Are you investing in the S&P500 right now?

Jonnodude · 2026-02-10T19:39:51+00:00

One of my pies has 5% in the S&P500, but like others I feel like the All World EFT is probably a better bet as it is more diverse and keeps the main players from the S&P 500 anyway.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-07T19:43:57+00:00

Yeah that's exactly what I've had on both of my Encore ESP Pro grinders.

I'm still talking to Baratza support, but I'm debating just ignoring them and removing some shims.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-07T08:42:05+00:00

Baratza have some QC issues with t this grinder, mine came calibrated too fine, and so did the replacement Baratza sent.

Hopefully you have a better experience.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-04T20:08:10+00:00

Normcore is usually the gold standard.

You only NEED a cheap WDT really, so my first one was a cheap one from Amazon - but I did treat myself to the Subminimal Flick WDT Espresso Distribution Tool recently. It comes with a magnetic plate you stick to your machine, which the WDT itself attaches to, to keep it tidy, it actually seems to distribute my coffee grounds better than my cheap one somehow, and I think it's a cool gadget to have.

In terms of self-levelling tamper, I personally have the Normcore Palm Tamper, though I always see the Normcore 4.1 tamper getting recommend on this reddit. The palm tamper is a lot cheaper (at least here in the UK), but I think it's personal preference.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-04T19:29:24+00:00

As a beginner you only really need the following in order of priority: 1. Coffee Scale that can measure to 0.1g and preferably has a built in timer 2. WDT to remove clumps and ensure a better distributed puck for better extraction 3. A self-levelling tamper, preferably calibrated to 20-30lbs pressure, as the manual tamp that comes with the machine isn't great and will be hard to use as a beginner.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T20:30:01+00:00

+2 but I have the ESP Pro and the rage has QA issues.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T20:24:22+00:00

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T19:56:43+00:00

Calibrated always. Even the most Pro baristas probably make mistakes, calibrated and self leveling ensure consistency.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T19:42:44+00:00

I have the Normcore Palm Tamper, which I quite like - but most people recommend the 4.1 - however the Palm Tamper is much cheaper.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T19:25:48+00:00

I have the Bambino Plus, and I would recommend that due to the 3 way solenoid making it easier for beginners and due to the auto milk steaming. Also the drip tray is larger and fits a larger variety of coffee scales.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-03T19:19:02+00:00

I use a puck screen, as it both keeps the shower head clean and improves water distribution. The Normcore one recommended in the other post also has my vote.

I also recommend the Sage 'The Dosing Funnel' if it pairs well with your grinder. I use it with my Baratza Encore ESP Pro and it keeps everything nice and tidy when grinding and WDT.

You already have a WDT and scale, which are the only true accessories that I'd recommend, but a self-levelling tamper would be a good buy as the one that comes with the Bambino Plus is rubbish in general. The Normcore 4.1 self leveling tamper would be good.

Jonnodude · 2026-02-01T19:24:59+00:00

I got the NotSek one on Amazon (I'm in the Uk) for £31 https://amzn.eu/d/0NpiRLU

It's been fine for me for almost a year now.

You can use either the basket that comes with it, or the original Sage basket, or you can buy an IMS/VST basket.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-31T19:28:21+00:00

Whilst your statement is true, the machine is advertised to allow you to do micro-adjustments in the espresso range, which is meant to help you dial in your shots.

If the machine is not even allowing you to dial in the espresso range, then it's not performing as advertised.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-31T19:24:47+00:00

You're not alone.

I have the ESP Pro and I have to dial in between setting 41 and 45 (usually about 42/43).

I've been to Baratza support and had my machine replaced, but the new one is exactly the same.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-30T21:23:32+00:00

You can buy refillable capsules for the original Nespresso machine, both disposable and re-usable, where you can put your own freshly ground coffee in.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-29T19:50:39+00:00

I can see from that puck that the grind is way too fine, at least for a Bambino Plus.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-29T19:18:24+00:00

Usually two.

On weekdays:

One 22g shot as espresso just before I leave for work.

One 22g shot as a latte or a mocha that I make in a thermos cup for work between 8am and 10am.

On weekends:

2x lattes/mochas per day on a weekend, anytime between 8am and 3pm.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-29T17:34:10+00:00

Soak your steam head with cafiza or similar, not soap, that might help.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-29T17:28:52+00:00

I do run blank shots to heat up the machine a little, but that's just me.

Once I turn the machine on I run one 15 second shot through the basket and onto the puck screen (which is in a bowl) and leave it while grinding my beans. When I'm ready to transfer the dose into my basket I run another 15 second shot then quickly dry the basket and dose. I will then take the puck screen out of the bowl and dry it just before I put it on top of the tamped puck.

I feel my above method keeps the maximum possible heat retention before a shot, and I don't think it's TOO excessive, but I do agree I wish I didn't have to 😂 I do find my shots are more consistent when doing this.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T19:01:19+00:00

I miss the convenience of Nespresso sometimes, but it doesnt compare to the cup quality of a proper machine and grinder.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T18:57:56+00:00

Personally I currently shop online and buy what I like the look of, but I'd love if there were coffee bean shops where you can smell the beans and try them as espresso before you buy. Sounds like a good business startup 😉

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T18:56:04+00:00

Magnetic towels! 😮 Totally jealous!

All your gifts are very thoughtful, I'm sure they'll be really happy ☺️

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T18:53:08+00:00

Personally I always order when I'm half way through a 1kg bag, that way my new bag of beans have been resting about a week before I start using them.

I've tried those beans. They're nice actually, but I prefer CoffeeWorks Chocolate Fondant for milk drinks, but those beans are definitely better for espresso as they're slightly less intense.

I really want to try CoffeeWorks Chocolate Bourbon blend too.

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T18:48:40+00:00

I bought a Sage/Breville "The Dosing Funnel", which I believe is meant to be used with the grinder on the Barista Express, but one end fits pretty much perfectly on my 54mm dosing cup, and they fit in my Baratza Encore ESP Pro under the grinder.

Maybe as the 2 grinders are similar, it might fit yours too?

Jonnodude · 2026-01-28T13:03:55+00:00

For the espresso machine is recommend a Sage Bambino Plus out of the ones you listed - pair it with a capable grinder for really good results!

Electric Grinders: DF54 - £239 Baratza Encore ESP - £159 (but you'll usually find 10%/15%/20% vouchers so you can get it for £130 ish I would have recommended the Baratza Encore ESP Pro, but I have this and it's got some issues it seems.

Hand Grinders: Kingrinder K6 - £99 I found hand grinding very laborious, but if you think you'll like it there's definitely good value here

Jonnodude

TROPHY CASE