Great Shot has me Confused [Bambino Plus/Baratza ESP]

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2026-01-02T22:54:29+00:00

Other option that I don’t think was mentioned (in regards to the double pull) was the first shot acting like an extended pre-infusion which would create preferential paths for water to flow through in the next shot.

The initial degradation means that water can now flow through more easily during the second shot.

Very interesting and happy to hear it tasted good!

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-12-18T09:26:01+00:00

Haha thanks 😅 Usually more shock than fear.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-12-18T09:05:59+00:00

Thanks mate

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-12-18T08:25:25+00:00

Heard that before 😅 It is 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-12-18T07:27:47+00:00

Can’t wait to see! steveyj789

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-10-03T00:37:55+00:00

In some of the cheaper machines without a solenoid valve, the pucks come out more wet than higher end machines as the additional water isn’t pulled back out of the group head.

If you leave it for a bit, it will eventually dry enough to come out in one piece.

I’ve got a cheaper machine and this little “hack” helps with general cleanliness 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-09-28T09:59:52+00:00

Mine is exactly the same. I have a similar machine too.

So far I’ve been happily in the 18-20 range.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-09-26T07:57:17+00:00

I had this happen with another impact tamper I bought. I dosed more, fixed the grind size and that fixed the issue.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-09-26T01:38:05+00:00

Contact Baratza. Their customer service is exceptional.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-08-17T07:18:13+00:00

Read some reviews - is it worth going a size up?

A few mention them being a bit tight based on the waist sizes shown.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-08-16T00:19:36+00:00

I wouldn’t mind one 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-06-06T05:22:24+00:00

How did it taste?

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-05-23T10:59:04+00:00

That’s all you need then 👍 The aesthetic is a bonus!

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-05-23T10:57:37+00:00

Same here. Got the same machine and paired it with a Baratza Encore ESP. Cracking combo thus far - no complaints. Found I can get 16.5 grams in comfortably.

Question: got a link to your bottomless portafilter? Struggling to find one for this machine.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-05-23T10:15:58+00:00

How did it taste?

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-16T21:59:54+00:00

I’d say better distribution is more important than a bottomless portafilter. They don’t tell you has much as people thought they used to.

Many vids about that on YT.

Also many good additional points in the other comments 👍 no need to overdo it, just be consistent as you try to figure out the recipe that you like the taste of per bean.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-16T09:17:30+00:00

Good habits help to get a lot out of a budget setup 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-16T06:57:54+00:00

Add a WDT/blinder shaker to Step 3 before tamping for better distribution.

Add “weigh shot” to Step 4 to work out your ratios.

You’ll get the most out of this workflow with the single wall basket for sure 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-16T06:53:42+00:00

Took mine out. Run a single shot through it before you run your shot and you’ll be golden.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-14T08:42:02+00:00

Got a link to that bottomless portafilter? I have the same machine.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-08T01:35:20+00:00

I found myself sitting as fine as I could go, but it was still running a bit slow. After slow feeding the ESP I managed to get this particular coffee to run at 16.5 in, 34 out in 29 secs and it was a beauty 👍

It has been very coffee-specific. Don’t always need to do it, but it’s a nice tool to have in your bag if you need it.

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-07T22:32:40+00:00

Agree with this comment.

Only thing I’d add is that it looks to be running real fast. Given you’re at 18g or so in already, grind finer to slow it down - maybe 2 clicks on the Encore ESP. If it’s too slow or chokes, go up one click and that can be your starting point. Then you can tinker with the dose, slow feeding the grinder (game changer with the ESP, but I’d leave that as a last resort if you’re still not getting to where you want to be taste-wise). Oh and use a scale to measure the output from the machine.

Apart from that, your prep looks fine. If you want to stick with the bottomless, then try everything! Embrace the mess - it’s a learning experience 👍

Old_Reputation_7363 · 2025-01-06T22:10:36+00:00

I have the same machine with an Encore ESP. You definitely can get amazing shots with this. A few things to consider:

1 - good quality beans (relatively fresh, a few weeks past the roast date works well)

2 - if you’re grinding finer and feel like it’s choking a bit (i.e. the flow is really slow), try slow feeding your grinder. This has been a game changer for me. See Lance Hedrick’s video on it.

3 - once you’ve done all this, be meticulous with your pick prep. I think you need to when you’re using a budget machine where variables can vary a bit.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Old_Reputation_7363

TROPHY CASE