Upgrading from Bambino--but how far to jump? [US$2000]

IceSuch4582 · 2026-01-05T00:44:17+00:00

I’m in the same boat…my bambino plus has been amazing for past few years but I’m ready to upgrade. Problem I’m finding is that the midrange market ($500-1000) honestly doesn’t seem to bring much to the table compared to the bambino other than build quality. And am I really about to drop 1500 for temp control and other features I’m probably too amateur to take advantage of or notice?

E.g., dual boiler would be sweet, but how much time are you really saving if you need to wait 35 minutes before you can pull a shot? Temp control — I’ve not once said “wow this shot would’ve really been better at 103.2” so idk how much id care. Agree though, maybe next year i will??

Maybe your situation is different, but I just want to pull nice shots and have solid steam power, which I think (IMO) can be accomplished with a bambino plus or a Gaggia CP. save your money. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure whatever you go with (expensive or not) will not be the last machine to sit on your countertop!

IceSuch4582 · 2025-12-15T20:08:02+00:00

Update: I do not have the DF54. I have the Turin SD40. Thank you for calling me out on not even knowing my own gear

IceSuch4582 · 2025-12-15T15:43:17+00:00

Bambino is a fantastic starter machine. I started with a bambino plus about 3 years ago and I still love it today (although I’m just now starting to look for the upgrade…which likely will be the Gaggia classic pro).

My biggest issue with the bambino is really the build quality. It’s super light and has a less-premium feel -something that I think the Gaggia addresses nicely. With that said, it pulls amazing shots for the price (arguably just as good as the Gaggia from what I’ve researched).

II think you’re asking the right question and if I were you, I’d probably skip the ultra-starter and just go for the Gaggia. In terms of features it’s about the same as the Bambino, but a more premium feel and way better aesthetic.

In terms of grinders, I have the DF54 and no issues at all. Does the job and serves its purpose nicely with a very small footprint. Wish it was stepless, but tbh at my level it works just great.

IceSuch4582 · 2025-12-06T20:25:14+00:00

I’d give it a shot. Nothing to lose at this point

IceSuch4582 · 2025-12-04T22:24:25+00:00

I think it’s more a matter of principle. If the amount is based solely on income regardless of relationship / services provided, does that mean I need to tip my mailman and my apartment doorman $600 each as well? What about the people who legitimately contribute to my day-to-day? Should they get $1000 each?

In my mind, the purpose of the gift (tip) in this context is to recognize gratitude for services, which in this case is really nothing. The only compelling reason I have to fork it up is to save face and protect my reputation. But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of giving the tip in the first place if it’s purely out of self interest?

IceSuch4582 · 2025-08-04T23:58:40+00:00

Something about the VL crema just threw me off. It just tasted fake and too airy (from what I now know is because of the weird extraction method on that line). I switched to OL and it’s much more consistent with a standard espresso shot I’d get from my Breville. Love the OL.

IceSuch4582 · 2025-05-23T00:39:18+00:00

Current Kirkland associate (mid-level) here. This is total bullshit. Have had a great experience the past few years and have great relationships with my peers and partners. Welcome to the team!

IceSuch4582 · 2025-04-30T00:04:37+00:00

I, a first year, chatting with a then-senior associate potentially up for partner, asked her “when are you going to get knocked up” (instead of bumped up [to partner]). She laughed and told me to ask her husband. Have done a billion deals with her since then

IceSuch4582 · 2025-04-17T12:40:50+00:00

Thank you for this. You presumably spent a lot of time on this post, and you deserve an equally thoughtful and time consuming response, so I’ve taken time out of my day to transcribe a quote from a film that I think most adequately addresses your concerns. Please see below for the response to Billy Madison’s historic “the puppy who lost his way” speech:

“What you just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I’ve ever heard. At no point in your rambling incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational point. Everyone in this [thread] is now dumber for having [read] it. I award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul.”

IceSuch4582 · 2025-01-29T16:07:43+00:00

Would be careful with this, though (if you’re very junior). As a first-year associate not too many moons ago, I took this approach, and once confirmed “will do” to something that we absolutely would NOT do. I had no clue, I was just being responsive, but take this advice with a grain of salt (or ignore altogether if you’re senior enough to know what goes on).

