Lets talk about COFFEE

[R.O. Thornhill]

I don't think you need a huge double boiler machine like the Linea Mini if you are making espresso only (unless you really want that La Marzocco commercial build quality/specs). The ECM Classika PID is probably the best bang for the buck. I'd also have a look at the Decent Espresso DE1+; that will really take your espresso game to the next level with all custom shot profiling and other cool shit you can do. Only downside is that it looks like a toy next to pretty much any other machine

Thank you! Have an ECM unit on its way. Will report back when I get it

R-O-T

 

[R.O. Thornhill]

Still settling in, but first impressions are very good - both on build quality and espresso-delivery

 

[cchen]

Still settling in, but first impressions are very good - both on build quality and espresso-delivery

This looks like the setup we had in our previous office...... but I never learned how to use it

 

[supermang]

Still settling in, but first impressions are very good - both on build quality and espresso-delivery

Looks amazing in that counter space with the led lighting! Glad to hear it's pulling sick shots right outta the box crate. Now go get a bottom-less portafilter

 

[Newcomer]

Howdy.

So, my wife has asked for an espresso machine for a "push present". In my youth, I was opposed to such a concept. However, after watching her carry my child for the past 6 months, I'm beginning to think it is merited. Plus, I am digging the permission structure that she gave me for an espresso machine.

Leaning towards an E61 machine of some sort. Something in the $2,000-ish range. Fine with going a little more, or a little less. Also will want a grinder, and understand that grinders are also expensive. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Just for some background - wife and I are huge coffee drinkers, and love espresso / espresso drinks when we can get one. I am the coffee-maker in the household, and am comfortable with a learning curve - I tend to nerd out with these sorts of things. I WFH, and so does my wife, so I am fine dedicating some time every day to making a drink (I drink 2-3 big cups of coffee per day). It will mainly be used by my wife and I. However, I want to be able to make more if I need to. We have a decent sized kitchen, so space is not a huge issue.

This sounds silly, but would like something that is aesthetically appealing.

 

[BigBadBernard]

If you’re drinking mainly ‘big‘ cups of coffee then you will get more utility from using the pour over method so spend your money on a good grinder and pour over gooseneck kettle and spend a bit less on the espresso maker.

I make espresso a couple of times a week and use Hario filters daily for pour over. Makes more sense then blowing out on an espresso maker and using it to make americanos.

 

[Despos]

@Newcomer
How do you make coffee now? Do you want to steam milk with this machine?

 

[cb200]

Makes more sense then blowing out on an espresso maker and using it to make americanos.

If a pregnant person suggested an espresso machine... my gut is telling me a Hario V60 might not be met with a parade.

 

[Newcomer]

@Newcomer
How do you make coffee now? Do you want to steam milk with this machine?

Right now, drip coffee.

I would like to be able to steam milk with the machine.

I had a manual espresso machine for a while and I loved it. Lost it in a move.

If a pregnant person suggested an espresso machine... my gut is telling me a Hario V60 might not be met with a parade.

Yeah, you are correct. This is the decision over diamond earrings.

 

[stro]

as i like to say on here and most places, i'm extremely uninformed and not to be trusted, but! a thing i greatly appreciate about my profitec 300 is how quickly the tiny little baby boilers heat up when i decide i need a coffee right now. and as much as i personally appreciate that feature, the lady to whom i find myself legally bound (and to whom my ~2 month old now finds himself physically attached) appreciates it even more.

 

[aragon765]

Right now, drip coffee.

I would like to be able to steam milk with the machine.

I had a manual espresso machine for a while and I loved it. Lost it in a move.

Yeah, you are correct. This is the decision over diamond earrings.

Breville Double Boiler and Niche Zero Grinder fits well inside your budget (diapers are expensive!) and is a pretty deadly combo for espresso and milk-based drinks. Then buy a cheapo pour over for your mugs of "regular" coffee.

If you prefer "Italian chrome" over the Breville "light industrial" look, you can get a machine from Bezzara, ECM, Rocket etc etc etc and spend as much $$$ as you want. But you won't get a better quality espresso than the Breville DB. Lots of good resources out there if you really want to go down the rabbit-hole at home-barista.com forums...