WAKE UP AND COFFEE
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I'm also curious what people do as far as water goes… do you run a line into your machine, or just fill up a reservoir? And with that in mind, do you have a filtration system in your house? How do you go about keeping your machine in good shape calcium-wise? I know people descale them but I also just wonder how far they go as far as the water going in.
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I'm gonna pick up a Comandante soon, been eyeing one for a while. I'm also espresso machine curious but haven't been quite ready to take the plunge yet price-wise. Seems like a grand barely gets you in the game — I do know that I bought a Breville machine years ago that was expensive (or at least what I thought was at the time) but was complete dogshit. That was my first lesson that getting something simply usable is pretty costly, and then just up and up thereafter. Rancilios have caught my eye, gonna have to check out that ECM. Will follow along!
Comandante is the best choice if you don't want to invest in a machine grinder
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Which machine is that [mention]Chap [/mention] ?
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Olympia Cremina from Switzerland
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I'm also curious what people do as far as water goes… do you run a line into your machine, or just fill up a reservoir? And with that in mind, do you have a filtration system in your house? How do you go about keeping your machine in good shape calcium-wise? I know people descale them but I also just wonder how far they go as far as the water going in.
My Olympia has a water tank and I fill it with descaled water
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@popvulture @Anesthetist I totally get what you’re saying. Exactly that “might as well go for the real deal” led me to the ECM Synchronika. Yes, it is a lovely machine and I will never have to upgrade. Yes, it is completely overpowered in 90% of the cases. But in the 10% cases where I have to prepare multiple Cappuccinos and serve them all warm, I’m happy I got it.
I can second the testaments on the Comandante. It’s the Iron Heart of Hand Grinders. In fact there’s even a special version they called Iron Heart
With the “Red Clix” upgrade it is also well suited for single dose espressos and can save you some serious money over buying an electric grinder, without sacrificing on grind quality. In fact, that setup is exactly what I’ve been using the past 2.5 years together with my Synchronika and I really love it.
My dream electric grinder would be a Niche. Anyone got it and can report experiences?
I’ve only heard good things thus far.Putting in the effort of hand grinding also makes you appreciate the espresso even more. It’s a bit like going through a painful UHR breakin to be rewarded with fades.
Regarding water: here in Munich we have water with stupid high hardness. I only use Volvic water as a consequence. It has a rather “flat” taste, but it works wonders preventing scaling in the machine!
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Any opinions on Rocket Espresso? Found an open box at a decent price. Reviews seem positive.
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Curious as well. I've read quite good things about the company and the quality of the machines. Would like to hear any feedback that you guys may have.
@Anesthetist Are you looking at the Rocket Appartamento?
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Curious as well. I've read quite good things about the company and the quality of the machines. Would like to hear any feedback that you guys may have.
@Anesthetist Are you looking at the Rocket Appartamento?
Yessir, that’s the model exactly.
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A good friend bought an Appartamento few weeks ago and seems to be happy thus far.
From what I’ve read, you can’t really go wrong with it.
Apart from the comparably small boiler (1.8l vs e.g. 2.2l ECM Mechanika Slim) and the fact it’s made of copper rather than steel,
It’s more of an aesthetics decision here, I think. I love the side panels of the Appartamento, gives it a nice touch! -
I, too, am a home-barista-in-training and have enjoyed seeing the beautiful machines posted here. I've been working on my espresso setup (and skills) for a little over a year. Started with a Flair 58 and graduated to an Ascaso Steel Duo a few months back. It's not a "grail" level machine but it punches above its weight class for sure. Also have a Eureka Specialita that I converted for single dosing.
Anyway, I work in the coffee industry (roasting, packaging) and would love to answer any questions folks here may have!
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you people are gonna get me in trouble
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For the people who already have machines…how often do you make espresso (and related drinks) per day/week?
I love espresso, but don't know if I can justify the cost to actual usage. I currently have 2 healthy sized cups (large) of coffee per day (7 days/week) as does my wife. The only time I have an espresso is when I'm out in town and at the right spot.
I love the thought of having a machine and making Americanos, Espresso's, and Cappuccinos but have struggled with this decision for years.
The best thing I did was purchase a proper grinder and now grind all of the coffee at home. The grinder I chose was with the intention of purchasing an espresso machine at some point and these threads are a great resource for me.
You guys have suggested some great machines and look forward to your responses.
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@Chap Thank you for suggesting the Olympia Cremina. Doing some research has led to very positive reviews and individuals claiming that they are still using their 50 year old machines.
That speaks volumes about the build quality and is the kind of machine/company that I like to support.
How long have you had your machine? Any issues or maintenance outside of normal usage? Any accessories or things you would like to change about your machine?
I have found a few venues in Canada where I can purchase one and it may be the direction I take. Appreciate any advice and information about the machine that you can provide!!
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For the people who already have machines…how often do you make espresso (and related drinks) per day/week?
I pull 3 espresso shots per day on average. The cost of a decent entry level espresso setup is about USD1000, and mine was ~2500. You can expect to pay about $25/lb for specialty coffee beans, which comes to ~$1 per shot. Compared to the cost of an espresso at a cafe near me, each shot at home is $2 cheaper, for a savings of $6/per day. My equipment pays back in 14 months.
If you enjoy the French press/drip/Aeropress/pourover coffee you currently make at home, then the cost would be hard to justify. The equipment for those brew methods is much cheaper and they consume about the same amount of coffee beans per serving. Personally I much prefer espresso and Americanos to other brew methods. Of course, there are certain beverages that are not possible to make without espresso.
