Best Espresso Machine??

[White Collar Boy]

Cf with the above, using a semi-automatic machine like a Jura/Barista Express/Gaggia Classic etc., a single-shot espresso comes out to 33.5 US cents (if splitting a double shot); and that’s using high-grade, locally roasted beans.

[nauti1us]

I'm by no means an expert/connoisseur in this space but I'm happy with my setup:

- Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine
- Baratza Virtuoso+ grinder
- Asso Coffee the Jack Leveler in place of a tamper

...and fresh beans from Espresso Vivace. I make latte's daily - coffee for me, matcha for my wife and it works as well as I could hope for.

I've been thinking about upgrading the Calphalon, but the step up would be to a $600+ machine and I'm not sure I'd honestly see the difference.

[Rock]

There are many very good Espresso machines available.
"Best" is a very amorphous concept. True Espresso machines (not Pod machines) range in price from the entry-level Brevilles and Sunbeams at <$1K to the top-of-the-range Slayer and Kees van der Western Speedster for around $15K.
Which machine will be "best" in a practical sense will depend upon what standard the individual is seeking and their ability to operate a given machine at an optimum level.
A skilled operator with a quality bean can probably get a good standard of coffee from a Breville Barista Express whilst a poor or inexperienced operator might get bad coffee from a Slayer.
Coffee enthusiasts will require a separate quality grinder which generally start around $400. and go up to >$1K.
Some people think that McDonalds and Starbucks coffee is great so for these folks a Breville will probably be satisfactory. Maybe a Pod machine also.
People that want to be able to make top Barista-standard coffee at home in a few minutes on an Espresso machine that costs less than $1K (including grinder) are probably going to be disappointed and should stick with buying their coffee on the way to work.

[encarter13]

I am a Gaggia fan.

[wiswrist]

Originally Posted by VincentM

For most people, spending a fortune on a Rolex is pure nonsense. But here on TRF, we can understand why someone would spend that much money on a simple watch. It goes way further than the primary intention of a watch to tell time.

I have to tell you that in the world of coffee, you can make wonderful discoveries and « travel » around the world.

But sorry to tell you that, you will have to spend more than you thought. Does it worth it? Without hesitation I answer yes. For less than what a DJ cost, you will enter a whole new world of discoveries. A pure pleasure for a lifetime.

And to answer your question, the best espresso machine is no contest Decent Espresso.

https://decentespresso.com


And you will need an excellent grinder. Get the best, KafaTek Monolith.

https://www.kafatek.com



And just forget Nespresso...


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I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a DE1PRO. Have you had any issues with yours? How's the overall quality?

[VincentM]

Originally Posted by wiswrist

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a DE1PRO. Have you had any issues with yours? How's the overall quality?

PM you


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[milov]

My La Marzocco Linea mini plus Mazzer grinder were a large investment. But after 5 years and over 15000 shots of espresso it has paid for itself and then some. A workhouse providing consistency and reliability. I know many high end espresso bars that keep a Linea on hand for when their more adjustable machines inevitably break down.

[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by milov

My La Marzocco Linea mini plus Mazzer grinder were a large investment. But after 5 years and over 15000 shots of espresso it has paid for itself and then some. A workhouse providing consistency and reliability. I know many high end espresso bars that keep a Linea on hand for when their more adjustable machines inevitably break down.

Looks great, nice setup!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Probably would not satisfy purists but I am very happy with Nespresso

I have two machines and they are great, convenient and the coffee is very good IMHO

Have to agree Brian although not a huge coffee fan, the Nespresso does a fine job, and IMHO anyone spending silly money on a coffee machine must be crazy.

[INC]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Brian although not a huge coffee fan, the Nespresso does a fine job, and IMHO anyone spending silly money on a coffee machine must be crazy.

I'm sorry in advance, but I have to response to this opinion:

"Have to agree padi56 although not a huge watch fan, the Seiko does a fine job, and IMHO anyone spending silly money on a Rolex must be crazy."



In my experience, the coffee machine is only the minor part, the major part is the coffee bean. Although the Nespresso made trendy the very old fashioned pad idea, but it's not a real advantage, as you can switch the pre-grinded beans in all the semi automatic coffee machines for each cup of coffee.

But to grind the beans to enjoy a fresh-presso against to a nespresso, you know, for me it's priceless. And I think, I'm not crazy just for this

[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by INC

But to grind the beans to enjoy a fresh-presso against to a nespresso, you know, for me it's priceless. And I think, I'm not crazy just for this

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Brian although not a huge coffee fan, the Nespresso does a fine job, and IMHO anyone spending silly money on a coffee machine must be crazy.

Respectfully, highly disagree.

Nespresso is like drinking battery acid! Padi i love ya and all that, yet a proper espresso / cappuccino takes more than the swill-merchant Nespresso (and Starchunks) lousy brew. Plus why limit yourself to whatever condensed muck Nespresso and other sell for their 'patented' system, when if you have something that can grind beans... the world is your coffee supplier.

Sorry and all, but hard pass on Nespresso.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by VincentM

For most people, spending a fortune on a Rolex is pure nonsense. But here on TRF, we can understand why someone would spend that much money on a simple watch. It goes way further than the primary intention of a watch to tell time.

I have to tell you that in the world of coffee, you can make wonderful discoveries and « travel » around the world.

But sorry to tell you that, you will have to spend more than you thought. Does it worth it? Without hesitation I answer yes. For less than what a DJ cost, you will enter a whole new world of discoveries. A pure pleasure for a lifetime.

And to answer your question, the best espresso machine is no contest Decent Espresso.

https://decentespresso.com


And you will need an excellent grinder. Get the best, KafaTek Monolith.

https://www.kafatek.com



And just forget Nespresso...




