Learning, Sharing, and Teaching > Reader Recommendations
Espresso Machine
jonoliver:
After listening to MMM on Tim Ferriss' podcast last week, I was reminded of the fact that an espresso machine is a thing you can actually have at home. I did a quick search of the forum for any recommendations and only found one for Saeco machines, and it looks like all of their more affordable models are discontinued. Any one have a recommendation for espresso machines? Not sure what's realistic for price range, but probably don't want to spend more than $200.
Thanks!
spooky105:
Short of a manual grinder + stove top setup, I don't think you'll find something that will produce a quality espresso and last at that price point.
A solid burr grinder (Baratza Virtuoso) will run you $200-$250 new (I bought mine used on eBay for about $125) -- these are pieces of equipment that last and are repairable, unlike most things these days. Control over the grind size and consistency are huge factors in espresso quality...definitely not a place to cut corners. I've also used Hario manual grinders when I'm on the road, though my experience is only with French Press/Pour Over with these -- should work fine, but you'll be cranking for a while to grind up the fine coffee required for espresso.
Rancilio Silvia is a well-regarded, no frills espresso machine that comes in around $700. This paired with the Virtuoso grinder produces a top-notch espresso / latte / cappuccino (comparable to what I've had at your niche premium coffee joints). Of course it takes time and practice to get everything dialed in just right. And just as the grinder quality is huge, so is the quality of coffee you're using.
I reckon the payoff for a $1,000 investment is about 1 year, assuming you replace 5 espresso beverages per week per year at $4 a pop. After that, a quality cup is costing you pennies on the dollar (coffee and milk).
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com has a number of youtube videos that provide a lot of education and product reviews.
boognish:
I bought a cheap Krups espresso machine for around $50 a few years ago and it's been great to this non-discerning poster.
I use a regular blade grinder, and heat up milk in a stainless steel pitcher - works for me.
I'd balk at dropping $1000 on a coffee setup, but I suppose it depends on how fancy you want to get.
Rufus.T.Firefly:
I've been perfectly happy with our Mr Coffee espresso maker ($40). I like coffee and am moderately picky, but not on the connoisseur level. I suggest dipping your toe in on the "cheap end" before sinking several hundred dollars. If you really don't like an inexpensive model, you've only lost $40-50 instead of overspending by $100s.
trollwithamustache:
--- Quote from: spooky105 on February 20, 2017, 06:11:16 AM ---Rancilio Silvia is a well-regarded, no frills espresso machine that comes in around $700.
--- End quote ---
Oh sweet Rancillio! how I enjoy romancing you every morning.
Seriously the Rancillio is finicky about grind size. But with a good burr grinder and some experimentation you won't be able to go back to bad café coffee.
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