Bambino

Why Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro Keep Choking—And How to Fix It

Why Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro Keep Choking—And How to Fix It

Pour yourself a cup for this one: Your Bambino+ and Smart Grinder Pro are choking on single-wall unpressurized baskets, and it’s frustrating. You’ve tweaked dosages, adjusted grind settings, even cleaned the machine—but the problem persists. It’s a puzzle, and the solution might not be what you expect. The root of the issue likely lies in a combination of burr alignment, dosage precision, and machine calibration. You’ve tried 14g to 15g dosages with outer burr settings at 5 and 6, yet the shots still choke. This suggests the grinds are too fine or uneven, creating a compacted puck that blocks water…
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Why Your Espresso Machine Might Be the Real Problem

Why Your Espresso Machine Might Be the Real Problem

If you’ve ever wondered why your home espresso shots taste like battery acid, you’re not alone. Last year, I returned from Italy with a newfound obsession for espresso—only to realize my Bambino Plus and DF54 setup was holding me back. For months, I battled sour, under-extracted shots that left me questioning my beans, my grinder, or my own skills. The truth? My machine was the culprit. The Bambino Plus is a reliable workhorse, but its single boiler and limited control mean it’s a one-trick pony. My shots would hit 20 seconds and taste like vinegar, or drag to 35 seconds…
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Why Your Espresso Is Stalling (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Espresso Is Stalling (And How to Fix It)

Get ready to sip on this: Your espresso machine isn’t rejecting you—it’s screaming for a better grind. The Breville Bambino’s electric grinder is a marvel, but even the best tools need finesse. If your portafilter is clogging like a highway during rush hour, the culprit is likely your grind size. Espresso demands a balance between finesse and flow, and the wrong setting can turn your shot into a waterlogged disaster. The Bambino’s “espresso” setting is a starting point, but it’s not a magic wand. Grind too fine, and you’re inviting a clogged filter; too coarse, and you’re left with under-extracted,…
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Why Your Bambino Plus Is Making Bubbly Shots (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Bambino Plus Is Making Bubbly Shots (And How to Fix It)

The verdict is in: Bubbly espresso shots are a sign your Bambino Plus is working overtime—and your beans are playing hide-and-seek. If your espresso tastes like a carbonated soda instead of a velvety concentrate, the culprit is likely a combination of frozen beans, improper grinding, or uneven tamping. This isn’t a flaw in your machine—it’s a red flag for your workflow. Frozen beans are a common offender. When coffee is frozen post-roast, ice crystals form inside the bean, altering its structure. Even after thawing, residual moisture can lead to under-extraction, creating a frothy, sour shot. The user’s experiment with thawed…
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Bambino Upgrade Dilemma: Basket, Portafilter, or Tamper?

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…
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