Giotto FAST R

Long time GBW user (came from Sette 270). My grinder is an Atom W75. I just made an espresso and took these measurements using the NIOSH sound meter on my iphone. All measurements taken roughly 24 inches from machine. Ambient background noise ~40dB (oven warmer was on), 32dB w/o Eureka Atom 75W: 18g

While deciding on a new machine, I was 50/50 between the Lelit Bianca and the Rocket Giotto, and I followed my heart rather than the comments here 😀 It’s been two months now. It’s a very solid machine, and I consistently get good results. No complaints at all. Pulling a good espresso is already a ch

At first, you should upgrade your grinder. It’s much more important than the espresso machine. Especially since the Rocket Giotto is a quite good machine but the Sette 270wi isn’t famous for good grinding results.

Not much compares to a proper espresso machine in my experience. The grinder is super important though. I got a used Mazzer Super Jolly and that thing grinds beautiful espresso and will probably outlast me. I paid roughly $200 some USD at the time? I replaced the hopper with a more appropriate sized

I can't speak for the original replier, but I use an Amazon Echo smart plug with my Rocket Giotto (and I suspect many/most E61 based machines are going to be pretty similar so probably as applicable to your Bianca). As mentioned by several people, you should look for a decent quality smart plug and

If he has the money and a really good grinder, why not. They have their reputation for a reason. If not, he should get a really good grinder and a machine for whatever budget is left. Alternatives would be depending on what he drinks. Only espresso? ECM Puristika is nice. Milk drinks? ECM Synchronik

I went from a Rancilio Silvia to a Rocket Giotto Evo to the Micra. All three of those I would take over my gf's Bambino. To me I don't care if the Bambino has more "features" like pre infusion when it doesn't actually lead to better espresso.