xBloom Studio Review - Good Enough To Replace Your Pour Over?

xBloom Studio* - geni.us/SnMj
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The new xBloom Studio promises big, can it actually deliver? Lets rip this thing apart and find out where it stacks up and falls short.
Can it take the crown for the ultimate pod coffee maker and automatic pour over machine?
0:00 - xBloom Studio
0:44 - How it Works
1:37 - So Much More
3:19 - Differences from V1
4:37 - The Scale
5:19 - The Grinder
6:10 - Retention and Exchange Test
7:05 - Espresso Test
7:55 - Limiting Espresso Edge-Case
9:11 - The Brewer
11:56 - Travel - Too Extra?
12:47 - Justin Complains
18:03 - Can it Replace EVERYTHING?
20:40 - Verdict

[@bitcoins3212]

I think this would be great for the office where time and convenience is playing to the strengths of the XBloom. I'll leave my home setup the way it is as it is part of my morning ritual. Great review-in depth and thoughtful critiques.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Agreed - especially with a plumb in kit this would be an absolutely drool worthy office setup

[@LightZone9]

I think it's pretty amazing for $499. I would love to borrow one and play with it for a week or two (basically enjoy the honeymoon phase) and then be able to give it back. Why? Well, the pods are going to be a deal breaker as far as price is concerned and when using my own beans, it becomes too complicated for this old guy. This was the best review I've seen on this machine (and yes, I've seen several Big Name reviews) and I appreciate how you brought the usability factor for your wife into the discussion. It's just reality to take into account how other members of the household will react to or be able to use a new piece of equipment.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thank you so much for this encouragement! I LOVE the nerd out factor, but the reality is there are more people that make coffee in this house besides just me!

[@andrewlucas3681]

A quick comment from Caleb from xBloom. He recommended setting RPM to 80-90 and adjust burrs to get in the ball park, then using RPM to dial in. Worked much better for me than just flat setting of 60 rpm and changes steps.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Absolutely. I could have covered this but this was a long review as it is. In my experience this didn’t super dramatically shift the grind range to give more headroom on the fine end, but it’s definitely a fun way to dial in for coffee geeks. Generally I ran rpm 60 for drip and 80-120 for espresso.

[@smalltowntexasbbqburgersbr1391]

Loving the design and build and you did an excellent job of explaining it to your subscribers. Looks wonderful in your space too! Thanks for what you do, you're making an impact in people's lives! - Mac

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thanks so much for this encouragement! ☕️💪

[@bbbo85]

First iteration with $700 was a hard pill to swallow as it was now in intermediate coffee enthusiast territory but with a built in grinder which those people have. But THIS... they nailed it and I want one even though I don't need it Maybe larger watertank? I hope they succeed

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s an absolutely fantastic brewer and incredible value

[@error.418]

I got one and have been using a 5 gallon tank underneath the table with my coffee water. It's been really easy, just bought a PE 1/4" tube, connected to machine, dropped into tank, done. You can use any bottle, really. Prefer a 1 gallon sitting on the counter top? Go for it.

[@cgomezmoreno]

Great review! Your videos have reached a great level, good job!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thank you so much!

[@barnee27]

I ordered this immediately after watching your video. Appreciated that you were willing to share why it's not perfect because it allowed me to decide whether the things it's lacking were acceptable to me. At $500 I think it's going to be a nice addition for my wife and I. My wife uses a Bambino Plus to make her latte in the morning and isn't one who wants to get into it as a hobby or chase perfection so I think we're going to sell the grinder we dial in for her machine and just use the built-in from the XBloom for her. For pourovers, she'll use the pods on days when she doesn't have time to make espresso and when I want a pour over I'll just use my own beans. I don't mind doing things manually but it's kind of nice to be able to get things set up and then walk away and let it do its thing. For me, the result in the cup is the most important thing so I value the consistency of a machine doing the pour exactly the same each time. Feels like XBloom is bringing the tech of a commercial machine like the Poursteady into the home at a consumer level.

