Like to get an Expresso machine

I would like to get an Espresso machine. I had a specialty coffee shop within walking distance at work (Georgio’s in Farmingdale). Now retired, I miss my expresso, especially when I need that 2 PM pick-me-up.

Two major questions:

1) What are the better brands? Being retired, I can’t afford big bucks on a machine. So please recommend more moderately priced machines.

2) I have been looking on Facebook Market place. If I do try to save on a Expresso machine, what should I look for to make sure I don’t get a lemon.

Anything else you want to share; I would love to read it.

 

Does it have to be espresso or would a cheap bialetti moka suffice?

 

Not trying to be a dick, as I legitimately think it'll help you find more of them, but there is no X in it. It's espresso. I know jack all about the machines, though, so I can't help you there. Hopefully you can find some good listings.

 

Not sure if you want to pull real shots or you would be good with Nespresso type coffee plus the ability to steam milk.

Bought my wife one of these recently and we like it. Brew a whole pot, Keurig cups for a single cup, or use Nespresso pods for more options.
https://www.cuisinart.com/coffee-center-barista-bar-4-in-1-coffeemaker/SS-4N1.html

 

I highly suggest a Rancilio Silvia and the Rancilio Rocky grinder. I've had one for about 22 years, and it is as pro-grade as you can get without spending more than a grand. I got my first machine in 1995 (starter marriage wedding gift that I wore out by 2001) and when it became less-than-reliable, I got the Rancilio Silvia. I would skip getting the grinder with the built-in doser. That's just a mess. Never got around to roasting my own beans, but I can pull a damned good shot of espresso with the Rancilio. We don't use it much anymore, mostly because the wife wanted the counter space back.

I can make better espresso than I can get at any Starbucks or coffee place (and there's a ton of them in Oregon).

Ok, just looked at the current pricing on a Silvia, and they're more than double the cost I paid for ours in 2002. They do have a new grinder called the STILE that is around $600. I suggest looking at some of the specialty dealers in the Pacific Northwest, as they'll have machines that were used commercially that were repo'ed or traded in for a good deal. I wouldn't bother with one that requires plumbing into your water line. If you don't care to bother with experimenting with the grind and different roasts, I would suggest an Automatic machine.

I've not really looked at replacing our unit for quite some time, and my information is a bit dated. I'm sure what I have suggested is way more than most people would want to spend.

 

Breville!
We have the Bambo Plus and it works greats.

 

What’re your thoughts on the manual lever hand press jobbies?

 

Never used one.

I had an Estro Vapore (Saeco unit carried by Starbucks) and then the Rancilio. I liked the Estro because the portafilter was adjustable, so you could compensate for the grind/roast without too much hassle, just move the handle one way or the other. Ideally a shot (typically a double) would take 25-30 seconds with a nice layer of crema at the top. Properly pulled shots look like a miniature glass of Guiness Stout. Too fast, and it's just hot brown water, too slow and the shot will get bitter before it is done pulling.

When my wife went to work much later than the 2AM start she has now, I would get up with her and make her a latte. Had all the flavored syrups she liked, and the solo hot beverage cups/lids we sourced at a supply store. Around the holidays, it got used for Eggnog lattes daily.

 

We have the Breville Barista Express....love this lil machine. You'll want a calibrated tamper and leveler/distributor if you don't get an automatic machine.

 

I’m no coffee aficionado, but I have had the same machine now for about a year. Actually it is my second one as my youngest took the first one to university last year. They come up on Amazon on sale (soon) for about CAN$700 which is about $250 off the regular price. I recently saw one on FB marketplace for $200.
It’s easy to use and maintain, and if you get a good quality bean/roast, the coffee is better than most places I’ve been for a fraction of the cost. A small latte at a local speciality shop that roasts their own beans is $5.50. Ridiculous!

 

We have a Nespresso. Wife loves it. I could care less since I just drink coffee but it does work well and makes good espresso/capuccino

 

We have this, we use it occasionally, does a pretty good job and was not expensive. Follow directions and it does a pretty good cappuccino.

 

Reading a few reviews, this seems like a good option. As espresso maker go, not too expensive. I’m on a budget. Some people a real experts and weight their beans. I might have to consider a scale. But first I must get a maker.

