At first everything seemed perfect and that's why I had given it 5 stars. The Bambino was pulling nice, balanced shots and I was excited. I was using the Sage Smart Grinder Pro and always had fresh coffee, usually with a roast date 10 days prior, so I expected decent results. However, after 2 months, problems started...

The shots came out sour and watery and no matter how much I tried with settings, dosing, tamping, etc., the situation did not improve. I invested quite a bit of money to rule out any problem that could be caused by the gear: I got the Eureka Oro Stark grinder, Normcore tamper, distributor and WDT tool, changed the portafilter (the one included in the box is of terrible quality) with a hybrid portafilter and Pesado HE basket.

Note: NEVER use the double basket/pressurised basket. It is NOT intended for freshly ground coffee.

I even had a barista friend with years of experience try it and he confirmed that something was wrong. Eventually, we measured the machine's temperature with a thermal tool and the water was coming out between 60-75°C, when it should be at 90-95°C.
I searched forums and Reddit for home baristas, and found that this problem is known in the Bambino series – that is, it does not have stable temperature and never reaches where it should. I contacted the store via Skroutz and sent it back. There they told me that the supplier himself knows about the issue and that it cannot be fixed because "that's how the machine is designed."

Truly disappointing, especially if you've invested money and time to properly set up a starter home setup. So, if you're thinking of buying it and you're a bit more serious about your espresso – beware. It's not worth it, unless you get it for a simple coffee without many expectations.

Starting the review, I cannot help but mention the excellent build quality. Quality materials and feel, at its price, it has no rival. It heats up immediately, the noise is at satisfactory levels, the water tank is large, and the tray is stable. The upper surface does get warm, but with a 3" machine startup time, I don't think you'll ever use it. It's easier to warm your cup with hot water from the tap or the steam wand (which is the right length and does a decent job with frothing milk). Having had it for about 2 years, from day one I never used the double wall (pressurized) basket, as I already had a grinder (Sage Smart Grinder Pro), so I can't comment on pre-ground supermarket coffee. Before purchasing the bottomless portafilter you see in the photos, the factory one was used, from which the plastic insert was immediately removed. This alone is enough to see a chaotic difference in extraction, as there are many reports of a "sour" result in specialty espresso with the Bambino (and I confirm this), even though theoretically it is set steadily at 93⁰C. Of course, as with all espresso machines, to achieve a proper result, it all starts with the right coffee, meaning quality and fresh beans, freshly ground. The flavor profile is up to personal preference, but truly the Bambino can deliver excellent results with most specialty coffees, let alone commercial ones. Overall, we are talking about a serious device that can satisfy all tastes, from someone who simply wants to drink a coffee at the push of a button (almost), to someone like me who experiments with specialty coffees, aromas, and flavors. The instructions that accompany it are very detailed and leave no room for doubt. The packaging contains everything needed, all the baskets, water filter, tamper, and even a milk jug for frothing milk. Highly recommended.

About a month ago, I decided to replace my espresso machine, which had a built-in grinder, due to a malfunction. I didn't want another fully automatic and compact machine, but I had grown to love the aroma of freshly ground coffee. After extensive research online, I ended up choosing the Sage Bambino and paired it with the smart pro grinder from the same company. The Bambino has all the great features that the manufacturer promotes.

It has a compact design and fits comfortably under the kitchen cabinets, as the water tank at the back can be lifted with minimal effort. It is user-friendly, and you can adjust the amount of espresso. It produces a nice crema on the coffee. Of course, the overall result depends on the quality of the coffee, the grind size, the filter used, and the entire preparation process. For the milk frothing, I followed the instructions and watched some related videos. The result was perfect! In my opinion, the significant price difference compared to the Bambino Plus (mainly regarding the milk frothing) leads to choosing the Sage Bambino. It is more useful, if the budget allows, to invest in a grinder.

One small "negative" aspect during use is that the espresso cup tends to slide on the tray during extraction. At the same time, due to the distance from the portafilter, it splatters around. However, I found a way to stabilize it higher. Moreover, this distance allows for taller cups. Overall, I am happy with my choice.

I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I bought it for 235, which I think was a very good price. I have tried ground coffee and it makes a very good espresso, even though the coffee brand is not great. I will update with Lavazza d'oro, which I have tried in ground form and liked more. When I buy a grinder, then I will have a complete opinion. I am also waiting for various accessories like scales, etc. to make better use of the machine. However, even for a regular user, it makes a good coffee, even with pre-ground beans.

Update 6/11/2023: I tried Dark roast Buondi... With the accessories, that is. It is quite good for those who prefer a chocolatey and buttery taste, full-bodied due to the dark roast. Always using the pressurized basket. I also got a grinder and coffee from a local coffee shop. I have the bottomless portafilter and will continue experimenting. I will come back with a new update review.

Update 30/1/2024: Along with the Kingrinder k6 grinder and the bottomless portafilter, there is a tremendous difference. The type of bean plays a major role, but the grind and taste are much better than pre-ground. With Gargari Ethiopian and Colombia la Cambana, you reach another level of flavor. I recommend choosing a small roaster rather than commercial coffee for variety

What they say about "you get what you pay for" is true. Despite not having many reviews, it was recommended to me by a knowledgeable acquaintance who has been working in the field for years, and I was more than satisfied. So,
- Sturdy construction
- Heats up and is ready in 2 seconds!!!!!
- Very easy to clean
- Beautiful
- A very nice way to get water from the spout
- Moderate noise
- Automatic (stops, turns off) on its own
Regarding the coffee, which is the essence. With research and experiments, depending on the grind of the coffee and the setting you want for the extraction quantity, you will drink better coffee than delivery and many coffee shops.
Currently, I am using illy pre-ground coffee from Sklavenitis and compared to the previous Izzy coffee maker for 75 euros, there is no extreme difference in quality.
Next, I will buy a grinder and try it with my own experiments. For now, the only thing I changed was to have a longer extraction time.
I recommend it if you can find it for up to 250 euros.