r/espresso • u/lattebaar • 7h ago
r/espresso • u/baileyyy98 • 18h ago
Equipment Discussion Steam wand still letting steam through after shutting valve- replacement valve didn’t fix?
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Hello,
I have this delonghi dedica which has an issue with the steam wand… basically, when you shut the steam wand off, it still leaks steam. This is an issue because after I finish steaming the milk, every time I pull the jug away from the milk, the residual steam keeps going and makes a huge mess and froths up the milk.
I replaced the internal valve/switch but it’s annoyingly still doing it.
Not sure what to look at next! Could the OPV cause this behaviour?
r/espresso • u/baileyyy98 • 4h ago
Dialing In Help Would you be happy with this extraction? Or is it too quick? 1:2 23sec [Dedica]
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r/espresso • u/LIL_BIRKI • 7h ago
Equipment Discussion After 3 years and ~2,000 espresso shots later, this is the first bit of damage my niche zero has shown.
r/espresso • u/tapieromateo • 21h ago
Coffee Station My Setup
Hey r/espresso. Long time lurker, first time poster
Just wanted to share my setup. 1997 La San Marco 85-12 Practicale and 1999 ECM Giotto, both restored by me.
r/espresso • u/Grand-Bicycle-3061 • 13h ago
Dialing In Help Why is my grinder not working? [RUI Mini E Grinder]
Hi all! I am beyond brand new but excited to now have a DeLonghi espresso machine (Dedica Duo) but haven’t been able to practice pulling shots much because my new grinder I was gifted is giving me problems. It is the RUI Mini E-Grinder.
I specifically wanted to have a grinder to grind fresh beans each time because I have heard that is best. My husband (reasonably) wants to see if I actually use this espresso machine and found this small compact and portable grinder as a good option for our small kitchen space for me to START with, and maybe upgrade grinders if I make a lot of lattes haha.
THE PROBLEM!! I have watched a video on this grinder, taken it apart twice and brushed all the spots of it free of grinds, and use the recommended < 18 grams of beans for each use. Yet, when I put it 14-17 grams of beans to grind it will only grind a VERY small portion and the rest stay whole beans. I have been trying to grind enough 4x now to pull a SINGLE shot today. I need help. I had a friend doing it with me and we do not know what could be going wrong. We have followed all directions and even correctly dialed down what looks to be the best grind it can offer (yesterday it ground them all but was too coarse).
For reference, I have attached a photo of what 15g ground beans looks like (except of course all 15g were not ground properly due to whatever malfunction is happening.)
Does anyone have any experience with this? I only got to pull 1 very bad shot yesterday when my grounds were too coarse 🥲
r/espresso • u/laixinbahe • 2h ago
General Coffee Chat Do you actually log brews when dialing in a new bag? I’m trying to make that process less tedious
Whenever I open a new bag, I usually need a few brews before I find something I really like.
The problem is that I either rely on memory, or I start writing down enough parameters that it begins to feel like a spreadsheet.
So I’ve been building a small iOS app around a pretty narrow idea:
remember the last cup, change what matters, brew again, and gradually find what works for that bean.
The screenshots are from the version I’m working on now. When starting another brew, it carries over the previous recipe and shows how the last cup tasted, so you can make a small adjustment instead of starting from scratch.
I’m deliberately trying not to turn it into a super detailed coffee database.
I’ve tried a few similar apps but the workflow isn’t as intuitive as I wanted it to be.
I’m still building it, so I’m much more interested in criticism than promotion at this point.
A couple things I’d love to know:
When dialing in a new bag, do you actually keep track of previous brews?
Does this feel simple enough, or am I already asking you to record too much?
What would you remove from this flow?
Espresso is what I’m using in these screenshots, but I’m designing the same basic idea around pour-over as well.
r/espresso • u/homelab2946 • 4h ago
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Dual Boiler does not build up pressure [Sage Dual Boiler]
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Sage Dual boiler with newly replaced solenoid, probes. Temperature is fine and no leaking. I use the same grind level as it was before. It used to build up pressure to 8-9 bars before the first drop, now it is all over the place like in the video. Any suggestions?
r/espresso • u/Hefty_Calligrapher_8 • 14h ago
Dialing In Help Does the flow look right? [Breville bambino]
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Setup is a breville bambino + breville smart grinder pro (outer setting 3 inner burr at 4, default inner burr is 6) im using a medium roast bean, Rancho Arriba coffee which is a single-origin Dominican coffee.