If I understand correctly, is relatively easy to use.

If getting one on Facebook Marketplace, what can go wrong with a used unit?

 

I’ve been into espresso for a long time. You’d be best served by browsing www.home-barista.com

 

If you are going w/a machine, search for something pump driven... You want pressure from the machine 'pushing' through the tamp rather than steam or hot water 'dripping' through

If you have more time than money, or would just like the process of being able to manually prepare your shots, some of the manual hand units will produce phenomenal shots of espresso; they are just much more involved and a bit slower of a process than pushing a button on a manual machine.

A pump driven, semi-automatic machine is a good compromise between fully auto and produced by hand. If you're on a budget this may be a good option for you as you can get some really great machines at a fair price that will pull awesome shots. However, the trade off is that you control the tamp (putting the ground espresso into the portafilter and compressing it properly) and handle more steps in the process. If your tamp isn't consistent or the grind of your beans isn't consistent, your espresso shots won't come out consistently either.

If you are anywhere near a Sur La Table or Crate and Barrel (most major metro areas), they'll have a ginormous selection of machines and most will allow you to pull shots from their displays to sample and see the machines' various operations, etc...

SeattleCoffeeGear is a great store to learn about what makes the machines good vs. better vs. superior... They have a lot of information about grinders, frothers and other gear and accessories for the world of espresso making and probably do a much better job explaining it than I ever could. They are not cheap, but have some very good products that aren't outrageously priced. Even if you don't purchase from them, they are a great resource for learning about the various styles of machines and will give you a good idea of what to look for as you begin your quest...

https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/collections/espresso-machines

Just as important as the espresso maker/machine are the beans and the grinder...

The experience of choosing from a variety of available whole bean options is a lot of the fun of doing it at home. You don't have to use 'espresso' beans to make espresso... Any bean will work, it's about the grind. Some of the best espresso shots I have ever made at home came from 'non-espresso labeled' coffee beans, but for me, I do prefer a darker roast; many coffee shops and folks are now trending toward lighter roasts and fruitier flavor profiles (which I don't care for)... but it's all subjective. Bottom line, don't be afraid to explore...

Always grind your own beans at home and do so just before using them; this will produce the most flavor, aromas, and richness in your espresso shots as the 'grind' will not have time to dry out and the oils will be freshly released and incorporated w/the 'pull'.

Ok, let's talk grinders as they are super important. You're going to want to invest in a good bean grinder; it's truly the foundation of any coffee you produce (at least in terms of the work and effort you are putting into the final product)... Beans are important, how the beans are roasted is important, but the 'grind' is YOUR first true step in the process of creating whatever the perfect shot of espresso is to you...

You'll want to find a conical shaped burr grinder (ceramic is preferable but stainless will work also). The contrast to this (and what you should look to avoid) is a traditional blade grinder, which are usually found anywhere that sells small appliances for $20 bucks or so. So, what's the difference???

A traditional blade grinder acts more like a food processors and 'chops/dices' the beans; as the blades spin super fast they basically obliterate the beans similarly to what a food processor or blender does to ingredients.

Whereas a burr grinder 'crushes' the beans without 'processing' them giving you the best possible flavor, aromatics and oils; this technique is similar to using a mortar and pestle to 'crush' spices and such in lieu of obliterating them in a food processor or a blade style grinder.

Here's a fairly economical conical burr grinder that is relatively inexpensive for what it is and would work well....

https://www.bodum.com/us/en/11750-0..._NV4gG4vMBxwWq2L8LhkwOQaRhOQLsv8aAsnfEALw_wcB

...other options include OXO's version at about $100, and they go up from there... If you're willing to grind manually (hand crank) you can get a nice grinder under $50, but it takes a while to grind enough with the small hand units.

Final topic (I promise) is the 'frother'... Not sure if you're looking to make cappuccinos, mochas, lattes and such or just looking to enjoy shots of espresso. However, if you are looking to create some of the other options that require steaming or frothing of milk, I would suggest buying a stand alone frothing device, as most of the espresso machines that have them as attachments are okay at best... plus you're now picking your machine based on other options when you should focus solely on its ability to produce quality espresso shots (not in how well it does 5 other things)...

