WAKE UP AND COFFEE
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I need proper education on a good espresso machine….
What kind of drinks do you prefer (Espresso / Americano vs. Cappuccino / Flat White and other milk based),
how many drinks a day
And what is your budget?I could recommend you some machines on that basis then, if you want
I figured my question would be like “could anyone recommend a car?” [emoji3] I usually drink Espresso or Americanos, around 2 drinks a day, I dont have much a feel for pricing, is under a grand reasonable?
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Haha, I feel you.
If you mainly want to enjoy non-latte drinks, there’s an awesome option under a grand which goes by the name of Rancilio Silvia and is loved by many and for good reason.Great price point but still capable of producing exceptional extractions,
Thanks to a professional portafilter system with unpressurized baskets.
Without going into the details, I would try to avoid pressurized baskets.„The Nudie / APC of Espresso machines“ so to speak?
Another great option, which would probably be my personal pick < 1k, would be the ECM Casa V.
Also a Single Boiler, but with a more premium build. ECM builds exceptional machines!This would be „the TCB of Espresso machines“?
Both are not build for, but capable of steaming milk,
you just have to wait for the boiler to reach steaming temps.
That is the only disadvantage to a Heat Exchanger system.
But these are a tad more expensive, too..On another note: The grinder is equally (if not more) important than the machine itself.
Just like with cameras: A great body with a shitty lens will produce shitty pics.
A great lense can work wonders on an average body, though.Eureka offers some nice grinders at a great price point!
Hope this helps
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With coffee beans of good quality and roast and a good grinder you can achieve awesome coffee on many ways. Pour over, French press, Bialetti aso. if you want a perfect cafe espresso it is more difficult, you need a good machine and some time to get calibrated to her….
… and then:
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[mention]weftyarn [/mention] thank you for your recs and input, it is much appreciated. I have been using the Minipresso and oldschool stove top espresso makers but I want to up my game. I’m fairly proficient at pourovers, chemex, and aeropress so I figure this is the next big adventure.
As for grinders, I was using a Baratza but have upgraded to a Commandante and it has changed the game for me. I friggin LOVE this baby and although the price is a little shocking, it is worth it.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Which machine is that [mention]Chap [/mention] ?
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I'm gonna pick up a Comandante soon, been eyeing one for a while. I'm also espresso machine curious but haven't been quite ready to take the plunge yet price-wise. Seems like a grand barely gets you in the game — I do know that I bought a Breville machine years ago that was expensive (or at least what I thought was at the time) but was complete dogshit. That was my first lesson that getting something simply usable is pretty costly, and then just up and up thereafter. Rancilios have caught my eye, gonna have to check out that ECM. Will follow along!
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[mention]popvulture [/mention] that’s my line of thinking exactly. I might just save up and try to get something that I will enjoy for a long time, at least until my heart gives out from all the caffeine I take in.
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I'm also curious what people do as far as water goes… do you run a line into your machine, or just fill up a reservoir? And with that in mind, do you have a filtration system in your house? How do you go about keeping your machine in good shape calcium-wise? I know people descale them but I also just wonder how far they go as far as the water going in.
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I'm gonna pick up a Comandante soon, been eyeing one for a while. I'm also espresso machine curious but haven't been quite ready to take the plunge yet price-wise. Seems like a grand barely gets you in the game — I do know that I bought a Breville machine years ago that was expensive (or at least what I thought was at the time) but was complete dogshit. That was my first lesson that getting something simply usable is pretty costly, and then just up and up thereafter. Rancilios have caught my eye, gonna have to check out that ECM. Will follow along!
Comandante is the best choice if you don't want to invest in a machine grinder
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Which machine is that [mention]Chap [/mention] ?
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Olympia Cremina from Switzerland
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I'm also curious what people do as far as water goes… do you run a line into your machine, or just fill up a reservoir? And with that in mind, do you have a filtration system in your house? How do you go about keeping your machine in good shape calcium-wise? I know people descale them but I also just wonder how far they go as far as the water going in.
My Olympia has a water tank and I fill it with descaled water
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@popvulture @Anesthetist I totally get what you’re saying. Exactly that “might as well go for the real deal” led me to the ECM Synchronika. Yes, it is a lovely machine and I will never have to upgrade. Yes, it is completely overpowered in 90% of the cases. But in the 10% cases where I have to prepare multiple Cappuccinos and serve them all warm, I’m happy I got it.
I can second the testaments on the Comandante. It’s the Iron Heart of Hand Grinders. In fact there’s even a special version they called Iron Heart
With the “Red Clix” upgrade it is also well suited for single dose espressos and can save you some serious money over buying an electric grinder, without sacrificing on grind quality. In fact, that setup is exactly what I’ve been using the past 2.5 years together with my Synchronika and I really love it.
My dream electric grinder would be a Niche. Anyone got it and can report experiences?
I’ve only heard good things thus far.Putting in the effort of hand grinding also makes you appreciate the espresso even more. It’s a bit like going through a painful UHR breakin to be rewarded with fades.
Regarding water: here in Munich we have water with stupid high hardness. I only use Volvic water as a consequence. It has a rather “flat” taste, but it works wonders preventing scaling in the machine!
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Any opinions on Rocket Espresso? Found an open box at a decent price. Reviews seem positive.
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Curious as well. I've read quite good things about the company and the quality of the machines. Would like to hear any feedback that you guys may have.
@Anesthetist Are you looking at the Rocket Appartamento?
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Curious as well. I've read quite good things about the company and the quality of the machines. Would like to hear any feedback that you guys may have.
@Anesthetist Are you looking at the Rocket Appartamento?
Yessir, that’s the model exactly.
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A good friend bought an Appartamento few weeks ago and seems to be happy thus far.
From what I’ve read, you can’t really go wrong with it.
Apart from the comparably small boiler (1.8l vs e.g. 2.2l ECM Mechanika Slim) and the fact it’s made of copper rather than steel,
It’s more of an aesthetics decision here, I think. I love the side panels of the Appartamento, gives it a nice touch! -
Profitec Pro 300 might also be a great option for those looking into an affordable dual boiler!
Profitec is a sister company of ECM,
the build quality is top notch! -
I, too, am a home-barista-in-training and have enjoyed seeing the beautiful machines posted here. I've been working on my espresso setup (and skills) for a little over a year. Started with a Flair 58 and graduated to an Ascaso Steel Duo a few months back. It's not a "grail" level machine but it punches above its weight class for sure. Also have a Eureka Specialita that I converted for single dosing.
Anyway, I work in the coffee industry (roasting, packaging) and would love to answer any questions folks here may have!
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you people are gonna get me in trouble
