Blog Post

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine-featured

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine User Manual

Breville BES870XL Barista Express logo

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine-product

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

  • Carefully read all instructions before operating and save for future reference.
  • Remove any packaging material and promotional labels or stickers before using the appliance for the first time.
  • To eliminate a choking hazard for young children, remove and safely discard the protective cover fitted to the power plug of this appliance.
  • Do not place the product near the edge of a bench or table during operation. Ensure the surface is level, clean, and free of water and other substances.
  • Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a bench or table, or become knotted. Keep away from hot gas or electric burners, or where it could touch a heated oven.
  • Do not use the Bambino™ Plus inside a cabinet.
  • This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children unless they are aged 8 years and above and supervised. Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children aged less than 8 years.
  • Appliances can be used by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or a lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
  • Children shall not play with the appliance.
  • Regularly inspect the supply cord, plug, and actual appliance for any damage. If found damaged in any way, immediately cease use of the appliance and return the entire appliance to the nearest authorised Breville Service Centre for examination, replacement, or repair.
  • Keep the appliance and accessories clean. Follow the cleaning instructions provided in this book. Any procedure not listed in this instruction booklet should be performed at an authorised Breville Service Centre.
  • The installation of a residual current device (safety switch) is recommended to provide additional safety protection when using electrical appliances. A safety switch with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA should be installed in the electrical circuit supplying the appliance. See your electrician for professional advice.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

FOR BES500

  • This appliance is recommended for household use only. Do not use this appliance for anything other than its intended use. Do not use in moving vehicles or boats. Do not use outdoors. Misuse may cause injury.
  • If the appliance is to be:
    • left unattended
    • cleaned
    • moved
    • assembled; or
    • store
      Always switch off the espresso machine by simultaneously pressing the 1 CUP and STEAM buttons. Switch off at the power outlet and unplug.
  • Ensure the product is properly assembled before first use.
  • Do not use any other liquid apart from cold mains/ tap water. We do not recommend the use of highly filtered, de-mineralised or distilled water as this may affect the taste of the coffee and how the espresso machine is designed to function.
  • Ensure the portafilter is firmly inserted and secured into the group head before starting the extraction. Never remove the portafilter during the brewing process.
  • Do not leave the product unattended when in use.
  • Do not touch hot surfaces. Allow the product to cool down before moving or cleaning any parts.
  • Use caution when operating the machine, as metal surfaces are liable to get hot during use.
  • Use caution when descaling, as hot steam may be released. Before descaling, ensure the drip tray is inserted. Refer to ‘Care & Cleaning for further instructions.

WARNING: Do not immerse the power cord, power plug, or appliance in water or any other liquid.
WARNING: Misuse may cause injury.

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Components

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 1

  • A. 1.9L removable water tank
  • B. Control panel
    1 CUP, 2 CUP, and STEAM buttons with preset shot durations or programmable durations and volumes
  • C. MILK TEMP settings
    Select from Warm, Ideal, and Hot
  • D. MILK FOAM settings
    Select from Low, Medium, and High
  • E. Group head
  • F. 54mm stainless steel portafilter
  • G. Steam wand grip
  • H. Extra-tall cup clearance for tall mugs
  • I. Steam wand
    With automatic milk texturing
  • J. Milk jug temperature sensor
  • K. Removable drip tray grid
  • L. Removable drip tray
    With full indicator

ACCESSORIES

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 2

  • A. Stainless steel milk jug
    With MIN and MAX markings
  • B. 54mm tamper
  • C. Steam tip cleaning tool
  • D. The Razor™ precision trimming tool
  • E. Dual wall filter baskets (1 cup & 2 cup)
  • F. Cleaning disc
  • G. Espresso cleaning tablets

Bambino™ Plus Features

  • COMPACT FOOTPRINT
    Cafe-quality coffee in a compact machine.
  • AUTOMATIC HANDS-FREE MILK TEXTURING
    Automatically textures milk to the selected temperature and style from silky smooth latté to creamy cappuccino. Automatic purge removes residual milk from the steam wand when returned to the downward position.
  • THERMOJET ™ TECHNOLOGY
    Innovative heating system achieves ideal extraction temperature in 3 seconds.
  • PID TEMPERATURE CONTROL
    Electronic PID temperature control for increased temperature stability.
  • LOW PRESSURE PRE-INFUSION
    Applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction.
  • VOLUMETRIC CONTROL
    Preset 1 & 2 cup volumes, manual over-ride or programmable shot volumes.
  • THE RAZOR™ DOSE TRIMMING TOOL
    Patented twist blade trims down the puck to the right level for precision dosing and a consistent extraction.

