Your preparation rhythm
Prepare espresso, then milk, in a sequential routine. Keep the jug ready while the espresso finishes.
Description
BREVILLE · Bambino · BES450
A small espresso machine. Room for your own grinder.
The Bambino is the compact Breville for someone who wants to learn espresso with a separate grinder. Its ThermoJet heating system reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds, while the steam wand leaves milk texture in your hands.
Manual steam and a dedicated hot-water function keep the controls simple. You grind, dose and tamp before locking in the portafilter.
Why choose this model?
Choose it for a compact, hands-on setup that lets you choose—and later upgrade—your grinder independently.
54 mmPortafilter
1.4 LWater capacity
SeparateGrinder
ThermoJetHeating system
Café Liégeois view
Where this model makes sense
A sensible starting point if you enjoy learning the craft and want to put more of your budget into the grinder. Choose the Bambino Plus if automatic milk texturing would make your mornings easier.
Before you choose
Compare the steps you want to keep
| Your priority | Bambino | Bambino Plus | Barista Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding | Separate grinder required | Separate grinder required | 16 grind settings |
| Tamping | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Milk | Manual steam wand | Automatic: 3 temperatures / 3 textures | Manual steam wand |
| Heating | ThermoJet | ThermoJet | Thermocoil + PID |
| Brew + steam together | Sequential preparation | Sequential preparation | Sequential preparation |
| Portafilter | 54 mm | 54 mm | 54 mm |
The experience
What changes in your routine
Room to develop your technique
You control distribution and tamping. Small changes to grind and dose let you explore how your coffee responds.
Milk drinks for the household
The steam wand lets you choose between a thinner latte texture and a foamier cappuccino as your skills develop.
Made for your counter
A small espresso machine. Room for your own grinder.
Plan space for the water tank, portafilter handle and milk jug as well as the machine itself. A comfortable setup makes the daily routine easier.
Technology, explained
The features that shape the cup
ThermoJet: a quick start
The heating system reaches extraction temperature in about three seconds. Warm the cup and portafilter as part of your espresso routine.
Your choice of grinder
Pair the machine with an espresso-capable burr grinder. A separate grinder lets you change coffee equipment independently.
Puck preparation
You distribute and tamp the grounds yourself. This gives you direct control over puck preparation.
Milk your way
Steam milk by hand to develop the texture and temperature you prefer. You control the pitcher position and finishing point.
Low-pressure pre-infusion
Water gently wets the coffee before extraction. PID temperature regulation helps keep the brewing conditions consistent.
Drinks
What you can prepare
These are recipes you prepare with espresso and steamed milk, not a one-touch automatic menu. Chocolate, water and other ingredients are added as required.
Who should buy it?
A fit for the way you make coffee
- Someone who wants a separate espresso grinder
- A household that prefers hands-on milk texturing
- A buyer who values a compact, sequential espresso routine
Technical specifications
The details before you decide
| Model | Breville Bambino · BES450 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30.2 × 15.4 × 34.2 cm |
| Water reservoir | 1.4 L |
| Integrated grinder | Separate grinder required |
| Tamping | Manual |
| Portafilter | 54 mm |
| Heating / temperature control | ThermoJet |
| Milk system | Manual steam wand |
| Power | 1560 W |
| Electrical supply | 120 V / 60 Hz |
| Construction | Stainless-steel housing |
| Coffee preparation | Single and double espresso; manual dose preparation or model-specific assistance |
| Simultaneous extraction and steam | No; coffee and steam are prepared in sequence |
| Pump / extraction pressure | 15 bar pump; extraction regulated at approximately 9 bar |
| Reference coffee dose | 18 g |
| Hot water | Hot-water function |
| Shot control | Single / double; programmable volume or manual control |
| Interface | Physical buttons |
| Warranty | 1-year Breville warranty; applicable product terms |
| Portafilter material | Aluminium; hand wash |
Listed finishes and SKUs
| Default Title | BES450BSS1BCA1 |
|---|
Included equipment
What is in the box
- 54 mm portafilter and tamper
- One- and two-cup dual-wall baskets
- Milk jug, steam-tip cleaning tool and descaling powder
Care & ownership
Keep the routine straightforward
- Rinse the portafilter and baskets after coffee preparation; empty and clean the drip tray.
- Wipe and purge the steam wand after each milk drink. Automatic purging supports this routine; it does not replace wiping.
- Use the model-specific group-head cleaning and descaling procedures when indicated. Choose the correct cleaner for coffee oils, milk residue or mineral scale.
- Maintain the water filter where fitted and follow the machine manual for replacement and preparation.
- Breville reports up to 32% less annual heating-system energy use than a Thermoblock system, based on its internal November 2022 benchmark. Actual use depends on your routine.
Buying questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate grinder?
Yes. Choose an espresso-capable burr grinder. A dosing cup is a practical option when a grinder fork does not support the shape of your Breville portafilter.
Is milk automatic or manual?
Manual steam wand.
Does it tamp the coffee for me?
Manual. You still lock the portafilter into the brew group.
Can I brew and steam at the same time?
No. Espresso and steam are prepared in sequence.
Which accessory size should I choose?
This model uses a 54 mm portafilter. Match accessories to the exact Breville model as well as the diameter; diameter alone does not establish compatibility.
Can I make cappuccinos and lattes?
Yes. Prepare espresso, then combine it with milk textured using the steam wand. Proportions and texture determine the drink.
Café Liégeois selection
Breville Bambino
Choose it for a compact, hands-on setup that lets you choose—and later upgrade—your grinder independently.
Additional Warranty Policy Information