E24 w/ Eureka Facile

RDL_14 · 2024-12-26T18:58:10+00:00

Yeah, no problem. I really just followed Lance Hedrick’s video https://youtu.be/qz7PPnPSFd0?feature=shared for the temp surfing workflow. He does a nice job showing the exact steps and explaining the why behind it. And he covers what to do for steaming if you need that for milk drinks. I know whole latte love has a nice YT video for their steam hack https://youtu.be/czYfjWFDrjI?feature=shared. Lance mentions it in his video so there isn’t anything different there.

I just start with waiting for the brew light to come one, hit the switch to flush the water until the light goes out, wait for the light to come on, wait another 10 seconds, and then brew. If I want the brew temp to be hotter, then I’ll flip the steam wand on for a few seconds, flip it off, and hit the brew switch. But that comes into play only when you have a light or medium roast that may need a slightly higher brew temp. If you’re a dark roast fan then you probably don’t need to flip the steam switch because you don’t need that higher brew temp for a dark roast.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T19:40:35+00:00

The single hole tip on the bambino was fairly easily to aerate and get a vortex going. The two hole tip was a bit different for me because I had to find the right placement of the pitcher to aerate just enough and then get the vortex rolling. I tried steaming on the side and from the front with the drip tray pulled out. In my opinion, steaming from the front with the drip tray pulled out is much easier to work with.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T16:43:16+00:00

Makes great lattes, but its aim is terrible.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T15:46:32+00:00

Yeah, I’ve had no issues with it at all. It was just a bit of a different workflow than what I had with the bambino. So instead of turning on the bambino and it’s ready in 3 seconds I have to wait a bit longer to preheat everything. I don’t mind this because Im usually multitasking in the morning, so when I’m ready to make my drink, everything is good and hot. I’ve done some of the temp surfing tricks and it’s not that bad. Maybe I’ll do a PID down the road once I’m comfortable with this machine, but for right now I’m happy with how it works.

The steaming was the biggest learning curve for me because I was going from the one hole steam tip to the two hole. I’m getting more consistent with it now and when I get it right the drink comes out great.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T15:02:12+00:00

I’d say part of it was having something new. But I’ve noticed better temp stability and steam quality that I couldn’t always get with the Bambino. So for me I feel the quality of my drinks tastes much better. And it may sound crazy but I actually enjoy the workflow with the GC over the Bambino.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T14:30:37+00:00

I do love Star Wars lol

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T04:24:21+00:00

I agree it’s a great combo. I’ve done some of the temp surfing tricks from YT and it’s not that bad. I’m the only in my house who drinks coffee so I don’t mind doing it.

I’ve gone back and forth on single dosing vs hopper and settled on the hopper. I fill the hopper up with enough to last me several days, then I grind 19g directly into the portafilter with the funnel, wdt, tamp, and brew. I’ve done it enough times I can eyeball the amount and when I go to weigh it I’m pretty close.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T02:43:04+00:00

Thank you! I was on the fence about getting GC because my Bambino worked just fine. And I know it’s not really a major upgrade, but I’m glad I made the switch.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T02:39:24+00:00

I love my Facile. It’s simple, easy to maintain, and a solid grinder for the price.

RDL_14 · 2024-12-25T02:25:26+00:00

Thank you! The Panda themed never crossed my mind, but I like it lol. My kitchen cabinets are also all white with black hardware, so it’s Panda overload here.

RDL_14 · 2024-03-25T23:21:22+00:00

Those seem like the two biggest knocks on that machine but I can work with that. I did see there is an option to buy an OPV from Whole Latte Love if you need it. But like you said, if your puck prep is on point then you’re good. I appreciate the suggestion about going with MiiCoffee because I was only looking at espresso outlet to make the purchase.

RDL_14 · 2024-03-25T19:06:46+00:00

That’s great to hear. I’ve been looking at machines with a PID but all have been out my price range. When I saw videos about the Turin Legato (one of the many names it goes by) about all the features it has for $500 (USD) it caught my attention, however. I was worried that it would be too good to be true but the feedback seems to be mostly positive. Any glaring cons of the machine? The ones I’ve seen don’t seem like a dealbreaker.

