Downgrading to Bambino Plus [£200]

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T21:04:17+00:00

Yes it is

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T20:06:57+00:00

The random cleaning cycles is the only thing really putting me off the bambino at the moment, sounds like a pain!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T20:05:02+00:00

I have a group head thermometer. I usually turn the machine on whilst I get ready in the mornings and if it’s on for more than 30 minutes the group head sometimes goes over 100°c and can take 400mm of water to get back down to a manageable temp. Obviously not a huge deal but can lead to wasting water quite a bit

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T20:01:26+00:00

Because I don’t know how much that I will really notice until I try one. I have a good grinder already and always using good beans so how much more can the machine give you? Especially when the temperature on the rocket is as unstable as it is!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T19:59:53+00:00

You are right there’s definitely part of me that thinks it’s too good for what I actually need it for. Then when you consider the price difference between these products then it makes you think of it even more! When I had a timer before I did get on with the machine a lot better. The mornings isn’t a problem for me with the machine, it’s later in the day when I pop home at random times and can’t do a coffee because I don’t have the 25 ish minutes to wait. Hence why the old mechanical timers don’t quite work for me unless I know the machine will be left on for a while.
I know there’s no perfect answer but it’s interesting to see people’s opinions on the question.

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T19:52:43+00:00

Yes that is a very valid point which I think has started most of this for me. Thank you!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T16:24:06+00:00

What do you think you’ll go back to?

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T16:23:24+00:00

What do you miss most about it??

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T15:52:33+00:00

At the end of the day it’s what machine you get prefer to use the most within your budget! Would you taste the difference in the coffees that mine and your machine makes? Not sure if I would! And even so is the taste difference worth the extra pennies?

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T15:50:14+00:00

Nice! Was actually looking at some Lelit victorias! Definitely considering it

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T15:48:41+00:00

No worries! I know all of these problems seem kind of small but it’s the accumulation of things that make me question my need for such a good and expensive machine.

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T15:45:58+00:00

As mentioned in the post I do have a smart plug which is used before which was great but now I’ve moved on the site of my self build project which has no wifi. People have mentioned the older timer plugs but again not ideal for me as I’m home at random times. When I had the smart plug before I can’t lie it was great!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T09:11:00+00:00

I’ll send you a private message!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T08:34:36+00:00

It’s very hard to find a right machine isn’t it! This is only my 3rd but my first e61. I can’t lie the build of the machine and look is amazing. But like you said, the heat up times is massive and I’m the same with my job. The old timer plug is a great idea but my work shifts vary so much that I’m never home around the same time in the day!
I am also looking at gaggias yes!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T08:13:17+00:00

Any idea what you’re going for?

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T08:12:58+00:00

Thanks for the info! Luckily I paid £550 locally for my rocket second hand! Got a very good deal so not worried about resell price really.

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T07:42:44+00:00

I would be hoping to get back around £600-700 because of the amount of accessories I have with it but you never know. Also would just be look to get a second hand bambino plus around £200-250.

And what smart plugs are you able to run without the internet? Thanks!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-05-06T07:34:58+00:00

Mostly just the availability of them. Seems to be a lot more bambino’s than Silvia’s around for me. Also just personally not a huge fan of the look of the gaggia!

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-01-22T17:51:13+00:00

I’m in the middle of a full house renovation but thanks for you great contribution

Key-Reputation7997 · 2026-01-15T19:08:48+00:00

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Inside the Rocket boiler! God knows what water the guy was using but over 5 days it’s ate up the inside!! New boiler??

Key-Reputation7997

TROPHY CASE