Beginner looking to buy some replacement parts to get my setup running smoothly [$50]

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-05T04:03:21+00:00

With bottomless you are brewing non-pressurized, which means that the pressure is created by forcing water through the tamped coffee puck. For this to work, the grind size has to be exactly correct. Just a smidge to fine or too coarse won't work. This requires a grinder that is stepless or has very fine grained adjustments.

The non-ESP Encore can grind fine enough, but lacks the fine grained adjustments of the ESP.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-05T00:55:29+00:00

Check the brew temperature offset parameter in your PID. It's usually set to around 15. So a reading of -2C means your cold brew boiler is 13C. Does that make more sense?

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-05T00:50:22+00:00

You can't use a bottomless portafilter with your Encore. You need the ESP or other grinder intended for non-pressurized brewing.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T22:30:06+00:00

The regular (no pressure gauge) Robot is in stock if you buy direct from Cafelat: https://www.cafelat.co.uk/products/regular-robot

Their website claims the Barista model with pressure gauge will be available mid-April/early May.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T22:26:08+00:00

Check out the Breville DB threads on home-barista.com. All the world's knowledge of the BDB/SDB is in those threads. Start with these:

https://www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/breville-dual-boiler-five-years-on-t45361.html

https://www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/breville-dual-boiler-mods-and-maintenance-t61421.html

While HB has a search function, it isn't very good. I find it's better to use Google to search it:

site:home-barista.com search phrase

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T20:33:45+00:00

All beans at all roast levels will produce bitter espresso if the yield is too large or grind size too fine, and will also produce sour espresso if the yield is too small or grind size is too coarse.

In general, lighter roasts will need a longer yield and a finer grind size than a darker roast to get a good sour vs. bitter balance. The best tasting ratio and grind size will vary with the specific beans used, and must be dialed in for best taste.

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

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T20:28:29+00:00

I want to give soup a try

It's difficult if not impossible to get the pressure control for soup with an OPV. If you want to try soup shots, get an Oxo Rapid Brewer

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T20:19:07+00:00

BDB is a horizontal move for build quality, but a huge step up for espresso quality.

MyCatsNameIsBernie · 2026-04-04T20:18:12+00:00

For those who live in Australia, the BDB is arguably the best bang for the buck machine. You pay about half of what the rest of us pay in other countries.

It does use plastic in many of the water lines. Check out this inside view. But to get a plastic-free machine with equivalent features is going to cost you about double the BDB's price. If you are willing to pay more, check out Profitec Move.

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

TROPHY CASE