$399.95* | Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine (BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel) + $10 credit at Amazon

HonestStag140

Feb 15, 2026 6:59 PM

101 Comments

Joined Sep 2021

HonestStag140Feb 15, 2026 6:59 PM

101 Comments

Great machine with a comically tiny drip tray. It might seem like one of the biggest non-issues, but I think in regular use/quality of life, it's a pretty big weakness especially if your machine isn't by the sink. If you have a spouse or partner and you make one for you, one for them, you'll be emptying the tray constantly.

1

MisterMassy

Feb 16, 2026 12:56 AM

120 Comments

Joined Nov 2017

MisterMassyFeb 16, 2026 12:56 AM

120 Comments

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Quote from HonestStag140

:

Great machine with a comically tiny drip tray. It might seem like one of the biggest non-issues, but I think in regular use/quality of life, it's a pretty big weakness especially if your machine isn't by the sink. If you have a spouse or partner and you make one for you, one for them, you'll be emptying the tray constantly.

I've had two of these machines over 7 years.
The way to work around this drip tray is…well…to just not rely on dispensing in the tray. Again, as you've said - this is more difficult to do if you don't have a sink nearby. With a sink nearby, it's not all that big of a downer if you don't do the wand cleaning all in one go. (Run the steps below)

Place mug and brew the espresso + add syrup if you desire
Heat the milk in frothing pitcher; when done, pull and wipe the wand (don't return the wand though, leave it out)
Pour into mug
Place mostly emptied frothing pitcher under wand and push wand back in; wand then does self-cleaning with water into the frothing pitcher
Pull frothing pitcher out; quick wipe tip of wand; rinse pitcher

I clean the tray now just every few months from the here and there espresso drips.
—
As far as whether this is a buy? I prefer this and a separate grinder over the Barista Express. The wand self-cleaning is something I just can't live without. It makes making a latte feel almost as easy as throwing a pod into the Keurig — whereas everything just feels way more involved with the Barista Express.

Last edited by MisterMassy February 15, 2026 at 05:02 PM.

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naimi

Feb 20, 2026 4:49 AM

85 Comments

Joined Aug 2012

naimiFeb 20, 2026 4:49 AM

85 Comments

I have it next to the sink, usually empty it after 3 or 4 drink (2 days for me). It is tiny but not a downer for me. Its milk frothing performance is insanely good. Its heating up time is phenomenal.

$399.95* | Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine (BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel) + $10 credit at Amazon

$400

$500

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