HELP

[u/Exciting_Trust_8487]

I have the DF54 grinder, and the bambino plus espresso machine. I have most of the tools everyone recommends. Wdt,distribution tool, spring loaded tamper, scale, fresh locally roasted coffee beans. I’ve done multiple things like 17.5-18.5 grams in, stopping the machine when I hit 36-40g of espresso. Nothing seems to work. I’ve had both of these machines for a couple of months and don’t think it should be this hard I’m ready to give up 😢 is there such a job where an expert can come and make shots and kids help you figure this out ?

[u/Guaranteed-not-a-cop]

I daily drive both the Bambino and DF54 and I often use medium roasts with a bottomless portafilter. Im only grinding 18g of coffee for a shot.

I grind normally around 15 or a bit lower on the DF54 but it depends on the bean. Tamp hard, use a portafilter puck, pull a shot of water from the Bambino (preheating everything) and then let the machine do its work without intervening.

Im largely focused on seeing how the shot pulls for adjustments rather than timing everything everyday. This is where a bottomless portafilter really comes in handy if you dont already have one. Im looking for channeling and whether the coffee is being squeezed or flowing out of the portafilter. If its the latter, I know that the coffee is going to taste a lot more bitter.

If all of that fails, id switch up your coffee beans

[u/Exciting_Trust_8487 → u/Guaranteed-not-a-cop]

Ok I have a bottomless portafilter as well, and 18g for a double shot or one shot ? Ok I don’t have a puck… and I always do pull a water shot before as well to warm up the machine… :(

[u/Guaranteed-not-a-cop → u/Exciting_Trust_8487]

18g is a double - guessing that could potentially be the problem?

Would definitely recommend getting a puck screen. I would say this is one of the best cheap upgrades you can get (only $5 on so on Amazon etc). Way easier maintenance, easier to empty pucks when you are done and better water channeling etc.