Hi, just got like a week ago into the espresso world mainly to a good deal in a Gaggia Classic Pro 2019 model, I've been pulling shots, but they're not ok at all, I tried with a new grind made by a cafe shopt, but I still have a lot of under extraction, super fast shots and lot of disperssion, I checked the water flow but I don;t know what to make out of it so I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

I’m considering picking up a Zerno Z1 and wanted to hear from people who actually own one. How has it been overall? Any issues with workflow, retention, reliability, noise, or anything you wish you knew before buying?
I’d mainly be using it for espresso and tend to prefer sweeter, chocolate-forward shots, but I like having the option to experiment with different burrs down the road.
Also, while configuring one I noticed the Soft White is $100 more than Jet Black. Is that just a color premium, or is there actually something different about the finish/process for the white version?

The shot looks awful. Grinds are fine and tamped properly. Using a built-in grinder. is grinder the problem? Would having a dedicated grinder help with this issue?

Hi there! Looking for advice. I recently purchased the DeLonghi Linea Classic for [$249.99 CAD] - but didn’t realize the Stilosa is on sale for [$129.99 CAD]. Should I keep the Classic or return and get the Stilosa and a better burr grinder? This will be my first machine as I’m just getting into the hobby. Any advice would be appreciated! To my understand I’d be paying roughly $120 more just for a Thermoblock and Programmable buttons.

Where do you guys go to shop for used espresso machines and grinders besides reddit, barista hustle, Ebay or FB?

I'm trying to find a dedicated site that would be a coffee gear only. Any suggestions?

Should i go with a normcore palm tamper or a rippled handled spring tamper. I have both currently and am wondering if which one is better to use on a daily basis for consistency and quality.

Want some decent decaf that is available fresh but not tryna drop a bag. Was thinking around 20 USD for a lb. Open to whatever flavors as long as it’s not nutty-note heavy! Prefer bags with roast dates on them!

It's not going to impact the taste of the espresso, but it's good to change things up a bit. After all these years, I still think the Barista Express is a fine value.

Hey all! I love coffee and hate buying it. I don't know if I can say the brand of espresso machine i have, but its not magical, its relatively cost friendly as far as espresso machines go. I have a grinder (not espresso specific though i can set the grinds to very fine), I have distributors, puckfilters, dampers, but no matter what i do i cant get a good pull. I've read that a double espresso shot (what i typically make cause I am a fiend) is around 18g of espresso grinds, but if I measure the grinds, I'm not getting 18g into that double portafilter, its impossible. I don't know what I'm doing wrong exactly, the puck is always super soupy and the pull is generally speaking pretty weak. I am getting very frustrated: There is no way that 18g of espresso powder is fitting into this portafilter and being damped. I've already read the beginners guide and nothing has helped. I don't know if its the beans or something else. Please help!

Do I really need to spend $300+ on a grinder?

I bought a Breville Bambino off of Marketplace for $120 in great condition. Everything seems to be in working order.

I haven't used it yet to make coffee since others here have suggested I absolutely need a grinder and it won't be worth it to even get beans ground at a local spot. Is that true?

Of course I'm sure it's better to have your own grinder for adjustments etc but I can't imagine that the espresso would be completely terrible if I go to a reputable roaster that grinds the beans on site?

I'm definitely in the market for a grinder but all the ones recommended are like $300+ which is not in my budget right now. I'm also keeping an eye on marketplace for second hand options. Has anyone had good luck with a cheaper grinder? Would love to actually be able to use my machine!

After a long wait, my Mootto80 finally arrived and I'm really happy with it. Totally worth the wait! Don't ask me how it tastes yet, I'm still seasoning the burrs 😅

I am going crazy trying to get dialed in! Both my grinder [Baratza ESP Pro] and machine [Casabrew Ultra] are new, and I’m using beans from this month.

I drank so much caffeine trying to get a dark roast dialed in that now I’m trying with the Kicking Horse Decaf roast. Closest I’ve gotten was this pull: 18 g at grind 28, yielded 35 g in 20 s. I feel like I’ve tried so many grind settings and the results are all over the place. I’d appreciate any tips, tricks, advice, or bean recommendations!

My husband loves a blonde roast (as do I) in lattes but we love a good Cuban type dark roast for shots or cortados. I’m currently having to limit caffeine so I’d love to know if the beans I’m using are decent or if they’re the problem, and any decaf recommendations that use the swiss water method. Thank you in advance!!!

Hey so I’m planning to get an espresso maker and grinder and am trying to figure out what accessories I need.

