For Sage the Bambino Plus BES500/SES500 with separate coffee grinder

Three paid modules in the bundle β€” €12.95

About coffee varieties, freshness, and understanding what happens during espresso making

General espresso overview, not an official Sage training course

Why does espresso from the Sage Bambino Plus taste watery?

The Sage the Bambino Plus BES500/SES500 is a compact semi-automatic espresso machine without a built-in coffee grinder. The model uses a 54 mm portafilter and supports double-walled filter baskets. These can produce a visible layer of crema even when your espresso tastes flat or watery.

If you want to understand this difference, you will benefit more from an explanation of beans, freshness, and espresso preparation than from blindly adopting a single grind setting. This is where the paid bundle Understanding Better Espresso comes in.

Ontdek hoe land van herkomst, oogstmethoden, branding en versheid samen zorgen voor smaakverschillen in espresso.

Nice foam on your espresso, but hardly any flavor?

You remove the filter holder from your Sage Bambino Plus and see a beautiful layer of crema. Yet, you taste a watery espresso. That is confusing, especially if you thought crema was proof of a good result.

With this model, you prepare the ground coffee with a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. The type of filter basket also plays a role. That is why a beautiful top layer says little on its own about how your espresso tastes.

  • Crema is no guarantee of taste

    The crema looks convincing, but the espresso still tastes watery or flat.

  • Your individual mill counts

    The Bambino Plus does not have a built-in grinder: the quality and freshness of the ground coffee remain your choice.

  • Filter tray makes a difference

    A double-walled filter basket can create the appearance of crema without that layer telling you how good the espresso tastes.
View the espresso bundle β€” €12.95
Online barista module drie gouden regels voor goede espresso zetten

Can espresso be watery while still having crema?

Yes. Especially when using a double-walled filter basket, the crema layer can look convincing even if your espresso doesn't have the flavor you're looking for. Crema is not the same as a balanced extraction.

With the Bambino Plus, it makes sense to also consider the coffee beans and the separate coffee grinder. There is no single setting that works for every bean and every filter basket.

For which Bambino Plus user?

For home baristas with a Sage the Bambino Plus BES500/SES500 who see a clear crema layer but taste a thin or watery espresso. Especially relevant if you use a separate coffee grinder or a double-walled filter basket.

What is important with the Bambino Plus?

  • Sage uses a 54 mm portafilter and dual-wall filter baskets for the BES500/SES500. What exactly is included may vary depending on the model or sales package.
  • A dual-wall filter basket creates additional resistance. As a result, the visible crema layer may not accurately reflect the taste of your coffee.
  • The Bambino Plus does not grind coffee beans. The grinder you use, how fresh the beans are, and the resulting grind are therefore important factors to consider.
  • The paid EOC bundle teaches you general coffee and espresso principles, not the specific operation of Sage filter baskets or automatic milk functions.

Built on years of practical coffee questions

The modules and bundles from Espresso Onder Controle were developed by Geert-Jan de Baristaman. He has more than ten years of experience with specialty coffee and provides business barista training and private barista workshops at people's homes.

During those training sessions, the same questions keep coming up: why does espresso look good, but taste different than expected? The affordable online lessons were developed based on those real customer questions and challenges, so that the practical knowledge gained is also accessible at home.

Based on recurring questions from real barista workshops, translated into affordable online lessons.

Online barista module arabica vs robusta kiezen voor espresso koffiebonen uitleg

From beautiful crema to espresso with more flavor

The bundle contains three paid online lessons that complement each other: understanding coffee, recognizing freshness, and learning to better judge espresso. This will help you develop general knowledge that you can also use with your Bambino Plus.

For using the two types of filter baskets and the buttons on your machine, follow the official Sage instructions.

View the espresso bundle β€” €12.95

Understand what you are doing in your filter box

Module 02 covers Arabica and Robusta. You will better understand why different coffee beans can taste different before you put them in your coffee grinder.

Learn about the role of fresh beans

Module 07 covers the roast date and freshness. You will learn what to look for in the coffee you use with the Bambino Plus.

