I want to get my "new to espresso" nephew a used, under $100 espresso maker. I see Gran Gaggia, Krups, Breville, Delonghi brands - can anyone please comment on which of those brands makes a reasonable entry level espresso maker? Thanks
Real espresso makers are boilers under pressure and not cheap like a drip coffee machine. You also need a grinder to make espresso. You can get a hand grinder from Amazon for 40 (Hario MSS-1B Hand Grinder Mini Mill Slim)and a used starbucks barista (rebranded saeco aroma) for 60 to 100 on craigslist. There are often needing work but you can get lucky and find one that never got used.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Why does everyone recommend the Hario Mini over the Skerton, I'm just curious?
Also, you can find a used Saeco/Starbucks machine which is definitely a real espresso machine, though comes with a pressurized portafilter. You can usually find them for $70 or less, which puts it right into your budget. You can upgrade later to a non-pressurized portafilter and a nice tamper when your budget expands a little. I used several of these machines and they're quite capable with practice.
I think the Mini/Slim is slightly cheaper, and of course it has a smaller profile. I'm pretty sure that most reviews comparing the two (Slim v Skerton) rate them about equal inre grind quality though.
I think the Mini/Slim is slightly cheaper, and of course it has a smaller profile. I'm pretty sure that most reviews comparing the two (Slim v Skerton) rate them about equal inre grind quality though.
I just bought a used Gaggia baby ($99) and a hario mini slim grinder ($38) for traveling and it is making exceptional espresso (and lattes). Freshly roasted beans are crucial! John
I just bought a used Gaggia baby ($99) and a hario mini slim grinder ($38) for traveling and it is making exceptional espresso (and lattes). Freshly roasted beans are crucial! John
your post reminded me of a question i had a bit ago and forgot to ask. I read a lot about people buying a seperate machine for "travel". are you telling me you pack up and bring an espresso machine on trips? if so, are we talking bringing a machine along for a quick 2 day trip? 1 week trip to the beach, etc??
that seems excessive, whcih sounds about right for the forum, lol.
i read about someone buying a used silvia for travel. please help me understand, i hope i am missing something?
You haven't missed anything, it's all about perspective. You are currently at the beginning of your espresso journey.
I am on my 11th espresso machine, and have previously owned several steam toys, then a Francis X3, Silvia, Lelit with PID and now a Breville DB. I started with Starbucks and grocery store beans and now use only Blue Bottle, Intelligencia, and others that are freshly roasted.
At each stage of my journey (even with the $18 steam toys!), I was happy because I thought I was making the best espresso/lattes ever. But as I learned and tasted better coffee I upped my game. Now, I make the best espresso/lattes ever! ;-)
The downside of this is that I can no longer drink most of the nasty "espresso" offered by the vast majority of coffee shops. So, spending $150 on a travel espresso setup makes perfect sense. I bring it along whenever I am going to be away for more than a few days and there are no excellent coffee houses nearby. Definitely for a 1 week trip to the beach!
The good news (that I just realized) is that you can make very good espresso for $150 if you have the right technique and beans.
You haven't missed anything, it's all about perspective. You are currently at the beginning of your espresso journey.
I am on my 11th espresso machine, and have previously owned several steam toys, Francis X3, Silvia, Lelit with PID and now a Breville DB. I started with Starbucks and grocery store beans and now use only Blue Bottle, Intelligencia, and others that are freshly roasted.
At each stage of my journey (even with the $18 steam toys!), I was happy because I thought I was making the best espresso/lattes ever. But as I learned and tasted better coffee I upped my game. Now, I make the best espresso/lattes ever! ;-)
The downside of this is that I can no longer drink most of the nasty "espresso" offered by the vast majority of coffee shops. So, spending $150 on a travel espresso setup makes perfect sense. I bring it along whenever I am going to be away for more than a few days and there are no excellent coffee houses nearby. Definitely for a 1 week trip to the beach!
The good news (that I just realized) is that you can make very good espresso for $150 if you have the right technique and beans.
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