So I’ve been content, more or less, using a Moka for some years making espresso coffee. But with Black Friday coming up I think it’s time to try a well made but not super expensive espresso machine. I don’t necessarily need a built in hopper and grinder. I know the difference between a moka grind and an espresso grind (after my father retired from the restaurant business we bought him a La Marzocco machine so he could pull shots when the Italian gang came over), so I can do that myself with the tools I have.
I don’t need anything that exotic but I could use advice for a good poor man’s machine. I’ve been looking at the Rancilio Silvia, which seems nice, or the Profitec GO, but then I’ve read good things about the everyday Breville Bambino. Not sure though if any of these are really any good, or if there’s something in the $1K or less range better but not known to me,
I borrowed a bone-basic espresso maker from my daughter while she was pregnant and not drinking coffee. In several tries, I’ve made exactly ONE good cup of espresso. I can’t seem to manage the right amount and right pressure of coffee in the filter. Too much and I get nothing expressed. Too little and it’s weak. I now understand why people get automated ones.
My humble recommendation would be to upgrade to a great grinder as your first step. It’s not as sexy as a shiny new espresso machine but it will make a very noticeable improvement to what your current machine provides. Furthermore, a high-end espresso machine without the ability to benefit from consistent grinds will negatively impact its performance.
I bought a Eureka Atom Specialty 75 grinder with the Red Speed burr upgrade a few years ago and used it with my legacy Breville Double Boiler espresso machine. The difference in what the Breville produced was incredible. I attribute the improvement largely to my newfound ability to fine tune the grind and hence the nature of the shot. I briefly considered abandoning any notion of upgrading the Breville. Reminding myself that I’m an audiophile and never content to stand pat, I eventually resumed my pursuit of an upgraded espresso machine ultimately purchasing a Rocket R-Nine One. No regrets!
As you know, there are a number of other variables that play into the ultimate quality of the shot such as water quality/composition, bean freshness, tamping technique, etc. Assuming all of those are held as an acceptable constant, the grinder upgrade provides considerable bang-for-the-buck!
It’s a beauty, but it’s more than I want to spend on an intended espresso machine! I use a Baratza ESP, which is definitely a poor man’s grinder, but I’ve learned to get the most out of it, and that James Hoffmann guy seems to think it isn’t all that bad for the price.
Thats the key - understanding its unique characteristics so that you know what, if anything, to do to get the desired outcome in your next shot
James knows of which he speaks! I have some of his books and trust his opinions as balanced and objective.
You’ve identified some good candidates in your original post. If past is prelude, you can anticipate some tempting sale prices over the next few weeks. I won’t be surprised to see some late night posts from you after your purchase and the caffeine content in your system starts trending up.
I use a Baratza ESP, which is definitely a poor man’s grinder, but I’ve learned to get the most out of it, and that James Hoffmann guy seems to think it isn’t all that bad for the price.
