Coffee Setup Guide

Breville Bambino Plus Upgrade Guide

The Bambino Plus is one of the best beginner espresso machines: a fast ThermoJet boiler and an automatic milk wand in a tiny footprint. Its single biggest quality jump isn't a gadget - it's moving off the stock pressurized (dual-wall) basket and pairing the machine with a capable grinder. Work this list roughly in order; the early steps change the cup far more than the later ones.

Affiliate disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not physically tested these products; all compatibility analysis is based on manufacturer specifications and publicly available listing data. "Seller-claimed" means a marketplace listing asserts the fit; it is not manufacturer-confirmed. Verify size against your machine before purchase.

  1. 1

    Filter basket

    Essential

    Swap the stock dual-wall pressurized basket for a single-wall precision basket - this is what unlocks real grind expression and cafe-level extraction. Only worthwhile alongside a capable espresso grinder.

    IMS Precision 18-22 g filter basket B62.52TH28E compatible with 54mm Breville Sage Express, Bambino, Bambino Plus, Barista Pro, Impress, Barista Touch, Infuser. Doesn't fit JET model
    IMS Precision 18-22 g filter basket B62.52TH28E compatible with 54mm Breville Sage Express, Bambino, Bambino Plus, Barista Pro, Impress, Barista Touch, Infuser. Doesn't fit JET model
    Fits the 54mm group seller says it fits
    Check price on Amazon
    See all filter baskets for the Breville Bambino Plus →
  2. 2

    Bottomless portafilter

    Recommended

    A bottomless (naked) portafilter exposes the underside of the puck so you can see channeling and diagnose your prep, and it shows off crema.

    54mm Bottomless Portafilter Compatible with Breville Barista Express, Pro, Touch, Bambino Plus & Infuser – Naked Portafilter with 18g Precision Basket – Ergonomic Rosewood Handle | BRESYIA
    54mm Bottomless Portafilter Compatible with Breville Barista Express, Pro, Touch, Bambino Plus & Infuser – Naked Portafilter with 18g Precision Basket – Ergonomic Rosewood Handle | BRESYIA
    Fits the 54mm group seller says it fits
    Check price on Amazon
    See all bottomless portafilters for the Breville Bambino Plus →
  3. 3

    Tamper

    Recommended

    A flat 54mm tamper matched to your basket gives level, consistent pucks. The stock plastic tamper is one of the most common first replacements.

    Buy 53mm or 54mm - the Bambino group is 54mm.

    54mm Espresso Tamper, Triple Spring Loaded Tamper, Coffee Tamper with Stainless Steel Ripple Base, Self Leveling Tamper for Barista, Compatible with 53mm/54mm Breville Portafilter
    54mm Espresso Tamper, Triple Spring Loaded Tamper, Coffee Tamper with Stainless Steel Ripple Base, Self Leveling Tamper for Barista, Compatible with 53mm/54mm Breville Portafilter
    Fits the 54mm group seller says it fits
    Check price on Amazon
    See all tampers for the Breville Bambino Plus →
  4. 4

    Distributor

    Optional

    A distributor or WDT tool evens out the grounds before tamping to reduce channeling. Most useful once your basket and tamper are already sorted.

    XIXUBU 53mm 2-in-1 Espresso Distributor & Tamper for Breville Barista Express Bambino Plus Duo-Temp Pro - Adjustable Depth, 304 Stainless Steel Barista Coffee Leveler
    XIXUBU 53mm 2-in-1 Espresso Distributor & Tamper for Breville Barista Express Bambino Plus Duo-Temp Pro - Adjustable Depth, 304 Stainless Steel Barista Coffee Leveler
    Fits the 54mm group seller says it fits
    Check price on Amazon
    See all distributors for the Breville Bambino Plus →
  5. 5

    Shower screen

    Optional

    An IMS-style precision shower screen (e.g. BV200IM) improves how evenly water spreads across the puck. A later refinement, not a first purchase.

    IMS Precision Nanotech Shower Screen compatible with 54mm Breville Sage Espresso machines Express, Bambino, Bambino Plus, Impress, Barista Touch, Infuser, Duo Temp.(BV200NT)
    IMS Precision Nanotech Shower Screen compatible with 54mm Breville Sage Espresso machines Express, Bambino, Bambino Plus, Impress, Barista Touch, Infuser, Duo Temp.(BV200NT)
    Fits the 54mm group seller says it fits
    Check price on Amazon
    See all shower screens for the Breville Bambino Plus →

Breville Bambino Plus upgrade questions

What should I upgrade first on the Breville Bambino Plus?

This passport starts with filter basket, but only after the grinder, basket choice, dose, and maintenance baseline are under control. Follow the reasons in each step rather than buying the whole list.

Do I need every upgrade in this guide?

No. Skip any item whose stated problem you do not have. Optional workflow tools should earn their place by improving repeatability or convenience in your setup.

Affiliate disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not physically tested these products; all compatibility analysis is based on manufacturer specifications and publicly available listing data. "Seller-claimed" means a marketplace listing asserts the fit; it is not manufacturer-confirmed. Verify size against your machine before purchase.