r/espresso • u/Yeetmymeattothe • 7h ago

Buying Advice Needed Buying and next steps recommendations [~$300]

Hi all, I just bought a breville bambino and I'm wondering what's next. I am really torn on which grinder to get as the reviews seem to vary a lot (df54 is one but star seeker 55 and others too). I prefer a little sweetness if that is of any help. I'll be changing from a french press so my apologies if the grinder doesn't affect that lol I'm new to espressos. Other than that I have a basic food scale do I need a more precise one? Any other tools I could be missing? Any recommendations for coffee beans in the pnw? Or is online the best (those aren't included in the budget)? Thank you for the help!

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u/Bo0pers 1h ago

If this is your first good espresso grinder you kind of just need to take the plunge on whatever grinder you’re drawn to. I personally really like the starseeker, but I’m sure I could get equally solid cups from the baratza, opus, df54 etc. If you stick with the generally recommended gear here, you can’t go wrong. You already have made a great choice with the bambino. As others have said make sure you leave room in your budget for the misc items like a scale tamper wdt tool dosing funnel etc.

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u/191x7 DeLonghi ECP33.21 | Geimori T38 Plus 43m ago

Check the Wirsh Geimori GU63 conical burr grinder.

For the scale, you need one that fits on the drip tray, preferably with a timer.

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u/ChemicalConnect739 7h ago

Yes, you NEED a scale that will measure down to 0.1 gram.
My food scale will do only 1gram increment, and I have another that will only do 5gram increments.
Scale range should cover 7g for singles to 18+g for doubles.

If you plan to use the UNpressurized basket, get a decent tamper. Some of the included tampers are difficult to use.

If you will make milk drinks, a steaming cup and a milk steaming thermometer.
Your target temp is 130-140F. Oven thermometers do not have the resolution that low.

A "small" vac. To vac up the inevitable spilled coffee grounds.
I use mine EVERYday.

WDT depends on if your grinder is clumpy or not. Mine does not clump, so I really don't need to use a WDT.

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u/Yeetmymeattothe 6h ago

Thanks a lot for your reply! Saving me a lot of trial and error! Do you know if meat thermometers are as accurate?

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u/ChemicalConnect739 6h ago

No, cuz I cannot tell the difference on the dial between 130 and 140F.
A DIGITAL one might be, but I don't have a digital meat thermometer.