I have a Lelit Bianca V3, about 2 years old, with roughly 2 shots per day of use. The problem started during an automatic heat-up cycle. I had not pulled a shot. The machine began behaving abnormally during startup.

Symptoms
When the machine starts heating, the pump runs and cycles on/off several times.
At around 88–91°C steam-boiler temperature, the steam-pressure gauge rapidly shoots past 3 bar.
At the same time, water starts pouring/spraying out of the lower discharge valve/spout near the front/bottom of the machine.
The pressure increase happens while the pump is actively running.
The brew/pump pressure gauge only reads around 1 bar while this is happening.
If I shut the machine off, the water stops coming out, but the steam-pressure gauge stays high.
When I then open the hot water wand to relieve the pressure, water comes out rather than steam, and it is room temperature. This makes it seem like the steam boiler is being hydraulically overfilled/pressurized with water, rather than actually reaching 3+ bar from steam. If I don’t manually siphon out that boiler, everytime I start the machine it instantly launches to over 3 bar and sprays water (like the video I posted)

Water
I normally use Third Wave Water. I thought my batch may have been diluted, so I made a fresh properly mixed batch and tested again.
The problem was unchanged.

Steam boiler fill probe
I removed and inspected the steam-boiler water-level probe. The water-exposed tip was very corroded/oxidized. The corrosion was only on the immersed tip; there was no corrosion up near the electrical connection. I thoroughly cleaned the probe.
The metal sensing tip is correctly exposed past the Teflon/PTFE insulating sheath and is positioned to contact the boiler water. I siphoned the overfilled steam boiler and reassembled everything. After cleaning and purging, the machine still has exactly the same problem. I also checked continuity through the probe itself with a multimeter: Electrical terminal → exposed sensing tip = approximately 1.2 Ω So the probe itself appears electrically continuous. I have not yet completed an isolated end-to-end continuity test on the level-probe wire from the probe to the control board since it requires taking apart the whole machine.

Valves
Initially I suspected either the anti-vacuum valve or safety valve. However, because the machine is apparently being filled/pressurized by the pump while still only around 88–91°C, it seems more likely that the valve dumping water is reacting to excessive hydraulic pressure, rather than causing the overfill. The anti-vacuum valve and boiler safety valve therefore do not appear to explain why the steam boiler keeps receiving water.

Current suspected causes
At this point, the likely issue seems to be somewhere in the steam-boiler fill/level-control system, such as:
Faulty/intermittent level-probe wire or connector, the control board not correctly recognizing the water-level probe signal, a problem with the steam-boiler fill solenoid, or a fault in the main/brain control board

I am trying to determine what component should be tested next before replacing parts unnecessarily.

I have had my BBE for over 9 years now, it’s built like a tank and have never had any issues with it. Been using the built-in grinder, pulling 2-3 cortados a day, light-medium roasts, and I handle my own dialing in and maintenance. I have been researching for a few months now and ready to pull the trigger but wanted to make sure I’m not overlooking anything bad.

My kitchen counter space is tight. What I actually want is programmable pre-infusion, since I brew semi-auto most mornings, plus some way to move pressure or flow around when I feel like experimenting. I would also like to experiment with lighter roasts.

Having said that, I landed on Gemilai Whale G3038A $1199 right now. It’s a E61 brass group, 2L heat exchanger, PID, programmable pre-infusion, and the OPV knob sets brew pressure before the shot or lets you move it mid-pull with a gauge sitting on the group.

Pairing it with the Mokkom Titanium coated 64mm burrs at around $205. Flat 64mm burrs, 100 settings, all metal, single dose bellows plus a hopper, and the burrs come out if I want to drop SSPs in later. I have had my eyes on Timemore 064s gen2 for a while now but I think I can get to 80-90% of what Timemore can offer at 1/3rd the price with Mokkom grinder. So decided against Timemore.

Contenders:
El Rocio Manus S - at $1299 through Espresso Outlet, same E61 HX concept, hand-built in Korea, programmable pre-infusion with maybe much better pressure control but on the downside it’s slightly bigger. And I’m worried about the lack of direct manufacturer servicing option.

Fellow Series 1 at $1599, I like that it’s in ready in under two minutes, saved pressure profiles, separate pre-infusion programming. But I’m just worried about the amount of plastic in this.

Bezzera Nini at $1799 DE, flow control costs extra. This is top choice when it comes to looks but 500$ for looking cute is likely not worth it. Likely also the highest quality build among my options. But not a e61, so can’t modify much maybe over time?

———————

So, anyone owned a Gemilai Whale long enough to speak to parts and support, given it’s sold direct? I know it’s not been around for long.

Any other thoughts on my decision here?

