this post was submitted on 04 Jan 2024
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Depends on your definition of "expensive", but in general, (semi-automatic) espresso machine under $450 is probably not worth getting. Most of the time, Areopress ($30) or moka pot will make better coffee than anything under this price rage.
I bought an Aeropress a few years ago and absolutely love it. Then I realised that my cheap grinder wasn't all that great, so I bougt a $400 grinder. My quality of life is at its peak right now.
Dude. I found a working baratza preciso at savers for $11 a couple days after I realized the same thing and decided I'd start hunting for an espresso grinder.
It was the perfect confluence of timing, interest in making different style coffees, and unwillingness to spend a fortune.
Undoubtedly my best thrift store find.
Now I can get pretty much like 75% of the way to real espresso (won't get crema, but whatever) with my free secondhand aeropress and my $11 grinder. It's amazing. Another $15 for a milk frother and I'm making yummy cappuccino style drinks easy peasy
When your milk frother costs more than your espresso machine and grinder combined...
A chemex has been the sweet spot of reliable, easy to use and good for me. 30 bucks.
Pour over is great but lot of people like "espresso-like" coffee either straight or as a milk drink. This is why I recommended areopress and moka pot, both are great at producing small and strong drinks for cheap.
While I agree, and know that the coffee maker is just doing the manual steps, there's a lot to be said for just pushing a button and getting a coffee.
I got a "manual" Breville espresso machine (Barista Express), and honestly it's not that many steps compared to a full auto like my mom's Jura. I just have to move the portafilter to the grinder, tamp, and put it back into the showerhead. Meanwhile, my mom has to fill up the tank, the coffee hopper and empty the grounds bin every ~5 cups... Not convinced it's worth 2x the price, and I can actually make better espresso on my machine.
Cap