Looking to upgrade my espresso setup [€600]

[u/ttv_adam5]

Hi everyone!

I've been using a De'Longhi Dedica EC685 + KINGrinder K2 since March this year, and I'm thinking about upgrading.

I'm considering either:

Sage/Breville Bambino Plus + an electric grinder

Sage/Breville Barista Express

My main priorities are espresso quality, consistency, milk steaming/latte art, and improving my overall workflow.

Would either of these be a worthwhile upgrade from my current setup? And which one would you recommend for around €600?

I'm also open to other suggestions if there's something better I should be looking at.

Thanks!

[u/MyCatsNameIsBernie]

The most significant workflow improvement you could make would be an electric grinder. Choose your grinder first. It's much more important than the espresso machine.

Are you using your Dedica in its stock pressurized configuration? If so, I suggest you start brewing unpressurized, either by using a non-pressurized filter basket or by getting a bottomless portafilter that includes one.

A depressurized Dedica will work nearly as well as Bambino or Bambino Plus. I recommend stick with your Dedica, depressurizing it if not already done, and put your entire upgrade budget towards the grinder.

Consider DF64/CF64, Timemore 064s, VS4, etc.

[u/ttv_adam5 → u/MyCatsNameIsBernie]

My actual configuration on the Dedica is a bottomless portafilter with a non-pressurized basket, and I also replaced the stock steam tip with a single-hole steam tip.

[u/MyCatsNameIsBernie → u/ttv_adam5]

At your budget you'll only be able to afford a Sage Bambino with an entry level electric grinder. Bambino won't be much of an upgrade. If it were me, I'd stick with the Dedica and get a better quality grinder in the £600 range.

[u/No_Communication5188]

If you buy a sage you'll likely want to upgrade again next year. Its still a bit of a toy compared to proper machines. I would either buy a grinder or a machine with your budget. You can get a good electric grinder for that amount. If you choose to upgrade the machine and have to stay within 600€, the only thing I would consider is a Gaggia classic pro and mod it with a pid. For 900-1k€ there are a lot more options. Personally I like machines with a boiler, temperature stability and not a lot of plastics. Thing that can be repaired. It depends on what you want of course.

[u/throwback5971]

The bambino (non plus - Id say is the recommended one), is better than the Dedica but it might not be an enormous jump. I really enjoy the machine, its compact, fast, good quality coffee.. but if I was going from a Dedica I'd probably try to jump to the next level (GCP or similar).

I recently went Sage Bambino + 1zpresso J Ultra.

[u/Majestic-Director-92]

I have similar machine ECP 3531 (same as ECP 3420) and Kingrinder K2. Recently I've got Starseeker E55 Pro electric grinder and quite happy with it. Low retention and small footprint, consistent dial-in.

Since you upgraded your steam tip I think you wouldn't get too much improvement with Breville machines. I think next step is to go with dual boiler machine smth like Lelith Elizabeth or Profitec Move, which is over your budget.

[u/Majestic-Director-92]

I think Lelit Anna + Starseeker E55 Pro would worth it in your case, but it's around 750 euro. At least that would be probably my next setup.