Was going to order everything online but managed to find a shop in town with the bambino plus at 450(cad). However this was the best grinder they had(250cad model 8710200). After reading some reviews it seems like it won't be good enough for espresso. I've never made before I'm brand new to this. Should I return grinder and order something like the df54 or nice hand grinder? Or will this be good enough set up to learn on and get good results? Anything else i might need ? Thanks for any help!
by mitchconnar
19 Comments
The grinder is the most important part, that doesn’t seem like it is really made for espresso. Hand grinding can get a bit tiring but I think I’d rather have a $200 hand grinder than a $200 electric one if that’s your budget.
Do you have Amazon Prime?
Yes, I’d replace that grinder for a DF54 or even the Encore ESP. I have a similar OXO conical burr grinder but primarily use it for drip, cold brew, etc. It won’t work with unpressurized baskets.
Enjoy your new bambino!
Yes, for that budget point I’d go for Baratza Encore ESP/ Pro or a DF54. Great grinders. The OXO should definitely be returned because it’s not really capable of doing what you need it for 🙂
Have fun
It’s a solid grinder, but will not work for espresso. I had it and switched to a Fellow Opus—don’t buy the Opus Return the grinder and get the DF54.
Where did you find a bambino plus at 450cad
Everyone’s given you great advice on the grinder situation, I just wanted to come on here and say that the bambino is an awesome entry level machine and you will have an absolute blast making your own coffee at home!
You probably don’t need to hear more of the same but I have this exact setup. I had the grinder for auto drip, pour over, French press, and chemex and never had any issues. None that I’m in tune enough to know about anyway. My wife got me a bambino for Christmas and I’m a complete novice to espresso. I quickly learned the limitations of the grinder. I’ll be replacing mine within the next month or so. Leaning towards the Baratza Encore ESP. If you can, return it.
Had an oxo grinder thought I could get good espresso with it despite all the info here that said no, I was wrong.
Upgraded to the baratza encore esp and it significantly improved my espresso. The little cup it comes with that fits onto the portafilter makes it worth it alone.
I got the same setup over Christmas! I am currently using the oxo grinder for espresso and will probably upgrade to the Fellow Opus or the DF54 (seems to be a popular pick for beginners) when I can justify the cost.
For my oxo grinder:
Use the freshest beans (I like Rise Up’s Organic Espresso)
I weigh out 17g beans
Mist with water (2 or 3 sprays)
Pour into oxo grinder, it’s set to 1 and I grind around 20 seconds
I run one cycle on my breville before I start my espresso (just water)
I use a bottomless Portafiler
Fill Portafiler, use a little distributor tool and tap to level everything
Press the tamper with some weight
I also do a manual pour and time it around 20-25 seconds for a double.
I’m getting decent pours and it’s working for me right now. I’m aware it could be better and one day it will be 🙂
I have the oxo and will keep it for coffee and am waiting for the df54 to arrive. My oxo clogged up after 5 uses running for espresso level fines
I had the OXO in my initial setup, and it wasn’t fine enough for espresso. So I got the DF54 grinder and it’s perfect.
that grinder isn’t going to grind fine enough
Return and get a Baratza Encore ESP. I have that combo and it works great as a beginner!
Tamp and circumstance
As I had a Bambino as my first machine and that same oxo before getting the Bambino, the oxo doesn’t cut it. I did just get the mokkom, definitely grinds good enough
People are going to say you can’t use this OXO grinder, but that was my setup I used while I was sitting for my Baratza Encore ESP to arrive.
At the finest grind possible, it did okay. I was able to get shots that tasted fine, and it was pretty consistent. It’s definitely not what I would do if I was buying new, but if that’s what you’re stuck with, it’ll work just fine!
You people talking about grinders are hilarious. OP, don’t listen. Your grinder will be just fine. It’s a beginner set up, so who cares?
If you want to upgrade later so be it, but don’t rush out to drop $$$ if you’re happy with the shots you’re pulling.
Thanks for all replys, just ordered the df54 and going to try and return the oxo tomorrow. I might just try some pre ground from store or see if local coffee shop can grind some for me until I receive mine, then I can at least try it out this weekend.