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Recommendations for first espresso machine (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/coffee

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Hi all, I always liked coffee but for the last year or so I've actually started looking into the brewing side of things. I've experimented with some good home brewers. My favorite so far is the Aeropress.

Anyway, I think I'm ready to get my first espresso machine. I'm a student, so kinda tight on budget. Around $500 is what I can spend on it right now. Can the more experienced people give me some suggestions? I'm happy to get a second hand machine if that's a reliable option.

Or should I just wait a few more months and save more money? Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Does your existing grinder do espresso? if not you may need to also factor that in.

Another factor is whether you're okay with a manual machine that can't froth milk. (E.g., Flair, Uniterra Nomad, Wacaco Picopresso, Cafelat Robot). If you're just doing straight espresso or you don't mind picking up a separate milk frothing device like a nonfoamer, this can save you quite a bit over a machine with a boiler and pump. However, the workflow will probably be more fuss.

For a full machine sub $500 I think a lot of folks go for something like the Breville Bambino or the Gaggia Classic. Some modding may be required for best results on the Classic.

(My espresso setup is an 1zpresso J-Max and Uniterra Nomad)

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

I currently have a Timemore C3. It can do espresso, but I'll probably need to buy something else later.

I don't mind having a separate frother. Honestly, I'd prefer it, since it gives me more modularity and I can just upgrade one part later if I need to. But I don't really like the idea of a manual machine.

Do you know where I should look to buy these?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago

Breville machines, anywhere you would buy a home appliance, probably, they're a pretty ubiquitous kitchen machine brand. Something like a Gaggia Classic you'd probably be looking at a distributor that handles them; there are several, but I don't know if any are better than the others.

You can definitely also find such machines used, lots of entry level espresso machines are given as gifts to folks who later decide they don't really want to fuss around with them.