This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
im still a noob in the game, but from what I have read, this is generally considered amongst the best starter level machine. I am still holding out for the newer Gaggia Pro, but this seems like a good deal.
im still a noob in the game, but from what I have read, this is generally considered amongst the best starter level machine. I am still holding out for the newer Gaggia Pro, but this seems like a good deal.
A grinder is even more important when it comes to specialty coffee, you might want to have a budget for that, too.
Quote from joestarr :
im still a noob in the game, but from what I have read, this is generally considered amongst the best starter level machine. I am still holding out for the newer Gaggia Pro, but this seems like a good deal.
I have a pro tell me to start with this one too. He has been using one for 2 years and is now looking to upgrade to a $2000 machine (Lelit). I just bought this one with this deal to get started.
Or get the Bambino, which is just $279. Pair it with a grinder such as DF-54 or DF-64 from Espresso Outlet, get a Timemore scale, and you'll be able to make exceptional cappuccinos. And the Bambino heats very fast and switches from Brew to Steam temps very fast. If you get the DF-64 grinder, in particular, you'll be well positioned to upgrade to something like a heat exchanger in a few years, like maybe a Bezzera. https://www.amazon.com/Breville-B...PPG2L&th=1
This plus a Baratza Encore grinder (on sale for $120) is the best entry level espresso setup. Even better than the Barista Express line, which is more expensive and has terrible built-in grinders.
Does it usually get that low? I don't see it below $400 on camelcamelcamel or searching here on Slickdeals (but i didn't see what many posts either so maybe something is messing up here)
I've had the Breville Bambino Plus and Breville Smart Grinder Pro for a few years now. Excellent entry level combo. No issues at all with either machine. Makes pretty good espresso once you get the settings dialed in.
Or get the Bambino, which is just $279. Pair it with a grinder such as DF-54 or DF-64 from Espresso Outlet, get a Timemore scale, and you'll be able to make exceptional cappuccinos. And the Bambino heats very fast and switches from Brew to Steam temps very fast. If you get the DF-64 grinder, in particular, you'll be well positioned to upgrade to something like a heat exchanger in a few years, like maybe a Bezzera. https://www.amazon.com/Breville-B...PPG2L&th=1
Bambino (non-plus) is missing some really nice quality of life features compared to the plus. Most importantly, it's missing the 3-way solenoid that keeps your pucks dry and your lines clean. Auto milk frothing is also huge for an espresso newbie that prefers milk drinks. I agree though, a good grinder is a MUST. DF54 is probably the best bang for your buck if you don't want to hand grind. I only do 1 or 2 shots a day, so I'm ok with a hand grinder. 1Zpresso X-Ultra has been outstanding for the price.
Like
Helpful
Funny
Not helpful
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I see that when I turn on the 3rd party seller history but who knows who the seller was, what their rating was, how many machines they had, etc. Could have been a single machine being sold with "open box" in the description by a sell with 60% positive ratings. 😂$400 is the lowest from Amazon and all other major retailers.
That deal was in Amazon and from the Breville store. I got mine during that deal.
I got the Damson Blue after black friday "Used-Like New" from Amazon Resale with 20% off which ended up being $307.16 + tax.
It arrived without the original box but everything was included and unused. There was a small learning curve after watching some videos, but I use it everyday and cannot go back to Nespresso. Even with cheap Lavazza beans, I think it taste better than Starbucks.
Bambino (non-plus) is missing some really nice quality of life features compared to the plus. Most importantly, it's missing the 3-way solenoid that keeps your pucks dry and your lines clean. Auto milk frothing is also huge for an espresso newbie that prefers milk drinks. I agree though, a good grinder is a MUST. DF54 is probably the best bang for your buck if you don't want to hand grind. I only do 1 or 2 shots a day, so I'm ok with a hand grinder. 1Zpresso X-Ultra has been outstanding for the price.
i hear the plus has some odd quirks. Such as due to the 3 way valve - it causes some water purging from steam wand after you end a shot? Clearing lines as u said? Any truth to that? Was back and forth on these - went with the non-plus. other differences I found. Plus has stainless steel porta filter handle head (were baskets go in) vs Aluminum on regular. plus has better metal weight tamper vs all plastic regular. plus has more holes in steam wand vs 1 in regular.
Bambino Plus owner here and I do enjoy it for the past 2+ years without any issues. pulls very consistent shots however, I can never for the life of me bypass the mandatory cleaning or descaling. I wake up, late for work and only have time for a quick shot of joe... bamm, cleaning activated by the machine! F*@$!!
if you don't know what I'm talking about, do a quick Google on how to bypass the cleaning stage. it always happens when I lease expected!
the good part is I did finally figured out how to manually temp bypass it. Unplug it and repugnant it in and hope that prompt don't come up. get a quick shot before it goes into cleaning f$#@ mode again.
I still enjoy it because it does not take a lot of space in my kitchen counter. I just hate and curse the engineer that designed that no opt out cleaning prompt. Engineer... if you're reading this.. f&<@^ you!
im still a noob in the game, but from what I have read, this is generally considered amongst the best starter level machine. I am still holding out for the newer Gaggia Pro, but this seems like a good deal.
If you're looking for a good price on a gaggia check out whole latte love. I got a great deal on a 2024 gaggia classic. Open box deal. I started off with a bambino, it's a great machine. Make sure to buy a good grinder, that is the most important part. A turin sk40 is a great starter conical burr grinder, for a bit more a Turin sk64 flat burr is also a good one (I've owned both).
Top Comments
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!
41 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
im still a noob in the game, but from what I have read, this is generally considered amongst the best starter level machine. I am still holding out for the newer Gaggia Pro, but this seems like a good deal.
I have a pro tell me to start with this one too. He has been using one for 2 years and is now looking to upgrade to a $2000 machine (Lelit). I just bought this one with this deal to get started.
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-B...PPG2L&th=1
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
It arrived without the original box but everything was included and unused. There was a small learning curve after watching some videos, but I use it everyday and cannot go back to Nespresso. Even with cheap Lavazza beans, I think it taste better than Starbucks.
Absolutely recommend the Bambino Plus!
if you don't know what I'm talking about, do a quick Google on how to bypass the cleaning stage. it always happens when I lease expected!
the good part is I did finally figured out how to manually temp bypass it. Unplug it and repugnant it in and hope that prompt don't come up. get a quick shot before it goes into cleaning f$#@ mode again.
I still enjoy it because it does not take a lot of space in my kitchen counter. I just hate and curse the engineer that designed that no opt out cleaning prompt. Engineer... if you're reading this.. f&<@^ you!
Right now you can get it for $399 at Macys plus $60 star money (or $80 with a little filler)
https://www.wholelattel
https://www.turingrinde
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!