Im getting 36G in about 30 seconds (counting from press of button to start shot) out of 18g in so technically im the ok zone, but not sure if the flow looks right or should look slower.
Im sure puck prep is dialed, WDT, distribution, even tamper etc.
Should i be after that “honey like” consistency?
r/espresso • u/SimpleDebate6872 • 18h ago
Buying Advice Needed Buy it or Bye?[Buying Advice Needed]
Found a Facebook marketplace Breville Barista Express for $75. But it needs a repair for the internal meter.
Is this worth it? Or is this repair going to be more than what this machine is worth?
Not sure the age of the machine or if there are any other issues..
r/espresso • u/Superman_Krypton • 10h ago
Buying Advice Needed Oracle Touch to Delonghi High End [No Budget]
Oracle Touch to Delonghi Switchers
No Budget Issues - I am in USA
BREVILLE Oracle to High End Delonghi Switchers
I’m wondering how satisfied those that made the change are and their honest opinion about the quality of espressos and maintenance burdens. Thank you in advance.
r/espresso • u/ExoticTwo6986 • 19h ago
Buying Advice Needed Looking for starter set up [~400$]
Hello! I’m a new mom who’ll be going back to work soon. I’m looking for a way to make coffee at home (lattes, cortados, cappuccinos, iced coffee) without too much hassle. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of third-wave coffee; I prefer classic Italian-style coffee. I’m not looking to become a coffee geek, but I want an efficient system that will satisfy me for a few years. I have a budget of about $400. From what I’ve read here, I understand that I’m better off investing in a good grinder than a fancy machine? I’d prefer an electric grinder. What do you think of the Breville Bambino + Baratza Encore ESP combo? Thanks :D
r/espresso • u/levdan • 20h ago
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Not building pressure but dramatically venting on pulling a shot [modified Rancilio Epoca]
hi r/espresso, I have a heavily modified Rancilio Epoca and I don't expect anyone to just know what's going on with my weird stupid machine, but I'm hoping I can bounce ideas off someone who's done similar nonsense. it doesn't want to make boiler pressure at all, levelling off around 12-16 kPa at the pressure transducer and 0 indicated on the mechanical gauge, at 90-100C at the group head. if I try pulling a shot, it'll run, come out terribly, and when I switch off the pump it vents pressure dramatically from the group. I can record a video to demonstrate if that's helpful.
I'm really not sure where to start looking, aside from tightening all the plumbing joints. has anyone diagnosed weird plumbing behaviour before? any leads? sorry for the really vague question, I'm kind of at a loss.
r/espresso • u/Old_Average8053 • 21h ago
Buying Advice Needed Cramped kitchen: Meraki vs separate machine + grinder? [$1,800]
Location: US ($USD)
Budget: ~$1,800 strictly all-in
Usage: 2–3 milk drinks in the morning, occasional Americano in the afternoon. Medium to light roasts.
I was leaning toward a Mara X or a Breville Dual Boiler paired with a DF64,my counter space is tiny and my partner is already frustrated with the appliance clutter, but the Meraki caught my attention because the built in scales auto stopping at weight for grind and shot would save a ton of counter space and make quick morning drinks before work much smoother.
My only real hesitation is the integrated grinder. Everyone always warns against built-in grinders, so I'm worried about whether it can actually handle switching between medium and lighter roasts without making dialing-in a headache, plus how much of a pain it is to keep clean.
For anyone using one day, does the space saving workflow hold up, or do you find yourself wishing you just dealt with the clutter of a separate grinder?
r/espresso • u/ToroPoke • 20h ago
Equipment Discussion Starseeker 64mm titanium coated burrs
Just got their e64 grinder. It’s a solid grinder but it seems like the burrs is producing quite a bit of fines. Is this normal?
As for the the e64 grinder itself is solid and well made. Very quiet and grinds fasts.
r/espresso • u/Jolly-Asparagus-5815 • 14h ago
Buying Advice Needed Looking for machine recommendation in US [$650 and below]
Looking for a recommendation for an espresso machine in the US that is ideally under $650/$700. Could possibly go above budget during holiday sales so feel free to recommend up to $1,000. I drink iced lattes almost exclusively, sometimes just drink shots of espresso. Usually make 1 or 2 double shots per day. Doesn’t need to be a small machine, but also not something huge. Beginner level, but very willing to learn. Currently using a nespresso vertuo next and sick of the cost of the pods!
r/espresso • u/Helpful_Explorer2857 • 12h ago
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Screw sticking out slightly from grouphead [Niche Zero, Breville Dual Boiler]
I got this Breville dual boiler a few months ago as a gift, and I noticed my puck screens are ever so slightly dented in the centers of them. Is the screw on the group-head supposed to stick out like this on the BDB?
r/espresso • u/lwyant225 • 10h ago
Buying Advice Needed brewing accessories? [no budget]
I’m finally making the long, LONG overdue change from nespresso to a real espresso machine (don’t kill me, I know nespresso sucks. that’s why i’m changing!) After doing some research, I purchased the breville bambino plus and it will be here next saturday.