[@QiliangXu]

one of the best reviews of xBloom Studio in my opinion 🎉 I like you always think from your wife’s perspective. Thank you for the insights. ❤

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

We’re a team! 🥰 I always try and review both from a coffee geek perspective and a “real life” perspective! We live in both worlds! Thanks for this encouragement

[@davidgalbreath3477]

I am kind of in love with this thing and waiting for it to come to the UK

[@jamesmeyer2365]

Great video. Just ordered mine. By the way where did you buy the cool coffee bean holder that used to weigh on the xBloom scale? I wanna buy. Thanks.

[@mlai117]

thanks for the great review! I think it's a great addition for someone who mostly enjoy espresso drinks but also wish to appreciate pour-overs without failing XD

[@themellowmelodies.]

Thank you so much for this great review! Can this make 2 cups of coffee at one time, or just one at a time? How long does one cup take to brew? Also wondering how you would compare this for example, to high-end Baratza grinder and a Chemex Ottomatic

[@purejoyproductions2962]

After watching this video I am torn between the Fiorenzato All Ground (1st Edition) and the XBloom as my coffee machine/grinder combo. I like how you can brew pour over coffee with this one and still do espresso just fine. I have the Ascaso duo but wonder what you think.

[@hemorrhage1985]

Is omni dripper 2 compatible with xbloom OG? .. it's good looking i just want it on my xbloom original lol

[@staccatos]

I absolutely loved the technicality and honesty you put in this review. I literally ran to your review video when you posted, and now watched it (again). Thank you for your content, you are appreciated. PS: You can NEVER get too detailed :) Cheers!

[@zachlandes5718]

How would you rate using pods with this vs cometeer?

[@siwatdkhowcharoen2394]

How can I close the machine when I finish my coffee? Where is the button? or just pull out the plug?

[@georgewachsmuth9201]

Well….when I had to switch over from a mouse to a track pad…..I hated it. It took years for me to finally ditch that extra mouse. I know this is not the same thing but my work flow and use of my manual coffee equipment has become automatic and almost unconscious, if that makes sense. But….if you look at it…its not really intuitive. Just watch when someone else tries to do it that isn’t familiar with all the steps. I suspect I would adjust over time…particularly if I packed away my other stuff. I love the flexibility and geek appeal of being able to adjust so many variables then developing quick recipes. All that being said….I doubt I will put away my kettle and french press if I get this. Occasionally I will prefer the thicker…”muddier” brew. Great review !

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thank you so much for the comment and feedback! Agreed, the flexibility and geek appeal is tops!

[@zyzda22]

Shoutout for Corvus coffee,my favorite Roaster in Denver area! Their cafes are top notch too!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

They are so great!

[@rizhall]

This was a very informative video, thank you! Do you feel like the grind setting is consistent per setting? Like when you did espresso at 3, did it feel like that 3 was consistent each time? I had worries since the thing is actually adjusting itself, how accurate the changes would be if I decide to grind for espresso one drink and pourover the next, and then back to espresso.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

In my experience it was totally consistent, even after making espresso, disassembling, reassembling and grinding filter and then going back to espresso. The setting was exactly the same and it pulled perfectly. There is a calibrate function I used as well

[@mikni4069]

Nice walk through… Yeah it did seem a bit a little finicky if you intend to get none pod coffee, I think all that personally would just make me grab my manual gear… but if you access for pod it dos add convenience, however that is so far only available in north America… I haven’t heard they managed to get European roasters onboard

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I’m not sure about European timing or availability on pods. But I can try to find out!

[@mtpastor4546]

I want to buy one, but the website mentions it is sold out.

[@RobJenner-rm8ch]

Super helpful vid, nice looking kitchen & great Canadian accent 🙂I actually just got the same studio in the mail. I've used it a few times and I'm trying figure out the steps and RPM's on the grinder. I haven't played with it in fear of botching my coffee, I just scan the pod (via the app) and pushing play. Any suggestions?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Honestly until you’re using the omni dripper it will likely be hard to make the recipes with the pods better. In my experience the stock recipes with each pod are all so good. You could drop the rpm’s down to 60 (they are likely set higher?) and it will slow things down but may give you a slightly clearer taste

[@RobJenner-rm8ch]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Cool. If I scan the card does it automatically set the RPM, grind, etc ?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

@@RobJenner-rm8ch it does, but if it’s the card that came with the xbloom and not one that came with a pod it will load a “stock” recipe that you can modify

[@sweaner]

This will eventually replace my Trifecta MB. Have you tried using the recipe cards with the same coffee bought in a bag?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I haven’t, that’s a good idea though!

