Keen for some advice as there are way too many options.
I drink lighter roasts no milk and the wife does almond milk drinks. I’m inexperienced but willing to learn but I don’t want “the process” to be more important than the coffee.
Would be great if the grinder could do at least a passable filter grind too but the priority is espresso.
I’ve got no issues going used - I’ve been chasing a Breville Dual Boiler on Marketplace but to no avail.
Hard to pay full price after missing the deal from last week!
It’s hard to pay full price on anything , you gonna stop living ?
Agree re Bambino Plus (or Bambino for a cheaper equally good option if auto-steaming is not required) - or Infuser if Breville ever make them available to the Aust market again! But the Breville Smart Grinder is not up to fine espresso grinds of light roasted beans, which the OP mentioned they prefer. I have a BSG and it's fine for darker roasts if doing flat whites or other milk coffee, but I've read time and again that lighter roasts require a better quality grinder because of the hardness of the beans. Just thought it was pertinent to mention that.
On marketplace/classifieds/ebay for a good espresso machine with readily available parts search for "e61" that's the group head.
With the e61 you have a lot of options for portafilters and many other things. As well as easy cleaning/servicing (lots of videos and documentation)
For a grinder search "eureka grinder" you can buy replacement burrs for $50. You'll find great deals if you wait a while.
Sorry I should’ve mentioned one of my key criteria was a quick heat up time. I probably just want a Bambino lol
You can get yourself a smart plug (tp link/tapo) and you can turn the espresso machine on remotely or timed.
Or alternatively do what I do - $22 for a 400g jar of Moccona Espresso at Woolies.
Or alternatively do what I do - $22 for a 400g jar of Moccona Espresso at Woolies.
Or a 400 gram jar of Vittoria Italian from Coles or Wollies on special for $18.
The OP wants real espresso.
Get a used bambino for $200 or Bambino Plus for $250-300.
Then a df64 Gen 2, or DF54. If you get the df54 you’ll have a few $100 leftover for nice accessories!
Incredible value for the taste you get. Then when you want to upgrade, get a BDB secondhand and slayer mod it, like I did. Best dual boiler value you’ll get worldwide!
Then get a secondhand ek43s and buy knock off Mizen 98mm clones on Aliexpress for $200 and you’ll have an incredible all-rounder grinder!
This is pretty much where I landed except there are literally no Bambinos for sale near me. The seconding from a random internet stranger is enough for me! Thanks pal
Get a used bambino for $200 or Bambino Plus for $250-300.
Same, been keeping an eye out for weeks and nada. Lots of cheap Delonghis though.
I see them for these prices every few weeks in the Perth region. I'd suggest a search alert on FB marketplace. Even when the Plus is on sale for $500 it's great value.
Or get a secondhand Barista Express for $250-300 (I see these even more than Bambino) and get a separate grinder.
if you get the DF64 Gen 2, buy direct from https://df64coffee.com/en-au/products/df64-gen-2-single-dose… . I did this with no issues and it's a few hundred cheaper. Just confirm to send with an AU plug.
The DF54 is fine to buy from an Australian retailer because it's about the same conversion AND you get local warranty.
Thanks mate. Was about to hit the button on a refurb Bambino and a BDB popped up on Facey near me. Will order a DF54 and I'm all set.
Option O Casa and spend whatever you have left over on a Bambino
Have a look on coffeesnobs classifieds - usually decent used gear from enthusiasts. Have bought 2-3 machines from other users with good experiences.
https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/market-square/coffee-hardwa…
I used this grinder https://alternativebrewing.com.au/products/baratza-sette-30-… and a Breville Bambino plus with good results. The breville only comes with dual wall basket though; you can get a single wall for $10.
I believe the latest Bambino’s now come with single wall & double wall baskets
Always have.
They didn't in 2021.
Source: Me. Because I had to buy a single walled one.
@theHMASfriendship: I'm surprised. They've always included both single and double with the Bambinos since I've been following the Breville range, and the Infuser, which I have, comes with single and double as standard. I've been nerding out on this stuff since 2021, so maybe Breville changed their policy some time that year, before I started looking at reviews. Aaanyway, all's well that ends well.
Just curious do any others ozb concerned about germs with used kitchen appliances/ coffee machines?
There are things called soaps, detergents and boiling water.
But if it squicks you out, then it squicks you out.
Thanks
Just curious thats all
My stance is never buy used kitchen appliances personally
The same can be said of anything secondhand… some people do it, some people don't.
At RRP go Breville Bambino plus + smart grinder
Or a Breville barista express