Looking through the sub, it seems the most common “beginner” coffee grinder recommended is the baratza encore ESP. Is this still the consensus entry level grinder?
There’s also…. so many espresso making accessories. the little needle thing, screens for over the espresso puck, a “bottomless filter”, etc. what is worth picking up? what should I wait on?
I do have a scale! a maestri house s2 espresso scale. no idea if it’s any good or not
any help is very appreciated. can’t wait to get started in this hobby!
r/espresso • u/xnaa • 9h ago
Buying Advice Needed Best automatic for [$1600] or less?
Hi everyone, I'm looking for the best fully automatic espresso machine for around $1600. I mostly drink cortados/ cappuccinos so milk frother would be nice but can always get a separate frother. I'm looking for best espresso pulls, easiest to maintain and clean. Any suggestions would help. I also would want it to be a little bit more aesthetic
r/espresso • u/CarrotRepulsive2467 • 17h ago
Buying Advice Needed Espresso machine [$500]
hello! I am working on making a little at home coffee set up and don’t know where to start with espresso machines. for context, I worked as a barista for over a year in a chain fast paced coffee shop so i do know how to maintain machines/use them, but i don’t know what to buy for my own set up. I’ve been looking at the breville bambino but know there are a lot of extra items needed to get a quality shot. any suggestions on most important equipment, anything i can add on down the road and save for my next paycheck, or things i absolutely have to have if i wanted to brew a solid shot today? open to any and all suggestions TIA!
r/espresso • u/Historian-Lumpy • 16h ago
Buying Advice Needed Opposite Spectrum: Turin Gallatin DB vs La Marzocco Micra [$5000]
This may sound funny. Is it worth the extra money to get the Micra?
Did someone upgrade from an e61 to the Micra?
I make 2-4 cups of latte or cappuccino each day. Every now and then, I have a party that may exceed the regular 4 cups.
Currently have Breville Barista Express.
r/espresso • u/modesttrader • 18h ago
Coffee Station Proud parents of a SAGE Bambino ✨
We took the plunge and purchased a black SAGE Bambino paired with a DF54 grinder after using a Moka pot for a few years.
If you have this machine, any tips are welcome!
r/espresso • u/_Rayane • 23h ago
Buying Advice Needed Dedica EC685 vs Linea Classic EM450 - which is the better long-term learning platform? [$200-300 budget]
Hey all, trying to make a smart first purchase and would love some real-world input.
My situation: I'm in Morocco, where the local market is basically De'Longhi/Severin/Taurus/Krups/Elexia.. only — no Gaggia, Rancilio, Breville etc. available in stores (would have to import with no local warranty/support).
De'Longhi has an official local site/retail presence, so parts and accessories are actually reachable here.
My plan: Buy an unpressurized basket (already found some on Aliexpress for cheap) + a Timemore C3 ESP hand grinder, and actually learn proper technique — dialing in, WDT, the whole thing. I don't care about built-in grinders, I want to grind separately.
The dilemma: Both machines are ~230-240 USD equivalent here.
Linea Classic EM450: has a built-in pressure gauge (manometer) — seems useful for learning/diagnosing shots.
Dedica EC685: way more popular worldwide, huge mod community (Normcore/IMS/Capfei accessories made specifically for it, documented manometer mods too), but no gauge stock and smaller footprint.
I care about: reliability/durability long-term, high quality coffee potential, actually progressing as a home barista, and having a platform I can upgrade/mod down the line since "real" machines aren't locally available.
Anyone have hands-on experience with either as a learning platform? Is the gauge worth it, or does Dedica's ecosystem/community support make it the smarter pick even without one stock? Any regrets either way?
Thanks!
r/espresso • u/centurylight • 20h ago
Drinks & Recipes Suggestions for a new drink to try
Any ideas? I do a cappuccino daily, ready to mix it up
Minimum character count why
Ok short story about cappuccino’s until I’m able to post. Once there was a coffee oh nice character count hit
