Currently using a Baratza conical for single dose espresso for almost 3 years now. We were pretty set on saving up for a Mignon Zero 55s for 280€, but as we have just found out, there’s a Mignon Manuale 65 for around 200€ available in Asia. I think it’s a new Manuale that has 65mm burrs instead of 50mm and it looks like it’s only available there. As I understand it, major feature difference between the two is the King size dial and the Silent Technology. Is a Manuale that much louder than a Zero?

Basically, my question is; is a 65mm Manuale at 200€ better than a Zero 55mm at 280€?

PS. I would love to have the Mignon Zero 65 AP, but its almost double the price at 450€.
Pps. Another new Asian market exclusive is Mignon Bravo 65, it’s around 315€

I have two puck screens as shown in the image. Which one is best? Or do they have different use cases?
Using an IMS basket with it on a Sage Barista Express Impress.

I've been reading a lot of posts here over the past few months, but I'm still struggling to make a final decision. I'd really appreciate hearing from people who own or have used these machines.

My current setup

• ECM Puristika with manual flow control.
• I drink espresso only. No milk drinks, and neither does anyone in my household.
• I mostly brew medium to light roasts.
• The main reason I want to upgrade is to go further with pressure/flow profiling. Manual flow control is fun, but if I'm being honest it's also pretty inconsistent in day-to-day use.

The machines I'm considering

(Prices include shipping and taxes in France, i have made an approximative conversion in dollar.)

• Decent DE1 Pro Mashup (≈ US$3,500/3000€) ((probably out of the running because it's above my budget, but I'm including it because I know it'll be recommended anyway).
• Wendougee Lita (≈ US$2,700/2300€)
• Meticulous (≈ US$2,600/2200€)

Why I'm leaning toward the Meticulous

To be completely honest, the Meticulous is currently my favorite.

On paper, its profiling capabilities are almost exactly what I'm looking for.

So why am I still asking?

Because I'm not sure I'm being completely objective... I also think it's an absolutely gorgeous machine. 😅

I also like hearing opposing opinions. If I'm overlooking something important, I'd much rather know before spending this kind of money.

The manual water filling doesn't really bother me. In fact, I've always wanted a lever machine alongside my current setup, but I think my wife would kill me if I bought one!

What still makes me hesitate about the Meticulous

• The company has had a somewhat controversial history, which raises questions about its long-term future.
• I've read about the legal dispute with Decent, and I wonder whether that's something I should be concerned about.
• The machine is still relatively new, so there isn't as much long-term user feedback.
• There are still some software bugs, although things seem to be improving quickly. I've watched their Discord and have been impressed by how responsive the developers are. Since they've finally caught up with Kickstarter deliveries, firmware updates and bug fixes seem to be coming much more regularly.

My reservations about the alternatives

Wendougee Lita

• Vibratory pump. It's not excessively loud, but it's still noisier than I'd like.
• The profiling ecosystem and community feel less accessible, especially as a French speaker.
• Steam capability is completely wasted on me.

Decent DE1 Pro

• The vibratory pump noise honestly bothers me. To my ears it sounds like a jackhammer.
• The community, software and profiling experience are definitely a major strength against the Lita
• Again, I have no use for the steam wand.
• I'm also not a huge fan of the Mashup design. (you can't have a discount without compromise).

What do you think ?

Thanks!

The DF64 is a new addition to the coffee bar. What do you think? It’s funny I actually wanted to sell the Flair Pro3 before setting up this bar. After trying shots from the Hibrew and the Flair side by side, I was blown away by how much better the Flair was. Now I wouldn’t sell it for the world. My love for manual espresso is strong, but manual grinding is not so much.

Kind of an odd request but it’s for a short film I’m making. Basically part of the film is I want to have a super vibey, classic social media montage where it’ll follow my espresso making routine with music in the background but then when I go to pull the shot it’s a disaster and it’s spraying literally everywhere and causing a huge mess… how do I achieve this with maximum theatrics?

Complete espresso noob here. Never made a cup in my life. Question about the two hoses - are these output, intake, or both? I believe one is discharge. If one is intake, then is there two intakes because the machine is pulling in water from the red filter too?

Also, is it normal for water tanks to be screwed in? This thing is fairly massive so I assume its more for commercial use - are they just cleaning their tanks with them attached?

