Bambino Upgrade Dilemma: Basket, Portafilter, or Tamper?

The verdict is in: Your Bambino’s upgrade path hinges on one question—basket, portafilter, or tamper? You’ve got a used machine, a mismatched tamper combo, and a laundry list of questions. The stock basket’s tapered design is already a battleground for your aftermarket metal tamper, which gets stuck and scratches the sides. The 51mm plastic one from D’Elonghi Dedica is a relic, while the 54mm metal tamper’s size mismatch is a red flag. You’re caught between fixing what’s broken or trading up.

The stock portafilter’s single-serve double-wall basket is functional but limited. If you’re splitting duties with a partner who uses ESE pods, you’ll need a portafilter with a dedicated compartment. But buying one costs €15–20 and locks you into a setup that sacrifices manual brewing. Alternatively, an IMS basket could streamline your routine—its straight walls and uniform extraction might outperform the stock’s tapered mess. Yet, the question lingers: Will a 53–53.3mm tamper fix the stock basket’s grip issues, or is it time to ditch the original hardware?

Here’s the rub: The Bambino’s lack of a 3-way valve means wet puck is inevitable. A puck screen or paper filter on top might reduce moisture, but they’re temporary fixes. The real solution? A dosing ring. It’s not a luxury—it’s a safeguard against clogs and uneven extraction. Without it, you’re constantly rinsing the portafilter, which risks mineral buildup.

Key points: Prioritize a portafilter for dual-use flexibility. Consider IMS baskets for precision over stock’s inconsistent taper. Upgrade your tamper if sticking is a dealbreaker.

Close: How do you handle wet puck without a 3-way valve? Share your hacks below.

Questions & Answers

Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.