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What is a good low budget espresso machine? (Or what are signs to look for in a cheap espresso machine that indicate quality?) (self.coffee)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by MeatAndSarcasmGuy to c/coffee

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Over the past few years I've gotten a small handheld blade grinder, an Aeropress, a French Press, and started roasting my own beans.

The problem is that while some changes stick (like the grinder and the bean roasting), some changes just take up space (I usually use my Mr. Coffee over the Aeropress or French Press).

With that in mind, I'm looking for an espresso maker that is low budget, since I may not use it that often; but is still nice enough that I'm not going to hate espresso making because the machine is bad (ie: low pressure, low heat, leaks, etc).

Most espresso makers I've seen are a few hundred to a thousand USD; but since I'm worried I may end up almost never using it (or just using it to froth hot chocolate), I'm looking for one that's around 100 USD or less.

While I expect you all have loftier targets for your espresso machines than that, I am hopeful if you don't have any specific recommendations you can tell me what signs to look for that an espresso machine is of decent quality.

EDIT:

As you may have gathered I'm hardly an expert on coffee matters, so I really appreciate your help.

It sounds like for the time being I should stick with the Aeropress I already have and maybe upgrade to a Mokapot (or even a medium range espresso maker) down the line if I really take to it.

For what it's worth, I did watch the recommended James Hoffman video and was able to make a decent (to me) cappuccino using the Aeropress and French Press I already had on hand!

Thanks again for all your help!

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I'm not sure that a $100 espresso machine even exists.

My humble opinion is you'll be hard pressed to find something that's less work than an aeropress, let alone anything that takes even less space than that.
If you're just looking to froth milk, maybe just get an electric milk frother.

[–] MeatAndSarcasmGuy 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I didn't realize you could use an Aeropress for espresso! That would certainly solve my problem of trying making my own espresso to see if it's something I would enjoy/ do frequently. Would I need to buy a custom filter? The holes in the plastic seem too large to use it without the paper filter.

[–] KingRandomGuy 7 points 1 month ago

It's not "really" espresso but the AeroPress does make great small, strong coffees. There's a James Hoffman video on it. You'll want to use the inverted method (aeropress upside down, mug on top) for a short brew time, a large dose of coffee, and relatively little water.

IIRC I used 18g coffee, stir immediately after pouring 90g of water, then after 90s I flip the AeroPress + mug and press. You don't want to use a ton of force or you'll end up with a really bitter taste.