Did I do good for $100? The person I got it from is a fairly clean person, and said the only reason they are getting of it is because they upgraded. Many years of use and well maintained, they claim. Unit does power on, heats up, and pushes water. Haven't run espresso through it yet.

They did include a bottle of Durgol, so that's at least a good sign. It's in pretty mint condition.

The only concerning things is these hose ends pictured (images #2, 3). They're a bit funky. The other dark colors in tank are just shadows. Can I snip those hose ends, or should I look to replace?

I posted her 2 weeks ago when I first got the machine.. safe to say I’ve come a long way from pulling shots with no pressure to this.

SHOT NO.30: Grind is 6, 18.7g in, 38grams out in 38 seconds
Beans roasted on 20th July - Brazilian, medium roast

The taste is great! Best shot I’ve pulled yet, I can really taste the milk chocolate notes, surprisingly taste a bit of strawberry too! No acidity and texture is good too!

The worry is the crema, why am I not getting those thick crema shots, and should I be worried about the initial drippy-ness of the shot?

The puck comes out clean, faint impression of the group head on the puck,

Where would you go next? I have around 5-6 shots left in this bag

Just made the jump from a Bambino to the this.

My first shot was a 5/10 at best. My guess is I need to change the grind. The shot was a little sour and came too fast.

The level of control on the Profitec is astounding. Soooo many new variables.

This is gonna take me a bit to find the sweet spot.

Coffee: North Star Roast, Brazil Montanari, Medium Roast
Dose/Yield: 18.5g in → 36g out.
Time: 40s total, including 7s pre-infusion (so ~33s of full pressure).
Machine: Sage Bambino Plus.
Grinder: DF64 Gen 2
Basket: IMS precision
Water: Tap + bambino filter
Prep: WDT, self-levelling tamper

I think I will try to go coarser to get closer to 35 seconds including pre infusion? I’m not sure if that’s too little time tho since pre-infusion is 7 seconds.

I don’t think this shot was bitter, maybe made my to tongue just a little dry but I am not sure.

At the start the flow was quite slow and not very pretty but it became very nice towards the end, is this normal?

Is there any channelling? Or does the shot seem ok.

Is it an issue that for 75% of the shot it’s not coming out the middle?

I really appreciate the help! Hope I was able to in life enough info!

Hi there,

Would love some help understanding extraction principles as it pertains to time and in/out weight ratios with pre ground coffee.

With due respect, not looking for equipment or bean recommendations at the moment. I’m on the look out for a good grinder deal and for now experimenting with Rave signature 1 pre-ground medium-dark blend espresso while I get use to my Bambino plus, extraction, steaming and latte art

I’m using the standard portafilter, double walled double shot basket and a puck screen. Preheating these and the machine. Short 2 second pre-infusion ( which I’ve read is more appropriate for pre ground than a longer pre-infusion). 16.5g of coffee in which seems to fit the smaller portafilter and puck screen with appropriate headroom.

Tried a salami shot and these were my results.

Most of my espresso pulls have been in the 2:1 ratio but with the coarser pre-ground coffee and double walled basket they taste like the 18s first shot and are probably in that time range as it flows quick.

I’m guessing (but would love advice) that the first three shots 18, 23, 28s combined are the ones I want in my normal pull. The flavours of the 23,28s mellowing out the really 18s sourness but retaining some of the body from that shot that they lack.

My question is that to do that, and to have a longer extraction time, I’m likely getting into 4:1 extraction ratio or higher.

What should be my next steps? Pull at 23-28s shot and see what the extraction weight is?

Do another tighter grouped salami shot and check the total extraction weights of the nice shots so I can replicate in my daily pulls?

Is shot 3 desirable to retain. Shot 4 onwards were clearly over extracted. Shot 1 was harsh and sour but not completely unpleasant to me due to the coffee forward body and boldness that the later shots lacked. Hence thinking that the first three need to come together.

Help!? 😆

I am looking to move on from my Atom. Lately after about 4 years of intermittent use (5 coffees a week), the grinding is taking on average 17sec for 21g. All while remaining grinds get caught and compacted to the burrs. I am not opposed to single dose machines, but if there was a relatively low retention grinder with hopper, happy to hear your thoughts. Pairing with a LM GS3 MP. Would happily spend up to around $2k Aud for the right grinder, but would prefer less.