Here's one option for about $30....

$35 Instant Pot Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, 10oz/295ml Automatic Hot and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, From the Makers of Instant 500W, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-140-6001-01-Milk-Frother/dp/B08VJP18XN?th=1

Here's another from Bodum for about $60...

$60 Bistro 13.5oz Bistro Barista Electric Milk Frother, Automatic Temperature Control, Boil-Dry Protection, White

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H9L8GDD/

Well... I'm confident you'll find something that not only fits your budget, but something that will give you years of enjoyable service and adventure in the world of espresso

 

Why is it that I'm picturing you w/a custom Salvatore???

https://espressosuperstore.com/

Something like this...

 

Hah! I am a “leverhead”, but after a couple years of a La San Marco sitting in my kitchen I am so far beyond wanting a big commercial machine in my house.

Londinium Vectis has kept me happy for the last year.

 

Wow, I feel like I know nothing about coffee/ espresso now. I’m embarrassed about my Mr coffee machine now

 

Apparently, we have more in common than our passion for Tundras...

Had I known, I would have negotiated an espresso into our deal. Oh well, opportunities missed

 

That's me when I look at some of these threads of guys doin' full engine tear downs, custom fab work, engineering, etc. on their rigs....

I'm proud of the fact I bolted on some skid plates and sliders in a half a day, and then I see some of the work these guys can do and my ego gets ball kicked back reality...

 

Thanks! I reead it. But have to go back and re-read it agai to make sure I get all your points.

 

I know what you mean. The more I read, the more scared I get. I was reading about a DeLonghi, and they mentioned about all the maintenance, I started to re-think this.

“One essential aspect it demands is meticulous cleaning. This machine's intricate yet advantageous features mandate regular upkeep.

The thermoblock technology, for instance, ensures remarkable consistency in water temperature. But, the design of its tubes and valves is such that they can become a hotspot for mineral deposits or scale. Recognizing this potential challenge, DeLonghi has cleverly integrated an auto-descale function. While descaling is an effective way to counteract this build-up, the real secret to prolonging the life and performance of your Dedica lies in cultivating a disciplined cleaning routine and following operational best practices.”

I guess our trucks need regular maintenance. Why not our coffee makers?

If I had a great espresso shop near me, I think I just let them do it. I have a Starbucks, but their espresso….not to my taste.

 

On the whole, Breville presents some of the best price/performance available with any of their machines. You can easily pick a machine with what you are willing to spend and know you will end up a with capable and overall reliable piece of equipment.

I have helped lots of people get into espresso and I generally discourage them unless they’re willing to pick up a new hobby. Most people go to good coffee shops, enjoy the specialty drinks but get irritated with spending $5 or more every day. They look at expensive coffee gear and do the math and see that it can pay off in the long term.

What they don’t consider is the time and effort it takes to learn how to make coffee that actually tastes close to the quality they’re used to at their favorite expensive coffee shop. The machine and grinder are important, but your skill level is the most important. It takes a lot of practice to understand how the coffee tastes and how to make adjustments to manipulate it. I had a friend spend $6500 on some of the best equipment you can get only to discover that he didn’t have the patience to learn how to get a good tasting coffee.

Do you want another hobby, or do you just want a cup of coffee?

Of course this all depends on you. I’m a somewhat obsessive snob about everything. My Dad was perfectly happy with brewing charcoal (Starbucks dark roast) with a little sugar on a Rancilio Silvia for 20+ years until I showed him how good coffee could be.

 

You asked: Do you want another hobby, or do you just want a cup of coffee?
REPLY: Great question. I do not want another hobby. I was hoping it was not this complicated.

You said: My Dad was perfectly happy with brewing charcoal (Starbucks dark roast)
Reply: I can’t drink Starbucks coffee. I used to work near a specialty coffee roaster (https://georgioscoffee.com/) and they had the best beans. When I found myself needing a Pick me up, I started really enjoying their espresso. Of course, their machine was like $17.000. The point is they are now one hour away. I still would like to enjoy a cup of espresso. I am hoping the Breville bambino plus is a good choice.