Mess-free used-puck disposal

Thanks to its 3-way solenoid valve, the Bambino Plus leaves used pucks noticeably drier, allows immediate, mess free portafilter removal and reduces shower screen dripping after each shot.

Reviews note that brewing with the Essenza Mini is relatively tidy because used capsules drop into an internal container after lifting the lever, allowing you to empty several pods at once instead of handling wet grounds after each shot, and this reviewer adds that the capsule bin's solid capacity contributes to the machine's easy, low-mess maintenance routine.

Used grounds generally come out without much hassle, with the basket staying secure and pucks/grounds clearing after a few firm taps; a dedicated knock box can be an added-cost accessory rather than a standard inclusion.

When grind and dose are well dialed in, the machine produces relatively dry, compact pucks that knock out of the portafilter cleanly, but new users often see wetter, muddier pucks that leave more residue and require extra rinsing between shots.

Because there is no 3-way solenoid valve, pucks stay wet and knocking them out right after brewing can be messy unless you wait a few minutes or until after steaming.

Reviewers note that while the top vents help hot pucks release heat so they are less likely to mold, the spent puck container can drop down if you do not hold it carefully and the grounds can get gross or moldy if you wait until it is completely full, so they recommend emptying and rinsing it regularly.

Used-puck disposal can be messy because the basket fit makes knock-out less clean and the filter basket may drop out when removing the puck. A knockbox helps, but it is still a recurring convenience drawback.

The loose, rotating basket makes knocking out used pucks harder and messier than on portafilters where the basket locks firmly in place.