I have the same scale and WDT tool. It’s a clean setup, enjoy the journey and espresso
Puertorrican_Power
That machine, with that grinder, can produce better coffee than what most coffee shops sell to customers, and the same quality as a machine double the cost. Some people like to sticket that combo as “starter”, but if set properly is as good as any 1500 machine.
Longjumping_Two2774
>it’s basic but we love it!
It’s funny how this site can skew the idea of “basic.” 😉 Basic that can serve you well for the next however many years. 🙂
Dannoabananos
I tried desperately to convince my wife to do this setup. We went w the barista pro instead 🙄
idoitforbeer
Is the Baratza pro worth 50% more price tag than the Baratza ZCG495 ? It has been difficult to see the value based on the descriptions I’ve read.
My 30+ year old Rancilio Nancy bit the dust last year. I went with this machine. I think it’s great. Can pull excellent shots. I did upgrade the portafilter and basket. I’m still using the original Rancilio Rocky Grinder.
I have a similar setup. My first bambino plus starting giving me trouble and I couldn’t fix the steamer fully. After going I circles for the last couple months trying to decide what machine to upgrade to, I just bought another one. No ragrets.
ed1ted
I got the same setup, my baratza maybe old gen, yours looks different. Anyways 3 years and going strong
0oodruidoo0
And that’s what matters. Don’t worry about the upgradeitis. If you’re happy with the results in your cup, then spending more is wasting money. It’s only incremental performance gains from here.
ColdIsTheWay2Go
Honestly, I love my current setup but sometimes I do wish I had just stayed in the ‘basic’ phase and saved my money lmao.
Powerful_Diamond_726
I made great espresso for a year with this same machine. However over the last month and a half my shots have been a disaster, I can’t figure it out! I only drink Onyx Monarch or southern weather. I have replaced my bottomless portafilter, bought a new tamper, screens. Yes I have ground finer and finer and even finer on my barista esb grinder. I have descaled the machine numerous times, to not avail. I’m ready to take the machine out back and destroy it with a hammer and start over, it’s so frustrating!
realBenski
love the setup. basic but does the job, and even more 🙂
its_jlau
Would you recommend that specific grinder? We tried our hands at a hand grinder and maybe it’s the coarseness or grindness we’ve dialed it at, but the espresso either doesn’t pull or when it does it’s too sour/bitter
18 Comments
Looks clean and good. Goodjob!
I have the same scale and WDT tool. It’s a clean setup, enjoy the journey and espresso
That machine, with that grinder, can produce better coffee than what most coffee shops sell to customers, and the same quality as a machine double the cost. Some people like to sticket that combo as “starter”, but if set properly is as good as any 1500 machine.
>it’s basic but we love it!
It’s funny how this site can skew the idea of “basic.” 😉 Basic that can serve you well for the next however many years. 🙂
I tried desperately to convince my wife to do this setup. We went w the barista pro instead 🙄
Is the Baratza pro worth 50% more price tag than the Baratza ZCG495 ? It has been difficult to see the value based on the descriptions I’ve read.
[https://www.reddit.com/user/ZurrgeOne/comments/1rb82ye/hows_this_looking/](https://www.reddit.com/user/ZurrgeOne/comments/1rb82ye/hows_this_looking/)
My 30+ year old Rancilio Nancy bit the dust last year. I went with this machine. I think it’s great. Can pull excellent shots. I did upgrade the portafilter and basket. I’m still using the original Rancilio Rocky Grinder.
https://preview.redd.it/frd5bpj4fykg1.jpeg?width=5037&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42dc616ec2e83a6b1f6b414960014692347077dd
I have a similar setup. My first bambino plus starting giving me trouble and I couldn’t fix the steamer fully. After going I circles for the last couple months trying to decide what machine to upgrade to, I just bought another one. No ragrets.
I got the same setup, my baratza maybe old gen, yours looks different. Anyways 3 years and going strong
And that’s what matters. Don’t worry about the upgradeitis. If you’re happy with the results in your cup, then spending more is wasting money. It’s only incremental performance gains from here.
Honestly, I love my current setup but sometimes I do wish I had just stayed in the ‘basic’ phase and saved my money lmao.
I made great espresso for a year with this same machine. However over the last month and a half my shots have been a disaster, I can’t figure it out! I only drink Onyx Monarch or southern weather. I have replaced my bottomless portafilter, bought a new tamper, screens. Yes I have ground finer and finer and even finer on my barista esb grinder. I have descaled the machine numerous times, to not avail. I’m ready to take the machine out back and destroy it with a hammer and start over, it’s so frustrating!
love the setup. basic but does the job, and even more 🙂
Would you recommend that specific grinder? We tried our hands at a hand grinder and maybe it’s the coarseness or grindness we’ve dialed it at, but the espresso either doesn’t pull or when it does it’s too sour/bitter
I just need a new tamper I want the spring load!
https://preview.redd.it/o8snaqkwwzkg1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6140e41367da7ae4241cb29c35bb574cc6db7b7a
can recommend that hopper for single dosing, works up to around 70-80g of beans so also for french press or filter 🙂
The only thing money will buy beyond this is consistency and predictability, and it will cost thousands more. Good work and enjoy it until you don’t.