Look beyond just the cream layer

What to do at step 3?
Online barista module drie gouden regels voor goede espresso zetten

What do you learn about judging espresso?

Don't mistake cream for good taste

You learn not to look only at the crema on your espresso. The taste in your cup deserves at least as much attention as its appearance.

Online barista module branddatum en versheid van koffiebonen voor espresso

What do you learn about judging espresso?

Learn why freshness matters

You discover why the roast date and the choice of coffee beans can affect the result. That helps you not to immediately blame the machine for every disappointing espresso.

Online barista module drie gouden regels voor goede espresso zetten

What do you learn about judging espresso?

Assess what you actually taste

You will gain a better understanding of espresso without having to search everywhere for a fixed recipe. The lesson content itself remains part of the paid modules.

View the espresso bundle β€” €12.95
Ontdek hoe land van herkomst, oogstmethoden, branding en versheid samen zorgen voor smaakverschillen in espresso.

Understand your espresso better

"Wat bieden wij?"

When is the bundle suitable?

This bundle is suitable if you already use a Bambino Plus, grind your own coffee beans, or want to start with fresh beans and better understand the difference between appearance and taste.

Are you mainly looking for a specific repair, a technical fault diagnosis, or a complete walkthrough of the Bambino Plus? Then this is not the right promise; the bundle is general espresso education.

Why is this bundle right for your question?

Here's why you should get this offer:
Online barista module drie gouden regels voor goede espresso zetten

Understanding Better Espresso β€” €12.95

For €12.95 you get access to three paid online modules in the Better Understanding Espresso bundle. The linked lessons cover coffee varieties, freshness and better understanding espresso. The current product price has been checked in Shopify.

Discover Understanding Better Espresso

Online coffee courses for home espresso; no Sage manual or filter basket instruction course.

Module 02 β€” Arabica versus Robusta: understand the coffee varieties behind your espresso.

Module 07 β€” Roast date and freshness: learn why the coffee in your grinder matters.

Module 08 β€” The 3 Golden Rules of Espresso: learn the basics of better evaluating espresso.

Three paid online modules in one bundle; the introductory module is not part of the sales funnel.
  • Ontdek hoe land van herkomst, oogstmethoden, branding en versheid samen zorgen voor smaakverschillen in espresso.
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Bundle: Better Espresso Understanding

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What coffee lovers say

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About double-walled filter baskets, coffee beans, standalone grinders, and the contents of the paid lessons.

Frequently asked questions about the Bambino Plus and crema

Does a lot of crema mean my espresso is good?

No. Crema does not tell you everything about the flavor. An espresso can have a thick crema and still taste watery or flat. Tasting remains more important than judging by appearance alone.

Does the Sage Bambino Plus have a built-in coffee grinder?

No. The Sage the Bambino Plus BES500/SES500 does not have a built-in coffee grinder. You therefore use a separate grinder or pre-ground coffee. This makes your choice of beans and grind size even more important.

What does a double-walled filter box mean?

We're here to make things easy for you! Your first step to getting the right size is checking out our size chart. It's got all the info you need to measure yourself and find your perfect fit. We also provide extra details on each product page, like the model's size and fit descriptions. If you're still not sure, our team is always happy to help. Just send us a message!

Do I need to buy new coffee beans right away?

Not necessarily. First, look at what you already use and what you actually taste. Freshness is one of the factors at play, but new beans alone are not a guaranteed solution for watery espresso.

Will I learn the settings of my Bambino Plus with this bundle?

No. Understanding Better Espresso is a bundle of three general paid lessons about coffee types, freshness, and the basics of espresso. It is not an official Sage course and contains no proven model-specific instructions for the buttons, milk function, or choice of filter basket.

I have another question...

You can contact Geert-Jan the Barista here

Look beyond the crema of your Bambino Plus

A nice crema layer is pleasant, but ultimately you mainly want an espresso that tastes good. That starts with better understanding what role the coffee and the preparation play.

Check out the paid bundle Understanding Better Espresso if you want to master the basics. For the machine itself and your filter pods, Sage remains the recommended source.

View the espresso bundle β€” €12.95View the standalone espresso module

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Sage Bambino Plus: Crema but watery espresso?