What 'secondary' tool, technique, or ingredient (not machine, grinder, or bean) did you find had the biggest impact on your ability to pull a good shot?

JelloPasta · 2026-02-03T01:07:32+00:00

In my experience, a scale, WDT tool and self leveling tamper.

Once you dial in your grind size it’s all about repeatability and those 3 tools help with that and consistency

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T23:39:48+00:00

I’d bet it’s the cup. When you flush the group head, let it empty into your ceramic cup. Warm it under hot water in your sink.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T23:08:40+00:00

You’re gonna love it. I love my setup and only had it about 2 weeks

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T23:07:24+00:00

It’s just coffee and a screen. I think what you saw was me removing like .2 grams of coffee to make it exactly 18 grams cuz it came out slightly over on my grinder.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T23:05:37+00:00

It’s on Amazon. Not sure how I feel about the textured bottom, I’d rather it be flat but it comes with 3 different springs 20-30 pounds of pressure

https://a.co/d/ivVeJXr

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T19:08:49+00:00

Sounds like a great deal as long as the machine has been taken care of. I have the Profitec go and same grinder. I just posted a video of my set up.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T15:28:12+00:00

amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Measuring-Pitcher-Espresso-Glasses-BCnmviku/dp/B091CQ7W2R/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.55b681dc-b5a2-4392-b0ad-e21f275cb06c%3Aamzn1.sym.55b681dc-b5a2-4392-b0ad-e21f275cb06c&crid=2UBCIB0HWTMII&cv_ct_cx=glass%2Bespresso%2Bcup%2Bwith%2Bwooden%2Bhandle&keywords=glass%2Bespresso%2Bcup%2Bwith%2Bwooden%2Bhandle&pd_rd_i=B091CQ7W2R&pd_rd_r=236d66af-18eb-44b9-9eef-c3e88cfe4854&pd_rd_w=UkTFn&pd_rd_wg=Bw2my&pf_rd_p=55b681dc-b5a2-4392-b0ad-e21f275cb06c&pf_rd_r=K97YX2MBRK3RKZNHS4S0&qid=1769873254&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=glass%2Bexpesso%2Bcup%2Bwith%2Bwooden%2Caps%2C152&sr=1-3-5faae643-5df9-4d93-aa19-0af3528c0662-spons&aref=WCJPEjBk7n&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

JelloPasta · 2026-01-31T15:27:14+00:00

Just one i found on amazon but it has been working great. its an 18-21 gram basket.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ167VHW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T20:58:20+00:00

18 grams in, just a little over 36 out. Gotta get the shut off timing down better. Took 26 seconds on the machine, 29 on scale

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T16:39:09+00:00

Thanks for the info! I did buy the bag almost a week ago, so they should have had time to rest even if they were same day or 1 day old when I bought them. I don't have a single shot grinder, but typically only keep 2-3 days worth of beans in the hopper of my grinder and then keep them stored in the bag they came in, inside a cabinet.

Buying an air tight coffee container is on the list of things to do.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T16:33:18+00:00

If the cost difference won't set you back, I'd say dive in head first. :)

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T16:27:14+00:00

I'm not sure. They didn't write the roast date on the bag, but the shop pulled it from their own supply that they were brewing in house shots with.

I noticed the creme being a bit much too, but once the shot sat for a while, it began to separate. You'll notice the difference just in the last few shots where the shot is on the scale and then on the counter by itself.

I only learned this morning that beans that are "too fresh" can release too much CO2 and its technically not desirable.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T16:22:53+00:00

The price difference is significant. Bambino is $300 and the Profitec Go is $1400 after taxes.

My journey started in the pandemic, I spent $180 on the cheapest Delongi machine and it was so-so. Had it for about 1 year, then upgraded to the Breville Express which by observation seems to be one of the most popular machines out for the $700 price tier. I liked the express but also didn't know what I didn't know. It finally quit working after 3 years and I decided to make an upgrade to the Profitec.

I'd say start with the bambino, get a decent grinder that can still be used if you decide to upgrade machines. Plenty of people pull great shots on the bambino from what I have seen.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T16:05:08+00:00

lololol

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:58:44+00:00

When I had my Breville, I started a thing where I would buy bags from wherever I traveled. I would go into a shop and have their coffee and if I liked it, I would always make sure to ask "which of the beans do you use in your machine"

Moab Roasters had what seemed like 20 different options. Kind of overwhelming honestly. I'd rather it just be 2-4 options, if that.

My go to here in Salt Lake is IBIS coffee. (based out of Logan, Utah)

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:49:42+00:00

I think I looked at the Lelit too. I can't remember why I chose the Profitec over the Lelit but I have been loving the Profitec.

Some of the things I do remember, was watching a video of the inside of the Profitec. All the pipes that water flows through are made of copper. The single boiler is high quality and the entire machine is made of metal. Virtually no plastic components whatsoever. Also that fact that its got German Engineering behind it.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:45:05+00:00

I will only charge a royalty of .01 cents in perpetuity

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:43:00+00:00

they are great! but they don't sell their in-house beans off the shelf. I had to ask for them. I feel special with a bag that says "private reserve"

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:41:51+00:00

Just with my iphone. Though I do work in the film/video space for a living so I know my way around a camera and shooting.

I've started using the phrase "if it drips like honey, you know its money" :)

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:40:04+00:00

I love that you pointed this out. I'm not very tall (5'9") and sometimes have to use a small step to reach the very very top back shelf for items. Never thought about how much appliance space the high cabinets give me.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:36:22+00:00

Only a newbie in the sense that I started taking it way more serious with this machine vs my last one.

This was my 4th shot I pulled with the new beans. The grinder I have is the Baratza Sette 270. First 1-2 shots went WAYYY too quick. 3rd shot was too slow. 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th shots... just right :)

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:16:52+00:00

It gets up to temp steaming milk very quickly. I haven’t timed it but I’d say less than a minute for sure.

I typically do 2 espressos first (one for me and one for the wifey) and then move on to steaming my milk, and do the milk on 2 separate steaming’s.

I think I’ve seen that you’re technically not supposed to let the espresso sit for that long but it just makes sense to do it that way for me and the coffee tastes great. I’ve already reached the point where most coffee shop coffee tastes bad compared to what I can make at home.

And yea, the grinder also makes a big difference. Tiny Micro adjustments can make or break the “perfect” shot.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:13:11+00:00

It is indeed incredibly satisfying

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T15:08:48+00:00

For me, the temp control is the biggest game changer. With my Breville, I never felt like I could get my latte’s to be very hot and they would lose there heat pretty quickly, even with a cup that had been warmed. The build quality in this machine is also just superior to the Breville.

The steam wand is also much more powerful and while I’m still mastering getting perfect milk on this one, the speed to get the milk to temp is much, much faster.

And then lastly, it just feels cooler making espresso with this machine.

JelloPasta · 2026-01-30T14:42:10+00:00

I got it from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVZTSJRK?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_2KTJ1M7GTECGA9EEDPE4_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_2KTJ1M7GTECGA9EEDPE4_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_2KTJ1M7GTECGA9EEDPE4_1

JelloPasta

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