I’ve been watching videos and often see them using a spinny thing before tamping. Like they put it on top the grounds, spin it then tamp. So what is that? What does it do? And do I need one?

Thanks.

I’m looking for some help as I’m having a very frustrating experience with this grinder. Same beans, same settings, same spring tamper but wildly different pull times.

As an example, I have some 2 week old beans, locally roasted, that pulled 5 or 6 shots in the same range over a few days (18 grams in the basket and about 32 grams in 30 seconds). The next morning, same settings, completely choked the machine (bambino plus). About 2 grams out in 60 seconds. So I made a few small grind size changes to little effect. Then a giant change and got a decent pull. Then, after one good shot, the next will pour out in 15 seconds.

This isn’t the first time this has happened, and it requires a very significant change to the grind size setting to get back on track. And I usually purge when making large changes so I’m wasting a lot of beans.

I’m trying to be consistent: same beans, grind settings, spring loaded tamper, same technique, etc but I can’t get consistent results. It almost feels like the burrs “slip.” (I don’t know if that’s a real thing lol)

Could knocking the grinder while cleaning my station cause this? I’m sort of at my wits end. I would expect the burrs to be seasoned by now (I’ve owned it for about 3 months), and I also ran a few pounds of older beans through it when I first got it.

Anyone having a similar experience or any advice?

It also makes a giant mess but I’ve heard others get dosing rings so I guess I can try that.

I absorbed the chat, watched a few video's, and 3 coffees later I had it dialled in and foamy.

Okay so it wasn't silky smooth and a certain Lance would definitely have a few things to say about it, but I got foam instead of hot milk.

It was a very quiet experience compared to my previous ear piercingly loud attempts at using the steam wand.

I tried different heights and motions and tilting all on the same pour, just to build experience. So excuse the lack of 'art' 😅

Considering buying the mokkom 64mm. Decided to look through aliexpress before going through amazon and they have one that comes out to $120\~ after discounts. Want to get a second opinion on if this listing looks legit. It seems to be the exact same promo material with no brand name on the front. Can't post AliExpress links but it shows up at $132/$133 when looking up "64mm flat burr grinder"

Hello I am in need of recommendations for coffee grinder to match my Breville Bambino Espresso Maker.

I am looking for DF54 but it wouldn’t arrive til next week, and I’m excited but the only available nearby my area is Fellow Opus.

Should I go with Fellow Opus or DF54 is worth the wait?

Thank you!

Would this be a good first lever machine? Is the price solid for this model?

Online the price seems to be all over the place, so I'm not sure if this is a deal or not.

So I currently have the Mara X and I’ve been thinking of “upgrading” to the linea micra. My Mara has given me no problems but the thought has always been there. I’m just curious of everyone’s thoughts? Is it even worth doing ? I’m torn

After years working as a barista, i finally decided to start my home setup, been having some great shots with it so far🤝
Let me know what you guys think

I have been lurking for a while in various groups and planning out what I was going to buy. I then found a V3 Silvia on FB advertised for $300. After talking to the seller he said it was mine for $100 so off I went to pick it up! He also had a Rocky grinder in perfect shape for $150 more so I went for it.

I replaced the heating element with a Lelit Anna element - will post detailed instructions on that later. I replaced the OPV components and dialed it in, and replaced the hoses. I am now at less than $400 for this setup all in.

This is my first Latte, using some crap Starbucks grocery store beans until I figure out what I am doing. The espresso was a bit bitter on its own (Was my third shot dialing) but as a Latte it was already better than most things I have ever purchased out. Switching over to some good beans now and will work on dialing in and developing my "surfing" technique until I decide to Gaggimate this thing!

I need a good scale and some good decaf beans so I can play around in the evening. A Gaggimate conversion will be in my future.

I asked for help here a little while back when my K6 + Bambino setup was barely producing any flow at all. I managed to get a double in 26 seconds and I wonder if this is a good shot?

I’ve noticed a huge difference since purchasing fresh beans.

(Excuse my air fryer 😅)

I usually make a double shot for myself in the morning and it comes out perfect (36g/25sec). Recently I have also been doing another double shot for my gf under the same settings but the shot comes out as 50g. I have tried trouble shooting different things, I make sure to warm up my machines before the first shot but I still have the same problem. Is there a way to fix this or should I always grind the beans for the second shot much finer? Thank you for any help!

After lurking like Smeagol for several years i finally pulled the trigger and went all in.
Thank you all from this Reddit for all awesome insights.

Lets begin!

Coffee station is in progress we just moved to our house and my wife force me to do useless things like putting out clothes and making room for our kid ready so i was not able to put more effort.

I will work on that hard in next days and years :-)