Assembly

BEFORE FIRST USE

Machine Preparation

Remove and discard all labels and packaging materials attached to your machine. Ensure you have removed all parts and accessories before discarding the packaging. Clean the drip tray, drip tray grid, portafilter, filter baskets, and milk jugs using warm water and a gentle dishwashing liquid. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before use.

Functions

FIRST USE

  1. Remove the water tank and fill with potable water to the indicated MAX line. Replace the water tank in the machine.
  2. Ensure that the drip tray is correctly positioned on the machine.
  3. Plug the power cord into the power outlet and switch on.
  4. Press the 1 CUP, 2 CUP, or STEAM buttons to turn the machine on.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 3
  5. Press the 1 CUP button, and the machine will commence its first use cycle.
  6. Once complete, the machine will go into ready mode, and all lights will be illuminated.

NOTE: The first use cycle is to rinse the machine and prime the heating system.

TURNING OFF MACHINE

To turn the machine off, press the 1 CUP and STEAM button simultaneously.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 4

FILLING THE WATER TANK

Lift the water tank from the machine. Remove the water tank lid and add potable water to the water tank, filling to the MAX marking indicated.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 5

Replace the water tank in the machine, ensuring it is properly attached and sitting flush against the back of the machine. If the 1 CUP, 2 CUP, and STEAM buttons illuminate, the water tank has been correctly attached. The machine will detect when the water level is low. The 1 CUP, 2 CUP, and STEAM buttons will not be illuminated.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 6

When this occurs, add water to the water tank. Once there is sufficient water, all buttons will be illuminated and the machine can be used.

FILTER BASKETS

This machine includes dual-wall 1-Cup and 2-Cup filter baskets.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 7

Use the 1-cup filter basket when brewing a single cup and the 2-cup filter basket when brewing 2 cups or a stronger single cup or mug. You will need to adjust the grind amount and size if switching from a single basket to a double basket, or vice versa. The provided filter baskets are designed for:

  • 1 Cup filter basket = 8-10g.
  • 2 Cup filter basket = 16-19g

NOTE
Use the Razor™ dose trimming tool to precisely control the dose of ground coffee AFTER you tamp.

THE GRIND

When grinding coffee beans, the grind size should be fine but not too fine. The grind size will affect the rate at which the water flows through the ground coffee in the filter basket and the taste of the espresso. If the grind is too fine (looks like powder and feels like flour when rubbed between the fingers), the water will not flow through the coffee even when under pressure. The resulting espresso will be over-extracted, dark in colour, and bitter in flavour. If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow through the ground coffee in the filter basket too quickly. The resulting espresso will be under-extracted and lacking in colour and flavour.

COFFEE DOSE AND TAMPING

  • Insert the filter basket into the portafilter.
  • Grind enough coffee to fill the filter basket.
  • Tap the portafilter several times to collapse and distribute the coffee evenly in the filter basket.
  • Using the tamper, tamp down firmly (approx. 15–20 kgs of pressure). The amount of pressure is not as important as the consistent pressure every time.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 8
  • As a guide, the top edge of the cap on the tamper should be level with the top of the filter basket AFTER the coffee has been tamped.

TRIMMING THE DOSE

The Razor™ precision dose trimming tool allows you to trim the puck to the right level for a consistent extraction.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 9

  • Insert the Razor™ tool into the coffee basket until the shoulders of the tool rest on the rim of the basket. The blade of the dosing tool should penetrate the surface of the tamped coffee.
  • Rotate the Razor™ dosing tool back and forth while holding the portafilter on an angle over the knock box to trim off excess coffee grinds. Your coffee filter is now dosed with the correct amount of coffee.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 10
  • Wipe excess coffee from the rim of the filter basket to ensure a proper seal is achieved in the group head.

PURGING THE GROUP HEAD

Before placing the portafilter into the group head, run a short flow of water through the group head by pressing the 1 CUP button. This will stabilise the temperature prior to extraction.

INSERTING THE PORTAFILTER

Place the portafilter underneath the group head so that the handle is aligned with the INSERT position. Insert the portafilter into the group head and rotate the handle towards the centre until resistance is felt.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 11

Place your cup/s under the portafilter on the drip tray.