[@pdxrunner]

Thank you for mentioning exchange in grinders. An problem rarely addressed. Zerpuck prep, Teddy, has the original version. When he disassembled the grinder to clean. It would not go back together correctly. He has quite a background and still was flummixed. Eventually evercame back together. Tempting, even for this boomer shot, old school guy,but no. There is a standard saying, never all in one. Not in audio, not in computers not in coffee. Too complex , not easily upgradable, difficult to fix.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thanks Jon, absolutely something to consider in a product like this

[@bacca71]

This was a nicely thorough review. Enjoyed watching it. If I read the brief display of coffee pod prices right, the pods are bought in packs of 8. That would indicate that a pod (cup of coffee) costs roughly between $2-$3 per cup. How do they keep the coffee beans fresh in these pods sealed in N2, CO2 or the like? Roast & packaged (sealed) dates?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

The last bag I got was resealable with a one way valve similar to premium specialty coffee bags. There was no roast date and I am not sure about nitrogen flushing, and the pods certainly didn’t hang around long enough to go anywhere near what I would call stale! Prices range by coffee. Hope that helps!

[@bacca71]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Thanks, those are helpful remarks. Appreciate the very fast response!

[@sf2189]

Curious as to what you are doing with the pre brew with your mini.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Generally I time it with each coffee so that once I get any beading the pause engages, ideally before it stops to drip. At 9 bar that tends to be in the 3-4 second range. As far as pause I typically only do 2-5 seconds. Just enough to help the puck saturate and avoid channeling, not usually a full bloom scenario. Hope that helps! The mini is great at lower pressures too but I often pull at 9 bar for testing purposes

[@sf2189]

Good to know. That’s what I do as well. It’s specific for bean roast level.

[@Foolsauce]

I think there is some way to calibrate the grinder, did you calibrate yours? Curious if it could get more range for espresso settings, because I saw Brian Quan choke his shot with a light roast, high flow basket and high flow profile at grinder setting 6.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Yes I calibrated, several times actually and the grind range was consistent throughout. I can’t comment to Brian’s unit but this was my experience. I did run my numbers by someone at xBloom and they said they were in line. 🤷‍♂️ IMO this is an edge-case but wanted to mention it regardless.

[@Foolsauce]

​@@DaddyGotCoffee Yeah, definitely good to know that there isn't a ton of space to dial in finer! Thanks for sharing your experience. I was starting to feel like I should sell my 078s for an xbloom, but I like having more range to play with profiling, long blooming shots, etc. 😊

[@Rpm1197]

Very cool but the moving parts and built in grinder make me concerned about longevity. I’m more looking forward to the Fellow Aiden as a pour over replacement

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I’m looking forward to reviewing the Aiden as well. Love seeing so many great products coming out

[@BensCoffeeRants]

I was thinking of getting it, but it's not available for Canadians (Yet).

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hopefully soon!

[@stephenthorsteinsson]

Great video, Justin. Thank you.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Of course! ☕️

[@BensCoffeeRants]

I think I commented the same thing on another video, people don't NEED to open their grinders and clean them out (not often anyway), I'll do it when I'm changing burrs, or if something seems wrong or off with a grinder maybe. But otherwise, fresh light roast coffee will clean out whatever was in there previously :p If you have oily dark roast or artificially flavoured coffees maybe you would need to clean the grinder more often, but I'm pretty sure you're not into those either! :D

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

This might very well be a me issue 🫣

[@BensCoffeeRants]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Yeah, you're not the only one though I see a lot of people are obsessed with cleaning their grinders. I'm like don't people have better things to do with their time / effort? :D Sorry for judging lol

[@6tuf85dyfu]

A bit disappointed with mine. Water temps won't break 87c at the spout, even at the highest temp settings.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Interesting - so sorry! This did not reflect my tests!

[@victorchong1557]

It's what everyone who does pour over every morning for their other half needs. Especially on days when you are not around. Just make sure you stock up on pods, after all, that's the only way for them to grow the business like Nespresso. 😊

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

There are xbloom purists out there who swear by the omni dripper only, and I agree with them, it’s great - until family life hits and you need a solution that is as simple as possible. The pod aspect of this is absolutely fantastic

[@xquadra]

For the same $499 you could get pretty much every cool gadget and peripheral to produce great filter coffee. Also, the learning curve needed to feel comfortable brewing coffee on your own, it's very similar as learning to use this machine variables with just beans and no pods. And if automation it's a thing you definitely need, get a good coffee maker and good grinder. But most importantly than anything else, please buy beans from your local/nearest roaster. The coffee chain can't handle any more waste as it is.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Many good grinders alone are over $500 :O But it's true for great pour overs, you COULD get away with a pretty affordable manual hand grinder, cheap V60 or similar brewer, and gooseneck kettle and cheap scale, all for probably under $150 USD.

[@xquadra]

@@BensCoffeeRants a conical grinder as the one found in this machine can be purchased for $200 in either Fellow or Baratza brands. I'd argue those being specific purpose machines might perform better. That leaves $299 for a scale, kettle, brewer, paper filters and any other gadget you might want.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

@@xquadra Those aren't the greatest grinders for pour over, apparently this one is more like the Lagom Mini which is I think about $550 Canadian!

[@derred723]

I have my eye on the Fellow Aiden. If that can be kinda brainless morning coffee it's gonna be a go for me. And it can batch brew.

[@markburness5609]

If your scales read to 0.1g it is likely the accuracy is most likely +/-0.1g and the repeatability is probably also +/-0.1g, so it is unlikely that you reliably can detect a dose consistency of +/-0.0g. Consistency of +/-0.2g is good, no issue there, but you need to use 0.01g scales (with reasonable precision) to measure consistency of less than +/-0.2g. Also bear in mid that beans tend to weigh around 0.18g each, meaning you often can't dose whole bean coffee to better than +/-0.1g - the grinder cannot actively know how much coffee to add/subtract each time to account for this.

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Great video very detailed in every way. For me I’ll pass on the Xbloom

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Appreciate this so much!

[@_Brewn]

Waiting for the EU Release :(

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

🙏🙏🙏

[@MedjoolingDate]

I would definitely take it as an add on once a white Omni dripper comes out hahaha 😂

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hahahahaha BRING ON THE WHITE OMNI DRIPPER

[@timothyj1706]

I actually prefer the look of the original xBloom over the Bloom Studio. Although the Studio model seems to have better features, I can't get past its plastic construction. I’m also puzzled by why xBloom rushed this product to market. Even though you mentioned the Studio is better equipped than the original, I’m wondering if this is their way of phasing out the original xBloom ?!?!

[@JOlsson01]

For that price, I suspect the grinder cannot be that good, and a good grinder is important for a good coffee.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Apparently Lance Hedricks worked on this version and helped with the grinder, and he's pretty picky about his grinders / burrs. I think he mentioned his benchmark was the Lagom Mini :O You can get really good results with cheap conical burr hand grinders, and this kind of thing like the Lagom Mini it's basically a powered hand grinder.

[@jonedwards792]

TLDR: It has a slight learning curve when doing manual brews that may confuse non-coffee nerds.

[@ilkzode1822]

Dawn of the lazy barista

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

👀👀🤣🤣

[@dabougi8063]

I am not going to watch the review (for the first time) and just say: no. I do NOT need another piece of electronic garbage. Brewing Filter by hand is no miracle, it is (quite) cheap without having to compromise anything (quite the contrary)

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hahahaha well if you’re not going to watch, I may as well spoil it! It hasn’t replaced my simple pour over gear. But it has made for a brilliant add-on for my bar. Sometimes I still just wanna reach for the kettle and v60, but this is still a seriously impressive piece of equipment

[@dabougi8063]

​@@DaddyGotCoffee I bend my knee. To just spoil the whole video is so adorable, I watch it three times now . (And I tell this small part of my brain that screams "this is reverse psychology" to shut up)

[@dabougi8063]

Hahaha...you anwer "no" about 35 sec. in into the video. Just like watching Columbo 😅