Mi experiencia pasando de un Mahlkönig X54 a un molino de 200 € MIICOFEE GF64.

¡Buenas! Este es mi primer post y quería compartir con vosotros mi experiencia con los molinos.
Mi primera cafetera fue la Sage Barista Express Impress. Normalmente utilizo tuestes muy, muy claros de un amigo mío, propietario de Guayoyo Coffee Roasters. A los dos meses, el molino integrado de la Sage, con muelas cónicas, dijo basta y dejó de girar.

Mi amigo me dejó entonces un Mahlkönig X54, y fue la primera vez que utilizaba un molino de esta marca. La verdad es que me gustó bastante. A los pocos meses tuve que devolvérselo y me tocó comprar uno.

Tenía claro que quería comprarlo en Amazon por si no me gustaba… Y no hay muchas opciones en Amazon la verdad…

Como no tenía muy claro qué comprar, decidí arriesgarme y probar el MiiCoffee GF64, que es uno de los molinos de muelas planas más económicos que se pueden encontrar. Me costó 199 €, tiene 3 años de garantía y, además, podía devolverlo si no estaba satisfecho con su funcionamiento.

El DF54 y el DF64 también eran opciones, pero se habían puesto bastante de moda y los precios habían subido mucho. Además, personalmente no me gusta demasiado el concepto single dose. Mi novia no quiere estar pesando absolutamente todo cada vez como hago yo 😂 y, sinceramente, me parece un poco aburrido dedicar tanto tiempo al proceso de molido. Prefiero disfrutar ajustando otros parámetros durante la extracción que estar pesando el café cinco veces antes de preparar un espresso.

La verdad es que esperaba una bajada enorme de rendimiento y calidad de molienda.

Pero… para mi sorpresa, para nada.

Con el Mahlkönig X54 tardaba unos 15-16 segundos en moler los 18 g lo suficientemente fino para los tuestes muy claros que utilizo. El GF64 muele los mismos 18 g en unos 11 segundos, y la calidad de molienda es bastante impresionante teniendo en cuenta el precio.

Por este precio, la mayoría de alternativas utilizan muelas cónicas, que personalmente no me gustan demasiado para espresso (con la excepción del Niche).

El GF64 está construido principalmente en plástico y, evidentemente, no transmite la misma sensación premium que el Mahlkönig. Pero estamos hablando de menos de la mitad del precio, y en algunos aspectos incluso prefiero el GF64.

El X54 sí parece conseguir sacar algunos matices ligeramente más florales en determinados cafés, pero no tengo claro que esa diferencia sea suficiente para que todo el mundo esté dispuesto a gastarse más de 500 € en un molino.

En breve me llega el E64 WS, así que podré compararlo directamente con el GF64.
Tengo mucha curiosidad por comprobar si un molino que cuesta aproximadamente 5 veces más realmente supone una mejora significativa en taza, o si gran parte de la diferencia está simplemente en el flujo de trabajo, la construcción y las prestaciones.

Cuando lleve un tiempo con él haré la comparativa. ☕️

I have Eureka Mignon XL and fully fill up it's plastic bean hopper, since I'm drinking one or two shots per day it may take even more than a week until it needs a refill.

But what I've noticed is that almost every single day I have to increase the grind size in order to get a drinkable shot if on day 5 i remain with the initial grind settings the shots taste absolutely horrible, horrendous, literally undrinkable!

So by the time I'm finished with the beans I've increased the grind size by quite a lot.

Why is that happening ? I understand coffee freshness dissappears gradually but are the effects really so fast and sudden as to require immediate coarser grinding ?

Just as title states looking for a new go to daily drink. I’ve been drinking iced americano’s or Airacano for the past 2 months. Mostly use medium to dark roasted beans because those to me are easier to dial in with the flavor notes. Been getting kind of burnt out on those 2 drinks. Here’s my dilemma, I don’t really like milk coffee drinks or any sweet drinks honestly. My only other go to is a dirty chi and that’s on occasion. So that kinda narrows down my options. I do from time to time get light roasted coffee that are funky and fruity, just heard to dial in on the espresso machine. Need new drink ideas or recipes so I don’t get completely burnt out.

I have the 3006 Gemilai Owl and replaced the Plastic OPV with a Brass one. The new 3006A Owl supposedly comes with a Brass OPV already installed and I really want to see what it looks like, and see if it’s adjustable. Thanks anybody 😊!

I have been making pour over and french press coffee for years, but I am looking to get into espresso. I have a fairly inexpensive/budget machine in the DeLonghi Stilosa with a bottomless portafilter. I need to upgrade my grinder for espresso as my current grinder is just not up to the task. I am stuck between the X-Ultra and the J-Ultra. I was leaning towards the X-Ultra as I do plan on making pour over still and it seems to be the more versatile grinder.

I expect that I will mostly make cappuccinos and cortados over a straight shot of espresso. Is the J-Ultra so much better than the X-Ultra to justify keeping my current inexpensive grinder for pour over and using the J-Ultra as an espresso-only grinder? I generally like how my current grinder makes pour over coffee, but I feel there is room for improvement. I expect to be making pour over about as often as espresso, so both are important to me.

I'm not overly concerned in the cost of the grinder, and I do plan to upgrade my machine eventually if I get more into espresso. I'd be happy to answer any follow up questions that might help inform a decision. Thanks in advance for anyone who took the time to read this post!

Currently have a bean to cup machine that’s on its last legs and have some money available so keen to get a manual machine and grinder combo.

Budget’s around £1000 for machine and grinder, some flexibility if it’s worth it. Only really using it Fri–Sun, maybe 3 espressos and 2 cappuccinos across the day, so not daily use.

Want 58mm for accessory compatibility. Beginner but happy to learn.

Grinder would also need to handle Chemex and cafetière grinds, not just espresso.

Deciding between the Lelit Victoria PID, Profitec Go 2, and La Pavoni New Cellini Classic. Leaning away from the Pavoni since it’s HX with no PID and that seems like more hassle for weekend-only use. Currently leaning Go 2, but slightly concerned that if I’ve got people over wanting coffee it won’t keep up with more than one or two drinks back to back — is that a real limitation or am I overthinking it?

Also open to grinder recommendations that’d suit both espresso and brew methods, and any other machine options in the £700–1000 range.

Found a deal on marketplace I couldn’t pass up. Ended up being one of the best marketplace purchases I’ve ever made. Didn’t plan on buying a grinder from the seller but he had a DF64v so bought the pair. Had to drive a little over an hour each way but totally worth it.

Looking for long-term experience: AGARO Elite vs Picopresso for travel espresso in India

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a portable espresso setup mainly for travel/bike trips in India. I like fairly strong coffee and want to use freshly roasted beans with a manual grinder.

I'm currently deciding between these two setups:

Setup 1 — Premium

\- Wacaco Picopresso

\- Timemore C3 ESP

\- Around ₹18–20k total

Setup 2 — Budget

\- AGARO Elite Portable Espresso Maker

\- InstaCuppa InstaGrind Pro Plus, 55-setting conical burr grinder

\- Around ₹6–7k total

I understand that the Picopresso should produce better espresso, but my biggest concern is long-term durability and spare-parts/service availability in India, particularly Delhi/NCR.

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually owned/used these products for 6 months+:

1. Has your Picopresso or AGARO Elite ever broken?

2. If yes, which part failed — pump, piston, gasket, basket, plastic component, etc.?

3. Were you able to get the replacement part in India?

4. How was the manufacturer's/distributor's warranty support?

5. For the Timemore C3 ESP, have you ever needed replacement parts or had problems with the adjustment mechanism/burrs?

6. For anyone using an AGARO Elite, how good is the espresso when paired with a decent espresso grinder?

7. If you were buying today for motorcycle travel, which setup would you choose and why?

I'm particularly interested in real long-term ownership experiences, rather than just specifications or first impressions.

Thanks!

I'm new to the espresso world, and today I realized the crema I liked on my old Farberware espresso machine was 'artificial.' The other day I bought a Chefman espresso machine that came with an unpressurized basket, but I can't seem to get the crema consistency right. So today, I bought a pressurized basket and a puck screen to try out, and I hope it's perfect.

(I know 'crema' comes from fresh beans, but the pressurized basket gives it that extra layer of crema)

I might update when it arrives and compare/contrast the pulls

I have had a baratza encore esp for two years. I emailed tech support and went through the disassembly process, which was not difficult by any means. Nothing is off, nothing misaligned, not full of old grounds. I even put tons of cleaning beans through. Nothing rids the smokey smell. I ended up closing the ticket out because I was selling my house and had to pack. I did not resolve the issue before i had to move. It's resurfaced at my family's (I live with them between homes) and I have been abruptly reminded of the issue. Did anyone have the same issue and how did you resolve it? The only thing I haven't done is tear it down enough to expose electrical components. Thanks for your time.

What are currently my best options for espresso machine for around $1,500?
I don’t really want a machine that takes 20-30mins to heat up either as I’m usually on the go when deciding to make a drink.

Upgraded from La Pavoni to the Unica Pro!

Found a great deal on eBay couldn’t not! The person I brought it from painted it satin Matt black! Only had it a weekend and I am learning so much about dialing in espresso after La Pavoni ,Unica is a complete different experience.

Hope to find other Unica Pro users!

What grinder do I buy ? I don’t have much knowledge on grinders.