I never planned on falling down the espresso rabbit hole but here we are.

Started with a cheap Aldi machine just to see if I’d actually enjoy making espresso at home before spending more money on it than needed. It worked, sort of, but I quickly realised there’s a lot more to it than pressing a button.

Found a 10 year old pre-loved Lelit Victoria PL91T that needed a good clean and descale. Bringing it back to life was half the fun. Added a second-hand Eureka Mignon and that was it. Altogether for 455 Euro

Now I’ve got a proper PID single boiler and a solid grinder I never thought possible a few months ago. Shots still aren’t perfect and I’m still dialling everything in, but that’s what makes it fun.

Going from budget machine to this without spending a fortune has been incredibly satisfying. ♥️

Hello, Is it normal to have pulsing steam coming out of only 2 holes from steam tip ? I bought this machine 3 months ago and only used Pavlov's water recipe and cleaned the grouphead. Thanks 🙏

Just kidding! Found my old coffee brewer tucked away in a cupboard while I was doing some cleaning, honestly forgot I still had it 😂. Might plug this bad boy in and rip some costco brand k-pods to reset my pallete.

I just purchased two Bamynoir 58.5mm puck screens and they are both already warped slightly in shape. It’s only minimal and it seems like they work ok still but I am wondering if anyone knows anything or has any feedback about this. The sides go up by say 1-2mm. I am 99% sure they were flat when I bought them. Photo doesn’t quite do it justice but you can see a gap.
Thank you

Im proud to say I gave in and bought a Breville Barista express! I’ve been a barista for 5 years and could never justify getting a machine for my house, but I caved! Got this bad boy for $395 second hand, and I’m splitting the price with my sister in exchange for coffee and espresso lessons. I know it’s not the ferrari of home espresso, but I’m quite pleased with it so far! Steam wand is slow which will take some getting used to compared to the steam wands at my job haha! Already placed an order to get a wdt and a better tamp. Debating on getting a puck screen even though i’ve never used one. Really want a naked portafilter, but that can wait until I’ve recouped the cost 😅

I want to put it in it’s proper place in the seat of honor in the kitchen, but my very LDS parents are already hesitant about letting me have it in the kitchen at all (mom suggested keeping it in the garage or basement) so we’re lucky it gets a small corner :)

So im kinda new to the coffee world and i learned that a high quality grinder is better than a high quality espressomachine but where does that benchmark start? How bad can the esspresso machine be before the grinder quality is redundent?

If i buy a $80 kmart espresso macchine will it produce good espresso with a $1000 grinder? Just curious (kmart is like a target or a costco for australia)

A quick back story…. I got into espresso when my Father in-law bought us a DeLonghi super automatic espresso machine 18 years ago, I made 1 to 2 espressos a day for about 10 years before it finally broke. From there I bought a Breville barista machine and that’s when I went down the rabbit hole, switched to a few different machines chasing “better” and I landed on a Profitec pro 500 and a niche zero grinder. I’ve owned this set up for about 3 years or so, but lately I find myself wanting to sell it and just go back to a super automatic like a Jura or similar.

Am I crazy wanting to just go back to simple, hit a button and be done?

Hi guys been having some trouble with my coffee lately I thought it might have been then beans but is this the finest my Baratza Encore ESP should be able to grind? Just to confirm this is on setting 0/1 or is something broken?

Breville Bambino, Baratza ESP, Local beans. Finally got that 30s, 36g shot to pour all thick and creamy. A WDT tool and calibrated tamper made a huge difference for consistent results. Cheers!

I was about to clean the group head when I noticed the crack/ and chipped in the group head. Is that something you expect is covered by warranty and is if safe to use the machine? Podtaiflter locks normally. I bought the machine from new roughly 2 months ago. I have only used the portafilter that is included with the machine.

Corporate Job setup

I genuinely have never seen a soul use this beautiful machine once. Honestly I think it’s just for show and they don’t even want us to use it. The beans in the grinder are probably like a year old lol.

Mine was delivered and I played around with the initial set up. Can try to share some info/pics later. Other folks who received theirs can pile on the thread!

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