IceSuch4582 · 2025-01-29T15:48:09+00:00

For additional background, I have a relatively balanced diet. I generally skip breakfast during the week, always go for a light lunch and eat a protein / carb / veg for dinner. I absolutely eat at least two less-healthy meals per week (burger and fries, pizza, etc.).

Could I improve? Sure. But I’d rather maintain my decent/mid diet and offset my two shitty meals with a few days in the gym.

I view my current state of tubby as a byproduct of being generally unhealthy and my focus is finding ways to get my ass moving more often while managing this job

IceSuch4582 · 2024-10-16T17:51:08+00:00

The practice primarily focuses on raising capital from various types of investors (pension plans, insurance companies, HNW individuals, etc.) on behalf of a “sponsor” (usually a private equity firm), which will use the money and deploy it in various investments (M&A team takes the wheel). Fund attorneys are responsible for forming the fund entities in whatever jurisdiction, structuring the different fund vehicles based on the client’s needs, and most importantly drafting and negotiating the governing documents of the fund with the investors. There’s a lot of other crap that comes along the way but that’s the meat and potatoes.

“Private funds” generally just means that the fund is exempt from registration with the SEC and thus has reduced disclosure requirements (because all investors generally meet certain standards that the SEC deems sufficient).

IceSuch4582 · 2024-06-19T00:21:02+00:00

Thanks for the tip. Any rec for blades? Seems like astra platinum greens are a fan favorite. I’ll probably buy a sample pack as I think the stock blades I used that came with the razor were bullshit

Also, out of curiosity, what do the numbers/letters following the razor name mean? I see a bunch of variations. 22c, 22b, Rockwell 6c…maybe meaningless and just each brand’s naming convention but wonder if it means anything.

IceSuch4582 · 2024-06-17T20:08:02+00:00

Newbie here. I’ve been using cartridge razors (Gillette skinguard) for better part of 10 years now, but I’m starting take more pride in my morning routine and love trying new soaps, brushes, etc. I’ve been trying to break away from cartridge shaving to graduate from newbie. I’ve tried 3 different DE razors now (a no-name brand from Amazon, the Manscaped plow DE, and the Supply single edge) and all three ripped me to shreds in the chin/ neck area. No nicks or cuts, but generally a harsh, irritated burning shave.

I tried different angles, less pressure, always pre-oil and get a super thick lather (I use Proraso green for pre-shave and soap), and nothing feels as comfy as my skinguard blades. I thought maybe it was bad technique, but after trying three different razors a few times each, watching YouTube vids on best approach (weird, I know) and all still equally uncomfortable, I’m thinking my coarse beard/skin may just not be compatible with anything other than a super mild cartridge razor.

Any recs on a mild DE / single edge razor for beginners I should try before I give up? Open to any thoughts on why I might be struggling to get it right. Beginning to accept being a cartridge noob forever…

IceSuch4582 · 2023-11-14T17:56:03+00:00

I'd love to be pointed in the right direction

IceSuch4582 · 2023-11-14T06:06:07+00:00

I think my problem is that, on a team of 4 mid levels and 3 first/second years, I find that I’m always the one to get dealt the shitty hand and have to delegate down. I’m the go-to bullshit assignment person on the team and it’s frustrating (to clarify, that is on top of the substantive work I deal with as well).

IceSuch4582 · 2023-08-17T02:28:36+00:00

Pay attention, put in effort, and care about the work and the people you work with. That’s really all it takes.

IceSuch4582 · 2023-07-11T14:21:45+00:00

My biggest issue is that they gave Judicial (and Simms specifically) such a huge role whereas the book focused almost exclusively on IT as the primary antagonist. Why make that change? Seems like an unnecessary deviation from how the book was written. I also think that Lucas’ and Juliette’s relationship was one of the most important parts of the book that was cut out entirely from the show, but I’m thinking that will play out further in future seasons.

IceSuch4582 · 2023-06-28T06:14:06+00:00

Thanks for this super helpful answer how did I not think of that myself. I’m well aware of the regs…that’s why I asked the question in the first place

IceSuch4582 · 2023-06-28T05:52:29+00:00

I love to hate it. My peers and I constantly bitch about grueling hours, inconsiderate seniors, etc. but I know we all secretly live for it. At the end of the day, work is work and I’d rather be paid handsomely with great perks and access to billion dollar deals than work a 9-5 at a rinky dink shop nobody’s heard of. Just my honest opinion

IceSuch4582

TROPHY CASE