Sage: The Bambino Plus
Sage: The Bambino Plus
- Low stock - 4 items left
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
The Bambino Plus is Sage's answer to a question a lot of people ask: can I get genuinely good espresso at home without a machine that takes over the kitchen? It uses the same 54mm portafilter and 9-bar extraction as Sage's larger machines, and the Auto MilQ steam wand textures milk for you automatically, so you do not need to develop a steaming technique before your first flat white. It is compact at just 19.4cm wide, quick to heat up, and straightforward to use. For anyone who wants café-quality espresso without the learning curve of a semi-automatic machine, it is one of the most capable options at this size.
- Auto MilQ steam wand: Automatically textures milk to your chosen temperature and consistency, with 3 adjustable temperature settings and 3 texture levels, plus manual mode for those who want full control.
- ThermoCoil heating: Reaches extraction temperature in 3 seconds, making it one of the fastest machines to heat up in its class.
- 54mm professional portafilter: An 18g dose delivers full-bodied, complex espresso using the same portafilter size as Sage's larger professional machines.
- 9-bar extraction with pre-infusion: Low pressure pre-infusion gently expands the coffee bed before full 9-bar pressure builds, extracting more flavour and producing better crema.
- Compact footprint: At 19.4cm wide, it fits comfortably on any kitchen counter without sacrificing the performance features of larger espresso machines.
What Customers Ask About This Product
This doesn't have a built-in grinder. Do I need to buy one separately?
Yes, you will need a separate grinder if you want to use whole beans, which we would strongly recommend. Pre-ground coffee loses its best flavours within minutes of grinding, so a good burr grinder makes a significant difference to the quality of your espresso. We stock a range of grinders that pair well with the Bambino Plus, and we are happy to advise if you are unsure which to choose.
How automatic is the milk steaming?
Very. The Auto MilQ wand heats and textures the milk for you once you set your preferred temperature and texture level. You position the jug, press the button, and it does the rest. There is also a manual mode for those who want to develop their steaming technique, so it works for beginners and more experienced home baristas alike.
How does this compare to the Barista Pro?
The key differences are the grinder and the steam wand. The Barista Pro has an integrated burr grinder and a manual steam wand, which gives you more control but requires more skill. The Bambino Plus has no grinder but an automatic steam wand, so the milk side is easier while the coffee side requires a separate grinder purchase. The Bambino Plus is also significantly more compact. If you already have a grinder or want automatic milk texturing, the Bambino Plus is the stronger choice.
Is this suitable for a complete beginner to espresso?
It is one of the more beginner-friendly espresso machines available. The automatic steam wand removes the hardest skill to learn, the interface is simple, and the BILT app guides you through setup step by step. The main thing to get right is grind size, which takes a little practice, but the machine itself is not complicated to operate.
In our experience...
Budget for a grinder at the same time. The Bambino Plus does not include one, and it makes a bigger difference to cup quality than almost any other variable. A decent burr grinder does not have to be expensive, but it should not be an afterthought. We can advise on pairing options if you are unsure.
The automatic steam wand is the standout feature. Manual milk steaming is genuinely one of the harder skills to learn in home espresso. The Auto MilQ wand takes that off the table entirely, producing consistent microfoam at the press of a button. Customers who have struggled with milk on other machines notice the difference immediately.
The compact size is a real and practical advantage. At under 20cm wide it is noticeably smaller than most capable espresso machines. If counter space is limited or you have been put off by the footprint of larger machines, the Bambino Plus is worth measuring up before dismissing espresso at home entirely.
Fresh beans still matter just as much. The machine extracts well, but it can only work with what you give it. Quality, freshly ground beans stored correctly make a more noticeable difference to the final cup than any machine setting. This is the thing most new espresso drinkers underestimate.
Know what you are choosing over. If you think you might want to develop your steaming technique over time, or if you want the convenience of a built-in grinder, the Barista Pro is worth considering instead. The Bambino Plus is the right choice if compact size and automatic milk texturing are the priority.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging. Install the Claro Swiss water filter in the water tank following the included instructions. Fill the tank with fresh water and run several blank shots through the group head to flush the system.
Daily maintenance: After steaming milk, run the steam wand briefly to purge any residue and wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Rinse the portafilter and filter baskets after each use. Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly.
Weekly cleaning: Remove and wash the drip tray, water tank, and milk jug. Use the included cleaning tool to clean the steam wand tip and the group head area. Wipe down exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Regular descaling: The included Claro Swiss water filter reduces scale build-up significantly. Replace the filter every 2 to 3 months depending on your water hardness and usage. If you notice a change in performance, run a descaling cycle according to the instruction manual.
Filter basket care: Rinse the single and dual wall filter baskets after each use. Use the cleaning disc and a cleaning tablet periodically to backflush the group head and keep extraction consistent.
For best results: Use freshly ground beans and adjust grind size if the shot pours too quickly (grind finer) or too slowly (grind coarser). Aim for a 25 to 30 second extraction. Pre-rinse the group head before locking in the portafilter.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality tableware and cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
- No-quibble returns, even used items
- Half-price accidental damage replacement for two years
- Price match guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no-quibble guarantee covers used items. If it's not right for you, get in touch and we'll sort out a refund.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break this item within two years of buying it, we'll replace it at half price. Just get in touch with proof of purchase and a photo of the damage.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses takes 5-7 working days, and it's free on orders over £49. Next day delivery is available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Can I collect this item instead of having it delivered?
Yes. You can collect from our Reigate shop (72 High Street, RH2 9AP), our Cobham shop (16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ), or our warehouse in Redhill (40 Ormside Way, RH1 2LW). Just select click and collect at checkout. If the option isn't available, this is because there isn't enough stock in your selected collection location. Please get in touch and we can organise stock to be transferred to the right place.