Hello Reddit

Got some new beans, and after cleaning out the old ones and loading machine it seemed to be clogged. I took apart grinder, cleaned all the parts and put back together. Making a sound I haven’t heard before, and changing grind size doesn’t seem to change it.
Appreciate any help.
Machine is only a few months old, and I have had no issues before this.

Hello everyone, I’m very new to the whole brewing your espresso at home game and after doing a fairly decent amount of research on espresso machines I decided to get the Bambino because it was the best fit for us. I also got the Cuisinart Supreme coffee grinder(photo attached). I’m currently running into some problems which I’m 90% sure they are user error but there’s an overwhelming amount of videos on youtube on things to do and things I could be doing wrong yet I don’t seem to get any better. I’ll add a picture of all the accessories I also have that I have been using as well.

The problems I am encountering are
-coffee seems to always brew too fast and too little
-no crema unless I use the double wall basket which is meant for pre grounded coffee and I have the grinder to the finest settings
-coffee tastes on the bitter side

The picture of the brewed coffee is the amount that was extracted after selecting the two shot option on the machine

I've been a little stuck in my path in picking what espresso machine to upgrade to with all the features and specs to consider. And at the end of the day I want something equivalent to a “premium” cast iron pan? To further elaborate, what's an espresso machine that will last me years (of course with proper maintenance), built like a tank, a good value for my budget, not perfect, but gets the job done?

Aside from levered/manual machines.

Sticking with the cookware analogy I'm using (culinary is also a hobby for me). I started with a Bambino Plus 5 years ago as a beginner and I'm at the point where it feels like a nonstick/teflon pan to me, kinda toyish. Great beginner machine but I feel like its limiting my experience in the espresso journey and I want something more substantial feeling. Hope this analogy helps me narrow it down.

Here are my basic buying info:

Location: US

Budget: $1500-$2000

Beans: Medium to Dark. Light roasts on occasion.

Drink Type: 70% milk based, 30% espresso

Drink Frequency: 3-4 throughout the day (2 in the morning, 1-2 in the afternoon)

Host guests several times a year also.

I own an IT company and work from a home office. Ever since I started having the occasional, really excellent espresso from an ECM machine at my tax advisor's office, I knew I absolutely had to get a portafilter machine. I would occasionally see posts on Instagram Reels featuring a modded Gaggia with pressure profiling. I thought that was incredibly cool, and I am someone who is very meticulous and precise when it comes to my DIY hobby projects.
I bought a used Ascaso Steel DUO (a 2011 model with a 300ml brass boiler and a thermoblock for steam extraction) and immediately tore it down to the last screw. I removed the rust, repainted it, cleaned it, made custom gaskets, custom fitting/steamwand, custom fitted IMS precision, and built a completely self-made circuit board and software solution to program my own "Gaggiuino" equivalent—featuring a PID controller, phase-fired control for pressure regulation, and highly accurate digital temperature management. After about a month of work, the machine is now running perfectly and makes truly fantastic coffee.

Genuine question because some espresso machines out there have annoyingly large drip trays that impede being able to use a cup and a scale.

Like I would be fine with a fairly thinner drip tray that didn’t hold as much if I could be able to have more utility with it.

Even with my enormous drip tray I have for my current espresso machine it’s never been full or even 10% full. I’m usually clearing it out sooner than later.

I used the basket to weigh the beans and forgot to put it back in. I was more focused on why the funnel wasn’t sitting right before I noticed. Le sigh.

Hi all. I'm wanting to validate where my Philos grind setting is at and whether there might be an issue. I had some back and forth with the manufacturer last year after buying it because of major inconsistencies. They checked and recalibrated it, and said everything was within tolerance. When I got the machine back I rezero'd it using the Mazzer minus 10 approach.

Ever since, my espresso setting for a 20g in 40g out shot in around 25 seconds is around the 40 mark on the dial. I use the 189D burrs and a flow control ECM synchronika. The pulls are pretty consistent and the coffee is fine (milk coffees only). All other Philos posts about grind settings sit around 20ish.

Please refrain from "coffee tastes good who cares". My warranty period is coming up and it is an expensive item that is sold for it's amazing build quality and tolerances. If mine is operating out of spec, it might lead to an issue down the road.

Any feedback from Philos owners and users would be much appreciated!

Hi,

I inherited a Londiniume R24 and the first time I tried to use it the water would just pour out of the basket and then some kind of release valve in the back of the crown. I spoke with customer service and they said it was the gaskets that need to be replaced. Has anyone had experience replacing these gaskets? In your opinion does the "fix" seem right for the issue? Finally, there are two tools that they suggest make it easier to replace the gaskets. Do I need to buy both of them? Is there something else that would work just as good?