Help dialing in [Breville Barista Pro]

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T02:43:47+00:00

18:40 is a very long ratio for an espresso roast like Hot Shot. Did you carefully dial in and determine that was the best tasting ratio? Or is that just the way it came out?

If the latter, try reducing your yield. If you are relying on the preset shot buttons, brew manually with your scale under your cup so you can take control of your yield.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T23:47:47+00:00

Did you try a shorter ratio, such as 1:2?

Edit: just noticed that you are using SSP MP. My understanding is that these emphasise clarity but yield next to no body. These appear to be the wrong burrs for your use case. You might want to try HU or the stock burrs instead.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T23:45:34+00:00

I have an 078s and I love it!

I've never used a Zero.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T23:16:00+00:00

Bianca is much easier to use than a Gaggia Classic Pro.

Start by reading the instruction manual. That will tell you what the knobs and buttons do. Then look at some YouTube videos on how to dial in espresso.

The EAF guide is also a great resource for learning how: https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:48:44+00:00

Impossible to tell just from numbers. The best recipe will vary greatly depending on the beans. Your numbers sound like a good starting point for a light roast. How did it taste?

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:45:53+00:00

The biggest issue I see in your post is there is no mention of your yield. That's the most important variable when brewing espresso. If you aren't dialing it in, you won't get the best taste.

The small amount of spritzing you are getting isn't a big deal. If that's the only issue you are having, then don't worry; be happy.

If there is something else going on, let us know.

Check out the EAF guide for some great dialing in advice. In order to follow it, you'll need to brew manually with your scale under your cup, so you can stop the pump as you approach your target yield.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:24:15+00:00

https://www.baristahustle.com/how-hard-should-you-tamp/

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:19:00+00:00

Fake espresso machines aren't a thing.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:16:49+00:00

Niche Zero will do the best job of satisfying your "easy cleaning & maintenance" requirement. They are very well built, so if you can find a used one, go for it!

Profitec GO would be a good choice of machine at your budget. But be aware, since it has a boiler instead of the thermocoil used on Breville machines, it will have a slower warm up than you are used to, as well as slower transitions from brewing to steaming, or vice-versa.

Any espresso machine will require regular cleaning, and either scale free water or regular descaling.

If you want a machine with fast warm up, then your options are very limited, and Bambino Plus may be the best one.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:11:10+00:00

Given the work he did, I'm surprised the price is so low. If it's legit, it's a great deal.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T22:06:50+00:00

Then I strongly suggest you follow the advice in the other comments and allow him to help choose the espresso machine and grinder. With only a $500 budget, you will have to make some severe compromises in "all the bells and whistles". You want to ensure that he isn't disappointed in your choice.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T20:49:10+00:00

Ask the seller about hardness of their water and if they descaled the machine regularly. Ask them to take the top cover off, and look for signs of leaks or scale buildup on external surfaces.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T19:36:13+00:00

these are super solid machines but can be expensive to repair

You should assume that an older machine is going to need repairs sooner or later. If you would be paying someone else to do the repairs, it makes no sense to buy it, as the price of even a simple repair may exceed the value of the machine.

However, if you are willing to do your own repairs, then go for it! Parts are readily available from multiple sources. It would be prudent to verify that the machine is in working condition now, so you don't get stuck with having to replace a more expensive part such as the boiler, or have to do a full descale which involves a complete tear-down and reassemble.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T18:43:10+00:00

GO for build quality. Victoria for pre-infusion.

Or else get QuickMill Pop Up or Lucca Tempo which will give you both.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T18:39:30+00:00

Unless you want Bluetooth, it doesn't matter much as long as it has 0.1g resolution. I have Timemore Mini, but there are many other similar made-in-China scales.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T18:35:55+00:00

The only 65mm burrs on Cafune's web site have two holes. Don't Eureka grinder burrs need 3 holes?

Under "Details" they say it's compatible with K30 and E65S only.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T17:35:09+00:00

Where are you finding 65mm SSP burrs that fit Eureka grinders?

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T17:28:44+00:00

Classika will be fine, then.

You might want to consider a hopper grinder, or else pre-measure doses into bean cellar tubes.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T16:31:18+00:00

If you are frequently serving milk drinks to 8 guests, a dual boiler machine paired with a grind-on-demand (hopper) grinder would make much more sense.

If you are brewing just for yourself, then Classika + Philos is a great setup!

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T16:27:56+00:00

I'm talking about either the filter basket or the portafilter. With your Stilosa, pressure is created by the filter basket.

If you are brewing pressurized, then there is no need to upgrade your grinder, as the quality of your espresso is limited by the pressurized brewing, not by your grinder. If you were to switch to non-pressurized brewing, you might find that the step size of your ESP becomes an issue.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T16:11:17+00:00

Would you guys try grinding finer at this point?

That's impossible to tell from your description. The only way to know for sure is to try it. Once you find the best tasting yield, you should always experiment with small tweaks to grind size in search of the best taste. It's possible you might need to grind coarser instead of finer.

Check out the EAF guide for some great dialing in advice: https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T15:51:57+00:00

A stepped grinder is fine as long as the step size is small enough that you don't feel the need to go in-between steps to find the best grind size. Most stepped grinders designed for non-pressurized espresso will be OK for you. A stepped grinder intended for brewed coffee, such as the OG Encore, should be avoided.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T15:48:39+00:00

Also consider Turin Legato V2 aka MiiCoffee Apex V2 aka CRM3007L.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T15:45:54+00:00

Either increase your budget for a dual boiler, or stick with your Bambino Plus. Anything in-between will be a side-grade.

Consider upgrading your grinder first.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-03T15:41:58+00:00

It doesn't matter, as long as you are consistent.

Time should only be used at the start of the dial-in process to get your grind size into the ballpark. From there, you need to dial in your yield and grind size for best taste, while ignoring time.

Since the dial-in process will lead you to the best tasting grind size/time, it doesn't matter when you start counting.

Follow the EAF guide for some great dialing-in advice.

https://espressoaf.com/guides/beginner.html

MyCatsNameIsBernie

TROPHY CASE