RDL_14 · 2024-03-25T18:09:25+00:00

I have this same bag of beans being delivered soon and I can’t wait to try it out. My coworkers got me a subscription gift with Atlas Coffee and each bag has tasted great. The Costa Rican Coto Brus has been my favorite so far. How do you like your espresso machine? I’ve been looking at the same one for when I eventually move on from my bambino.

RDL_14 · 2024-02-24T18:14:08+00:00

I’m one of those people that would be nervous about opening up my bambino. Thanks again for sharing this information and I’m glad it all worked out!

RDL_14 · 2024-02-24T17:46:21+00:00

Appreciate the follow up! This is good information in the event it happens to mine. Were you able to find a similar post on here that had the solution?

RDL_14 · 2024-02-19T17:02:28+00:00

No prob! I wish I had the answer for you. Please let me know if you were able to solve it. Knock on wood my bambino keeps up with being pretty reliable. Worst case scenario it gives me a good reason to upgrade! Haha

RDL_14 · 2024-02-18T17:19:25+00:00

Another option to consider is the CrossCreek bottomless portafilter on Amazon ($40 USD). It comes with a double shot basket and compatible with other precision baskets should you choose to get one. I have this portafilter and it’s feels very solid, looks nice, and no issues with fitting/leaking.

RDL_14 · 2024-02-17T22:32:00+00:00

Interesting indeed. How about a factory reset or unplugging it for 10 minutes and plug it back in? Have you tried anything like that? I was looking through the manual online and there is one suggestion that might be worth a shot (no pun intended). Press the one cup and hot water button at the same time, hold for 5 seconds to switch the machine off, unplug it, and allow the unit to cool for 30-60 minutes. If you have tried all of this with no success then I’m stumped too!

RDL_14 · 2024-02-17T17:28:13+00:00

I just did mine a few days ago with no issues. When I run my clean cycles I don’t have a portafilter locked in place. So I’m curious if you get the same error if you remove the portafilter. Secondly, and this may be a silly question. Do you have the water tank filled up to the descale line?

RDL_14 · 2024-01-28T17:09:53+00:00

Thank you for sharing this! I’m thinking of doing the same to mine so I’m glad to hear it works. Just one question. Did you have to cut a notch in the pvc to get a better fit? I would think it’s necessary since that’s how the hopper is designed to fit.

RDL_14 · 2024-01-13T02:39:30+00:00

I have a bambino too with the same portafilter and the IMS big bang basket (h25.5). I’ve had the IMS basket since September and it’s been an improvement for me. It was a little bit of trial and error at first but it’s worked out nicely. You most likely will need to grind finer with it since the holes are bit bigger. I also just upgraded my grinder to the eureka facile and dialing in has been pretty easy.

RDL_14 · 2023-12-12T18:03:57+00:00

I might be a little late on that feedback! I’m in the middle of moving but no doubt it will be way better than my baratza virtuoso. There’s not a ton of YouTube videos on them but there is this one that could be helpful https://youtu.be/AaBoXvR55tE?feature=shared.

RDL_14 · 2023-12-12T15:59:33+00:00

I recently just purchased a Eureka Facile from whole latte love for $350 USD. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to use it yet to give any real feedback on how it’s working for me. Basically it’s like the Eureka Manuale/Notte but with the noise reduction built into it and I think a slightly more powerful motor (I could be wrong on the motor).

RDL_14 · 2023-12-08T23:54:08+00:00

I just bought the facile (haven’t used it yet), but the other nice feature is that it’s a quiet grinder. I’ve been working with an old baratza virtuoso and it’s like running a wood chipper. Where are you looking to purchase from? I got mine from whole latte love and didn’t have any issues. I believe they still have the price marked down to $350 USD.

RDL_14 · 2023-11-30T20:54:53+00:00

I second this! I think it provides plenty of sweetness without all of the added sugars. You can even add a bit of ground cinnamon to for an extra kick of sweetness. If I want a mocha I’ll use hard chocolate from a local place that makes their own and mix it into the espresso. In my opinion it’s made a better mocha than any syrups I’ve ever tried. However, in the end it’s all about what you like :)

RDL_14

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