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 beans didn’t resolve the issue because the problem isn’t just about freezing—it’s about how moisture interacts with the grind. Freshly roasted beans, ideally used within 14 days, retain their optimal moisture balance, ensuring a smooth extraction. If you’re using beans older than a month, even thawed, they’re past their prime.
Grind size is the next suspect. A Bambino Plus requires a fine, even grind—coarser than table salt but not powdery. If your beans are grinding too coarse, water rushes through the puck, leaving behind under-extracted, airy shots. Conversely, a grind that’s too fine can over-extract, resulting in bitterness. The key is consistency: uneven grounds create channels for water to flow, bypassing some beans entirely. Test your grinder with a consistency test—sprinkle grounds on a plate; they should form a uniform layer without clumps.
Tamping pressure matters too. The Bambino Plus’s portafilter needs a firm, even tamp to create a level surface. Under-tamping leaves gaps, while over-tamping compacts the puck too tightly, restricting water flow. Aim for a tamp that feels like a gentle handshake—firm but not brutal.
Adjust grind size to a fine, even texture.
Key points: Thaw beans fully but use them within 14 days of roasting. Adjust grind size to a fine, even texture. Tamp with consistent pressure to avoid channels.
What’s your go-to fix for bubbly shots? Share your secrets in the comments.
Questions & Answers
How long does a bubbly espresso shot take to make?
A bubbly espresso shot takes about 20-30 seconds. The Bambino Plus uses pressure to create the frothy texture quickly.
Can I make a bubbly espresso shot without a milk frother?
Yes, the Bambino Plus creates bubbles using steam pressure. No separate frother is needed for a bubbly shot.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
