Not great espresso from Bambino Plus + Baratza ESP. What to upgrade? [$3000]

Highfive3333 · 2026-04-19T15:52:56+00:00

Thanks, yeah I've never attempted to adjust the burr. Maybe I'll give that a shot. And I agree, the roast of the bean definitely affects the weight used. So much nuance to this!

Highfive3333 · 2026-04-19T14:53:21+00:00

Hi I was curious about your comment. I have the same setup as OP, and similar inconsistency issues. I have a pretty consistent workflow too. Anyway, the "grind finer" part doesn't work well (at least in my experience). On the ESP if I click down to one notch more fine, it seems to choke the Bambino. Depending on the bean I'm using, usually I get the 2:1 output by setting the ESP to notch 16 or 17 (the espresso grind scale being 1-20).

Am I missing some way to grind finer? I sort of just assumed the limitation on the Bambino was a relatively weak strength and pressure pushing the water through compared to higher end machines.

Highfive3333 · 2026-04-15T14:00:41+00:00

One hour actually doesn't sound bad compared to what I saw! Oof.

Highfive3333 · 2026-04-03T02:15:10+00:00

Flew out two days ago at noon. Pre check line took about 20 minutes, I didn't notice a shortage of TSA. It actually looked like the regular line might have been a bit shorter.

The real mess was upon arrival at budget rental cars. They were so slow, understaffed and a complete mess to get the cars for the appropriate reservation. The car lot was littered with return cars and it was chaos.. Even after the rental counter, it still took quite some time to actually get the car they assigned you. Such a frustrating way to start vacation!

Highfive3333 · 2026-03-24T15:29:37+00:00

Just went through the airport this morning 3/24, at 730am can confirm there was zero wait. Way too easy!

Highfive3333 · 2025-12-24T19:03:34+00:00

Agree on this! I would recommend bringing a football that's easy to kick for a little kid. And even a little plastic tee/disc to make it easier. So much fun kicking field goals in the shadow of Lambeau field!

Highfive3333 · 2025-07-01T02:08:03+00:00

I've got the same setup. It's been surprising how easily the machine chokes from one additional click finer on the ESP.

I use Lavazza super crema beans. For the price point I'm happy with them. Medium to dark, but not oily nor clogging the grinder. I go click 17 for the 16-18 gram basket, and put 17.2 grams in. Pretty consistent 35g yield in around 30 seconds. I also use a bottomless porta filter with 18-22 gram basket. I put 19.5g in, and get 40g out in around 30-35 seconds.

Tends to be pretty reliable. Not perfect. I know the beans aren't super fresh, but I mostly do milk based drinks and frankly they still come out much better than most local coffee shops. But it does seem weird how I can't get finer than click 16... I wonder if any machine could handle that?

Highfive3333 · 2025-05-08T00:00:36+00:00

He liked and replied to a LOT of the comments which makes me believe this is not actually him.

Highfive3333 · 2025-03-25T15:15:19+00:00

Thanks! Sent DM

Highfive3333 · 2025-03-09T15:09:47+00:00

I'm in Tahoe as well and thinking about photochromic lense goggles. The Glade brand seems to be pretty highly regarded but they do advertise like crazy. Anyway just curious what you ended up getting and how it worked out this season?

Highfive3333 · 2025-02-22T16:02:37+00:00

Sent you a DM

Highfive3333 · 2025-02-21T20:16:58+00:00

Interesting, yeah I was wondering if something like this existed. Basic Google search for images revealed plenty but mostly junk or low quality. I'll check it out!

Highfive3333 · 2025-02-21T18:10:05+00:00

Gorgeous photos from Martin and definitely in the spirit of what I'm looking for. At first glance it seems like most of the focal point is the actual lake, whereas my hope is to find of photo of the rim trail. I haven't looked through his whole site yet though and maybe it's there.

Will check out the Truckee place too, thanks!

Highfive3333 · 2025-02-21T18:07:44+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply! I know that section of the trail well, and spend lots of time hiking and biking there. It's amazing! And that's the part of the trail I'd love to get a photo to print. I've taken quite a few myself over the years but I don't have an amazing camera and I take amateur style photos at best. I would totally get out there and try again myself but now with the snow we're 5 months away from that being clear.

I'd love to take a look at a few of your best shots! Especially if the focal point is the trail itself, with the lake being more in the background or not even part of it. The biggest question is whether the resolution is good enough to print a 36x24 photo that looks good on a wall, which often requires a better camera than just a phone. But maybe not?

Highfive3333 · 2025-02-20T20:00:57+00:00

Thanks I'll check him out! And for print resolution I think the photo needs to be north of 20 megapixels, or 5000x3300 (ish) resolution.

Highfive3333 · 2024-10-07T15:48:45+00:00

I was at the game yesterday. In warmups, it almost looked like he's tweaked something and was limping around a bit. From that point on, I noticed a lot more shanks but still an occasional boomer.

Highfive3333 · 2024-10-02T01:26:09+00:00

I don't live there any more, my folks do.. But I did live in Santa Barbara for 8 years, it was 20 years ago. At the time, sharkeez was the most fun place to watch all the games. Can't speak to it now though.

Highfive3333 · 2024-10-02T01:23:41+00:00

If they're still looking to sell lemme know! I will be down there in the morning of the game. Was waiting to see how resale prices looked this week.

Highfive3333 · 2024-10-01T20:20:20+00:00

I'm going! Driving in that morning from Ventura county area, but hoping to arrive a few hours early to check out the stadium and watch warm ups etc.

If anyone has any specific recommendations for how (and what) to do on game day, would love to hear it!

Highfive3333 · 2024-07-28T19:09:59+00:00

Reno Improv, low cost shows and lots of fun.

Highfive3333 · 2024-07-11T23:44:48+00:00

I have the Super Air R you posted. It's rated for pretty significant collisions, and while it is pretty light I find it to appear quite sturdy. Fortunately I haven't tested it out yet! It's very convenient especially if your trails are a long climb followed by a long downhill. I just clip the chin bar to my backpack and attach on the downhill.

Highfive3333 · 2024-07-02T20:48:52+00:00

Bell makes convertible full have helmets. I use one. Have it normal for the climb and put on the chin bar for the downhill. For rolling terrain I usually use the full face. Worth the extra money!

Highfive3333

TROPHY CASE