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

submitted 1 year 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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[–] ColoradoBoy 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I absolutely love my Flair even more than a more expensive machines because you can totally geek out on different pressure profiles. But, I was describing it to a friend and he thought it was way more trouble than it’s worth. He wanted something more convenient.

[–] WFH 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Absolutely love my Flair too, but I agree, it's one of the least practical ways of making espresso. Dialed in, it's capable of producing incredible shots tho.

[–] ColoradoBoy 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Totally. I’ve kind of gotten into a groove with it, but other people think I’m a little nuts. It’s fun and you can dial it in, but there’s a decent learning curve to get there. Most of my friends see it and are fascinated by it, and then are like, “nah, I would never do that.” 😂

[–] WFH 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Most of my friends see it and are fascinated by it, and then are like, “nah, I would never do that.” 😂

Same 😂 Most of mine are like "This is some really good coffee, but I'm not sure it's worth it" too... Most of them are nespresso or superauto users tho.

I managed to convince one single friend who was an Aeropress diehard, he ended up buying a Cafelat Robot 😂

Spoiler alert, it's totally worth it.

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

Ngl, I don't really dig the idea of a manual machine.

[–] ColoradoBoy 2 points 1 year ago

Ha! Yep I totally understand.

[–] RGB3x3 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I have the Breville Bambino as my first one. Got it late last year, and it's been great. I have to tamp the coffee myself, which I actually enjoy and I learned to steam milk properly with the wand.

It took some time to dial everything in properly, but I can make some excellent espresso with that I have.

[–] AwakenedFinn 1 points 1 year ago

I'll second this recommendation, I personally want really good espresso with minimal fuss ( since I'm usually making it when I'm half awake), and the bambino fits the bill. It still required a bit of dialing in everything to get there, but now can consistently pull really nice shots quickly. I don't care as much about milk frothing, but from what I've seen it works well.

Only comment is that it doesn't have a grinder. Thankfully I had a good one already, but if your grinder is struggling with consistency it's going to be really hard. I might find a used barista express if thats the case for you.