EXTRACTING ESPRESSO

  • As a guide, the espresso will start to flow after 8–10 seconds (infusion time) and should be the consistency of dripping honey.
  • If the espresso starts to flow after less than 6 seconds, you have either underdosed the filter basket/or the grind is too coarse. This is an UNDER EXTRACTED shot.
  • If the espresso starts to drip but doesn’t flow after 15 seconds, the grind is too fine. This is an OVER-EXTRACTED shot.

PRE-PROGRAMMED SHOT VOLUME– 1 CUP

Press the 1 CUP button once; the button will flash, indicating that it has been selected. A preset single espresso volume of approximately 30mls will be extracted. The machine will automatically stop once the preset volume has been extracted.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 12

PRE-PROGRAMMED SHOT VOLUME– 2 CUP

Press the 2 CUP button once, the button will flash indicating that is has been selected. A preset single espresso volume of approximately 60ml will be extracted. The machine will automatically stop once the pre-set volume has been extracted..Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 13

NOTE
Pressing the 1 CUP or 2 CUP buttons during a programmed espresso will immediately stop the extraction.

MANUAL PRE-INFUSION AND SHOT VOLUME

Press and hold the 1 CUP or 2 CUP button for the desired pre-infusion time. Release the button to start the extraction. Press the flashing button again to stop the extraction.

PROGRAMMING SHOT VOLUME

Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 2 seconds; the buttons will illuminate and flash.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 14

To set the 1 CUP volume:

  • Press the 1 CUP button to start the extraction.
  • Press the 1 CUP button again to stop the extraction. The modified volume will be saved.

To set the 2 CUP volume, follow the above steps but select the 2 CUP button to start and stop the extraction.

SETTING THE MILK TEMPERATURE

The machine has 3 milk temperature settings;

  • 1 – Warm
  • 2 – Ideal
  • 3 – HotBreville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 15

When turning on the espresso machine, the milk temperature setting will default to the last chosen setting. Press the MILK TEMP button until the desired temperature is illuminated.

SETTING THE MILK FOAM

The machine has 3 milk foam settings;

  • 1 – Low
  • 2 – Medium
  • 3 – HighBreville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 16

When turning on the machine, the milk foam setting will default to the last chosen setting. Press the MILK FOAM button until the desired foam setting is illuminated.

TEXTURING MILK

Different brands and types of milk and milk alternatives will have different characteristics. You may need to adjust the foam level according.

NOTE
Prior to texturing milk, it is recommended to momentarily purge the steam wand. To do this, press the STEAM button to start purging and press it again to stop.

TO TEXTURE MILK

  • Start with fresh, cold milk.
  • Fill the milk jug between the min and max positions.
  • Lift the steam wand and insert it into the milk jug.
  • Lower the steam wand, ensuring it is fully down.
  • The milk jug must rest on the milk temperature sensor located on the drip tray, and the milk should cover the steam wand tip.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 17
  • Press the MILK TEMP and MILK FOAM buttons to select the desired settings.
  • Press the STEAM button, and the button will flash while texturing.
  • The milk texturing will stop automatically when the selected milk temperature is reached.
  • Lift the steam wand to remove the milk jug.
  • Wipe the wand and tip with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Lower the steam wand to the down position, and the steam wand will automatically purge.

CAUTION: BURN HAZARD
Pressurised steam can still be released, even after the machine has been switched off. Children must always be supervised.

NOTE
When the machine creates steam, a pumping noise can be heard. This is normal operation.

NOTE
Use only the supplied stainless steel milk jug to froth milk using this machine. The use of other containers may lead to dangerous conditions.

MANUAL MILK TEXTURING

Auto milk texturing and auto shut-off are disabled during manual milk texturing.

  • Fill the milk jug between the MIN and MAX markings.
  • Lift the steam wand and insert it into the milk jug with the steam wand tip 1-2cm below the surface of the milk, close to the right-hand side of the jug at a 3 o’clock position.
  • Press the STEAM button to begin texturing.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 18
  • Keep the steam wand tip just under the surface of the milk until the milk is spinning clockwise, producing a vortex (whirlpool effect).
  • With the milk spinning, slowly lower the jug. This will bring the steam wand tip to the surface of the milk and start to introduce air into the milk.
  • Gently break the surface of the milk with the tip to get the milk spinning fast enough.
  • Keep the steam wand tip at or slightly below the surface, continuing to maintain the vortex. Texture the milk until sufficient volume is obtained.
  • Lift the jug to lower the tip beneath the surface but keep the vortex spinning. The milk is at the correct temperature (60-65°C) when the jug is hot to the touch.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 19
  • When texturing is complete, press the STEAM button.
  • Remove the steam wand from the milk jug.
  • Wipe the wand and tip with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Lower the steam wand to the down position, and the steam wand will automatically purge.

