heats faster and steams milk automatically. If they have no grinder and want one machine, Barista Express; if space matters or they already grind, Bambino Plus.

Does the milk really froth itself?

Yes. Breville's automatic texturing lets you choose one of three temperatures and three foam levels; the wand steams and stops on its own. Results are consistent, which is the point for a gift.

Can it use pre-ground coffee?

Yes, with the double-wall (pressurised) filter baskets Breville includes, pre-ground espresso works well. Fresh grinding into the single-wall baskets gives the best shots.

Keep exploring gift ideas

Compare nearby recipients, budgets and products before making the final call.

Christmas gifts for your husband →

Compare more recipient-focused ideas before choosing the final gift.

Christmas gifts for your wife →

Compare more recipient-focused ideas before choosing the final gift.

Breville Barista Express →

Grinder and espresso machine in one hands-on setup for an aspiring home barista. Who should get it, what to expect, and where to see it on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.

Ranger S folding electric bike →

A folding, step-through fat-tire e-bike for the commuter, cottager or RV owner on your list. Motor and battery facts, who it fits, what it weighs, and the checks that matter before you spend this much online.

As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.

Keep browsing

More coffee makers & espresso machines

See all

Representative photo-style image of automatic drip coffee maker — generated, not a specific product

Gift ideaUsually $50–$100