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I like coffee and have a Jura S8, works well for us. I think I would need to appreciate coffee a lot more to make this sort of investment! Really nice stuff!

[supernova]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Brian although not a huge coffee fan, the Nespresso does a fine job, and IMHO anyone spending silly money on a coffee machine must be crazy.

I'm sorry but that is a very short sighted comment, especially on an enthusiast forum! We all spend "silly money" on one's hobby or passion, be it watches, coffee, cars, food etc., doesn't make one crazy!

On topic, I'm moving to a new house soon and will definitely be investing in a nice Breville barista machine. I'm also coming from a Nespresso, which although does do the job for entry level coffees, I feel it's time to move up and on to a better machine since I do love my coffees.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by supernova

I'm sorry but that is a very short sighted comment, especially on an enthusiast forum! We all spend "silly money" on one's hobby or passion, be it watches, coffee, cars, food etc., doesn't make one crazy!

+1. Its all about passion for a hobby. For some, its coffee.

[subtona]

Agree that nespresso is not good coffee.

And good coffee can be miles apart from bad coffee, unlike watches where the difference of time keeping is mathematically negligent the flavor of good coffee is divine.

[The Londonist]

Jura (Swiss brand) is the market leader in Europe.

I have an ENA9 which is as compact as they do.

If you have a Jura service centre in your country, they often have ex-display and refurbished machines on offer at significant discounts to RRP so you may well be able to meet your budget.

[Hard_Six]

Originally Posted by milov

My La Marzocco Linea mini plus Mazzer grinder were a large investment. But after 5 years and over 15000 shots of espresso it has paid for itself and then some. A workhouse providing consistency and reliability. I know many high end espresso bars that keep a Linea on hand for when their more adjustable machines inevitably break down.

Have to agree with you on the Linea Mini. Incredibly reliable machine that produces consistent results every time. Enjoyed mine so much I had to buy a second one for the office!









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[uscmatt99]

If I was ever going to upgrade, it would definitely be a Linea Mini. Such a great machine for its size. That said, I've been very happy with my setup for years now. Londinium L1 (spring lever grouphead) and Kafatech Conical grinder. A bit of maintenance every few months and these just keep on chugging.

Coffee by uscmatt99, on Flickr

[dba]

When I'm ready, I'm looking at a DeLonghi La Specialista model.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by subtona

Agree that nespresso is not good coffee.

And good coffee can be miles apart from bad coffee, unlike watches where the difference of time keeping is mathematically negligent the flavor of good coffee is divine.

Concur, Gus.

Got one for my wife. Turns out, she only likes 2 flavors. Once I taught her how to grind to pour over and Aeropress coffee, she quit using it.

Ended up giving it and a bunch of coffee pods to my cousin. Nespresso has great customer service and at least consistent coffee, it’s just not good enough to warrant the price they demand. Now, they are trying to be even more up market. A thing they are totally not.


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[Old Expat Beast]

We use these Italian pods in our Nespresso machine. They have a much stronger flavour, with much more crema, and are about 30% cheaper than Nespresso pods. They make a nice strong cappuccino with the milk frother and taste great as straight-up espresso, too, if not quite as robust as the real thing.

[michaelodonnell123]

This:

[themast]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

We use these Italian pods in our Nespresso machine. They have a much stronger flavour, with much more crema, and are about 30% cheaper than Nespresso pods. They make a nice strong cappuccino with the milk frother and taste great as straight-up espresso, too, if not quite as robust as the real thing.

Kimbo was the go-to brand back in the day in Naples. If you find them, try also Caffe Borbone for a strong southern Italian espresso flavour.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by themast

Kimbo was the go-to brand back in the day in Naples. If you find them, try also Caffe Borbone for a strong southern Italian espresso flavour.

Thanks, I'll make a note. Kimbo still seems to be pretty popular in Naples if all the signage and outdoor cafe umbrellas are anything to go by, and Moreno, too. We're lucky that Kimbo in various forms is sold by both major supermarkets in Hong Kong for some reason, and some smaller outlets. I use it in my Moka Pot too.

[themast]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Thanks, I'll make a note. Kimbo still seems to be pretty popular in Naples if all the signage and outdoor cafe umbrellas are anything to go by, and Moreno, too. We're lucky that Kimbo in various forms is sold by both major supermarkets in Hong Kong for some reason, and some smaller outlets. I use it in my Moka Pot too.

Yeah, it is still definitively among the most popular brands but, put it this way, there is more competition now.

By the way I tried their ESE pods recently and they are very good.

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by Hard_Six

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are you hiring?

what water are you using? I assume the gallon back there is for the machine...

[R.bartlett]

I have the Rocket R58 for many years which Im very happy with

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by R.bartlett

I have the Rocket R58 for many years which Im very happy with

Same here. This is my third machine (Gaggia, Isomac Tea, and now Rocket Mozzafiato Type V single boiler). Double boilers are great, except when it comes to fixing things inside them jmho.

You guys have epic grinders, for the past 15+ years have been using the same modded (stepless) Rancilio with blades changed every few years.

[NYMike]

I was looking for a machine for quite some time.

For 8 years I've had a Quickmill Silvano and a breville grinder.

Amazing combo. The Silvano is an amazing machine with single boiler for coffee, and thermal block for steam. It's great compromise and the block works well for milk, while the boiler and classic type of e61 portofiler is amazing and consistent.

We have the Nespresso at work. No comparison in terms of flavor. Nespresso is convenient but coffee is barely drinkable. Plus it's filled with preservatives and fillers.

https://www.chriscoffee.com/products...MaAkZiEALw_wcB

Here's a Link to the Quickmill.