STEAM WAND PURGING

After texturing milk, the steam wand must be returned to the lowered position and allowed to automatically purge. Not doing so could result in the steam wand blocking. If the steam wand remains in the raised position, the machine will display a lower steam wand alert, illuminating the MILK TEMP and MILK FOAM lights in a downward pattern, identifying that the steam wand needs to be lowered. To manually commence the steam wand purge, with the steam wand lowered, press and hold the STEAM button for 5 seconds.

STEAM WAND BLOCKED

During milk texturing, if the machine detects that the steam wand is blocked, it will immediately stop operating, and the STEAM button light will be off. Both the milk temperature and the milk foam lights will fully illuminate and flash. These lights will flash until a steam tip clean cycle has been completed. See ‘Cleaning the Steam Wand’ for further instructions.

Care & Cleaning

CLEANING CYCLE

The machine will detect when 200 extractions have been carried out since the last cleaning cycle; this will be shown by the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons alternately flashing. This indicates that the group head needs cleaning. This is a flushing cycle and is separate from descaling.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 20

To bypass the cleaning cycle, press the STEAM button. The machine will go back to ready mode, but will display a cleaning alert again the next time that the machine is turned on.
TO PERFORM A CLEANING CYCLE

  1. Insert the provided cleaning disc into the filter basket in the portafilter.
  2. Place a cleaning tablet on top of the cleaning disc.
  3. Lock the portafilter into the group head.
  4. Empty the drip tray and replace on the machine. Place a 2L / 68 fl oz container under the portafilter and steam wand sitting on the drip tray.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 21
  5. Fill the water tank to the MAX line, then reattach it to the machine, ensuring it is correctly attached.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 22
  6. Press and hold the 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons for 5 seconds to enter the cleaning cycle mode.
  7. The 1 CUP and 2 CUP buttons will remain illuminated. Press either 1 CUP or 2 CUP to begin the cleaning cycle. When the cycle is in progress, the lights will flash.
  8. Once the cycle is complete, the machine will be ready for ready mode.
  9. Remove and rinse the portafilter, cleaning disc, drip tray, and container.

DESCALING

After regular use, hard water can cause mineral buildup in and on many of the inner functioning components, reducing the brewing flow, brewing temperature, power of the machine, and the taste of the espresso.Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 23

The machine will indicate that it requires descaling when the 1 CUP and STEAM button and the 2 CUP button flash alternately for 15 seconds. Pressing any of these buttons will cancel the alert and return the machine to ready mode.

WARNING
Do not immerse the power cord, power plug or appliance in water or any other liquid. The water tank should never be removed or completely emptied during descaling.

Troubleshooting

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 29 Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 30 Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 31 Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 32 Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 33 Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine 34

For more manuals by Breville, visit ManualsLibraryy 

Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus Espresso Machine-FAQs

How long should an espresso extraction take on the Bambino Plus?

Ideal extraction time: 25–35 seconds for a double shot (60ml).
Under-extracted (too fast): Flows in <7 seconds (grind too coarse or dose too low).
Over-extracted (too slow): Drips after >12 seconds (grind too fine).

How do I run hot water through the Bambino Plus?

The steam wand dispenses hot water, but it’s not ideal for large volumes.
For cleaning, use the cleaning mode (hold “1 Cup” + “2 Cup” buttons for 3 seconds).

How do I turn off the Bambino Plus?

Press the “1 Cup” + “Steam” buttons simultaneously. The machine also auto-shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

How do I adjust shot volume?

Default settings: 30ml (single) / 60ml (double).
To reprogram: Hold the “1 Cup” or “2 Cup” button during extraction until desired volume is reached, then release.

What’s the correct tamping pressure?

Apply 20–30 lbs of pressure—focus on an even tamp rather than excessive force.
Uneven tamping leads to channeling and bitter espresso.

Does the Bambino Plus need backflushing?

No—it lacks a 3-way solenoid valve, so backflushing isn’t required. Regular cleaning of the portafilter and steam wand is sufficient.

Is the Bambino Plus pressurized or unpressurized?

It includes both types of baskets:
Pressurized (dual-wall): For pre-ground coffee or inconsistent grinds.
Unpressurized (single-wall): For freshly ground coffee (requires precise tamping).

Why are the steam/temp lights flashing?

This indicates a blocked steam wand. Fix it by:
Turn off the machine.
Lift the water tank to find the cleaning tool.
Use it to unclog the wand’s tip.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *