Jenn312 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 39 Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Jan 28, 2013, 5:04pm Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Thanks everyone I picked up a moka pot from Target and ordered my beans and hand grinder online, hopefully it works out if not I will just do an emergency moka pot upgrade to either an Aroma or Evo. This thread has been very informative and everyone has courteous and helpful. Thank you all. :)
Posted Mon Jan 28, 2013, 7:23pm Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Jenn312 Said:
Thanks everyone I picked up a moka pot from Target and ordered my beans and hand grinder online, hopefully it works out if not I will just do an emergency moka pot upgrade to either an Aroma or Evo. This thread has been very informative and everyone has courteous and helpful. Thank you all. :)
Good luck, Jenn! I know we confused the heck out of you, but I promise we only want you to make an informed decision. Haha. Too many of our coffee stories start out with a misinformed buying decision that ended up being a complete waste of money.
Posted Tue Jan 29, 2013, 8:35am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
diggi Said:
.....ummm don't know what to say to this. Then why is your equipment list so long, including things like pharos, K30, La Pavoni Strat, etc, etc..... I know you'll have a 'crafty' response. I don't say this to insult, but to stress that your comment may seem to the inexperienced that you make excellent espresso with cheap gear. But in fact you have very pricy gear to achieve this.....
EDIT: I apologize that this came off so kurt. Not my intention. Again, sorry. I guess I just expected you to indicate that great shots were not the norm with this set-up without some serious effort, and that better equipment makes this task much easier, especially for someone starting out.
No offence taken, but the OP asked for the "cheapest new bare bones espresso maker" and $33 plus tax is pretty cheap. For those without an Aldi store in their area, this is a grocery store with roots in Germany. They sell limited selections of product - in fact most are their own private label products - but have good pricing as a a result. Crofton is their private label for home electronics.
This item popped up around Christmas and might be sold out in most stores but the area I visited is not exactly an espresso mecca so several were available marked down to $33. The portafilter is identical to the one that fits the Krups XP4000 series and does have the same double walled single and double shot baskets that came with my 2nd hand Krups XP4030 - one of the first machines I ever used. The Manual shows this product is supported by Electra-Craft, and it looks like a cheaper clone of their Espressione Café Minuetto.
I became handy with that old Krups so making something decent with this machine wasn't too hard. Having the non-pressurized basket makes a difference, but the fresh beans and grinder matter far more than the machine in my experience. Throw some steamed milk on that shot and enjoy.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Jenn312 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 39 Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Jan 29, 2013, 9:05am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Thanks I added the Espressione Cafe Minuetto to my next step list as well. I am not so patiently waiting for my beans and grinder so I can try my moka pot.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,317 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Jan 29, 2013, 9:55am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
It sounds like you found a good deal in an out of the way place that will be hard for most of us to find. And might not be repeated. Like the Oscars showing up at big lots for cheap. I missed that deal.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Posted Tue Jan 29, 2013, 10:21am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Jenn312 Said:
Thanks I added the Espressione Cafe Minuetto to my next step list as well. I am not so patiently waiting for my beans and grinder so I can try my moka pot.
I wouldn't give $149 for this machine - it isn't worth that kind of change. If you want to spend $149 then my pick would be something from the Gaggia line up. For $50 bucks more the $199 Gaggia Evolution is a much better built machine. This one is close inside to the Gaggia Coffee espresso machine. I have one of those and think that makes a good starter machine - it is a step up from the disposable units (my Crofton and that Espressione) in build quality and parts availability, not to mention it can make a very nice espresso shot too.
(Click for larger image)
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
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