Help! Looking To Expand My Adventures


  • Espresso Shot


    I’ve always had an interest in espresso but without a decent espresso machine it’s been kind of hard to do any real experiments.

    So…I’m looking to expand my adventures.

    I’d like to get some input on espresso machines. My problem is that I don’t know where to begin, what brand is good, what to look for, or even a price range I should set for myself.

    I know I can research this until I grow old but I’d like to hear from my readers. Anyone know a thing or two about espresso machines that can shed some light for me?



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    February 5th, 2011 | Jamie | 9 Comments | Tags: ,

About The Author

Jamie Ferguson

From sunny Sarasota Florida, Jamie Ferguson has been drinking coffee since a very young age. Jamie is just your average jane who has a serious addiction to coffee, but more so has a bigger love for the heart, and the dedication that is put into growing, processing and roasting coffee. Come and join the adventures...

  • http://twitter.com/mikekarr mikekarr

    Yes! But think in terms of what you want to make and your absolute maximum expenditure. Basically, the more you spend, the easier it is. I really like my Expobar Office, the Expobar Pulser is a bit less without fancy programming. It is a heat exchanger, which I also like.

    • http://thecoffeeadventures.com Jamie Ferguson

      I definitely want to stay under $1,000. I understand the more expensive the better too.

      Mark from Kuma Coffee recommended the Rancilio Silvia which is a machine I’ve heard great reviews on. It is also not a bad price at $650. I’m wondering if that would be a great machine to start out on?!

      • http://twitter.com/mikekarr mikekarr

        I had Silvia for a bit and thought it was probably too finicky to be a good starter machine. Did you get the Virtuoso Preciso or the plain Virtuoso?

        Consider the Lelit machines as good starters: http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/lelit/index.htm or some of the Gaggia machines.

        Or, spend a bit more on a real quality machine starting with the Bezzera’s: http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/bezzera/index.htm

        You could buy used and save a good deal of money for commercial machine. I really do like my Expobar Office though, and the Pulser model can be had for just over $1k.

  • http://dailydemitasse.com Daily Demitasse

    I think you should begin with a budget then go from there. Some of the best home espresso machines can run $1,000-$3,000.

    If you want something cheap, get Mypressi TWIST

    • http://thecoffeeadventures.com Jamie Ferguson

      Yeah I guess the budget needs to be decided first and foremost… I definitely do not want to spend over $1000.

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  • http://coffeefolk.wordpress.com/ Matt C. Reynolds

    Hey,
    We should talk. I can advise you.

    The biggest thing is GRINDER. I’d recommend you spend at least half your budget of $1000 on a grinder, not kidding. You will never be able to test anything otherwise.

    Email me if you want more advise!
    Maybe I should do a piece on this for Coffee Folk??

    Best,
    - Matt

  • Marc

    Hey, Jamie. Don’t know if you’ve decided on anything yet. I’d been using an Ascaso Dream for a while (my wife sort of talked me in to that one at the time…it is a bit of a looker on the kitchen counter). Been learning the tricks of the trade on that one, paired with a Ascaso Steel I-1 grinder. The dream is a comparable machine to the Silvia, CAN make one heck of a shot, but can screw things up easily as well. But I was doing OK. ‘Bout half a year ago decided to step it up and found me a 2hand BFC Levetta (aka. la valentina) at 550$. Didn’t know what hit me. Blown away by the results in the cup and the easy of use and consistency of the E-61 group! I suggest you try and get a similar well looked after semi-pro-home-use machine to take care of your espresso. I think it will save you some bucks in the long run. When looking at grinders. Just recently switched to a Mahlkonig Vario Home (Baratza in the US). It’s a beast! Does it all, espresso, filter,… Perfect dose every time. Still don’t really like it’s looks, but lovin’ the way it handles my precious beans.

    Enjoy your coffee!
    Marc (Belgium).

  • http://thecoffeeadventures.com Jamie Ferguson

    Thanks Marc. At one point I did look at the Silvia as a starting point but then I realized that I’m just going to get a decent espresso machine instead of a cheaper one to start off on. I am looking into the QuickMill Alexia. It’s a little more than the Alexia but it will be better in the long run.

    I’m all set on grinders too. I own a Nemox Lux Plus and a Baratza Virtuoso Precisio. Both are great grinders.