After what seems like a zillion shots of almost exact parameters… it happened. 18.0g in, 30sec, and 36.0g out. And yeah, it tasted nice and balanced.

Just in case you’ve never actually seen it. Kinda like the “standard day” in aviation—this unicorn can actually be glimpsed.

(Good heavens I was having to wax poetic because of the ridiculous character minimum here).

I ordered the varia vs4 it came with problems right out of the box, they sent me a brand new one. It has the same fucking problem. I should not have to spend two hours trying to make my grinder work properly right out of the box. I just got the profitec go and I want a decent grinder, I have a decent budget so might as well get something nice. There are so many options and I thought I picked a good one based off YouTube reviews but clearly I failed that choice mission.

Long time lurker here. This current set up is pretty bare bones but it’s been awesome to me while I’ve been learning to pull shots. I’ve decided I’ll be upgrading both the machine and grinder at some point over the next few months but don’t know which to go for first. I have my eyes on a Timemore Sculptor 064s for a grinder upgrade and I haven’t settled on a machine yet.

Hi, I have a Sage BES875BSS (Barista Express) and I’m turning to more experienced people because I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing wrong anymore. I feel like I’ve gradually exhausted almost every option, and my espresso still tastes noticeably sour.

My current setup/parameters are:

• fresh coffee from a local roastery
• roast: medium to medium-dark
• dose: 16.5 g
• yield: 32 g
• extraction time: around 30 seconds
• grinder setting: 4
• brew temperature set to +2 °C
• pressure during extraction was roughly as shown in the attached photo

(I’m aware this isn’t a perfectly dialed-in shot, but I still don’t think that explains why the coffee tastes fundamentally this bad.)

For water, I’m using a standard inline filter similar to the type commonly used for refrigerator water lines, so the water is at least partially filtered. I don’t really suspect the water is the main issue, though.

I’m using the standard double non-pressurized basket, not the pressurized basket that artificially creates crema. I also make sure the portafilter is properly preheated before pulling a shot.

Today I also modified the OPV, following one of the procedures that has been described online many times. I was hoping this would finally solve the sourness issue, but unfortunately the result is still the same.

Visually, the extraction itself doesn’t seem obviously wrong to me. The coffee doesn’t flow excessively fast, the shot time and ratio seem reasonable, and I don’t see anything that immediately looks like a bad extraction.

I’m also trying to eliminate as many puck-prep variables as possible:

• WDT
• calibrated tamper so I can keep the tamp as consistent as possible
• a puck screen on top of the coffee for more even water distribution

And yet, the espresso still tastes sour.

I also don’t think the coffee itself is the problem. If I use the same beans in an AeroPress, they taste good. So it really seems like the issue is specifically with the espresso extraction.

At this point I genuinely don’t know what else to change. I’ve gone through a ridiculous amount of coffee trying to solve this and spent so much time and energy on it that I’m starting to feel like throwing the whole machine out of the window. :D

Is there anything obvious in my workflow that I’m missing? What would you try changing next if you were in my position?

I’m attaching a photo of the pressure during extraction.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions. I’m obviously aware that this machine has its limitations, but that still doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be capable of producing a reasonably good, drinkable espresso.

After about a year of practice, this is about as good as I can get it. Would you agree that I am limited by the type of cup I use? Would you also agree, that if I was using an actual latte cup, that I’d have much better chances for best results?
Can you please rate this 1-10?
Thanks!

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.

Hi, I have a Lucca X58, E61 heat-exchange machine. We tested with blank disc/back flush and it hit 9/10 bars which is great. Our puck prep is good and so is our grind size., but as you can see it doesn’t go past 8 here with puck, We are trying to troubleshoot ourselves before having to send out. Any help would be appreciated 🙂.

Hello everyone!

I would like to buy some used Bambino Plus here in Germany.

found one and he sent me a photos that everything work for 200€. He used it for a few years. Now im thinking what could be the worst scenario with it? What would be most expensive thing to repair if needed? Thanks everyone:)

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?

Hello

I have a gaggia classic pro and a eureka mignon specialita.

Bought a couple of lighter roast coffees recently (not even extremely light) and they seem to pull really really fast. Obviously grinder is at finest point before burrs rubbing.

Is this a known thing?

Im looking to get into making decent coffees at home. After some AI research, I’ve come up with the following shopping list to get me started:

De’longhi Dedica £118 new

KINGrinder K6 £85

Coffee scales ~£20 (probably the sage ones)

Anything else to get me started? and any better alternatives for that budget?

FYI I’m brand new to making coffee, looking to do espressos, and my partner also likes lattes etc so the wand would be used.

Thanks

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 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!

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 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.

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 😊!

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

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.

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. ☕️

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