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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 week ago* (last edited 1 week 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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[–] UTJD16 6 points 1 week ago

I agree with some other comments here that $100 won’t get you what you’re hoping for.

A better upgrade would be to start saving for a good handheld burr grinder (like an 1zpresso model) to replace the blade grinder. Your French Press and AeroPress will likely taste notably better!

If you do want to venture into good espresso, as someone else mentioned, start looking into Cafelat Robot or Flair. Both can make fantastic espresso at higher quality than semi-automatic machines of the same price point and require much less upkeep. But, for any espresso, you will need more gear (scale, tamper, vessels, etc.) which adds to the price. And all espresso machines will massively benefit from a good grinder.

Good luck!