WAKE UP AND COFFEE
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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.
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[mention]goosehd [/mention] we have an Isomac one. Very satisfied with. And nicely chromed! It is important[emoji16]
Me and my wife around 16 espresso by week + our daughter enjoy to make self few times in the week cappuccini & caffèlatte[emoji4]Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
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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!!
I always loved espresso, had an Isomac Millenium some years ago but was never happy with it. It needed a long preheating and the first shots in the morning weren't good. It's almost semi-professional, shots do get better when it's in use permanently. After some time playing with it I changed to V60/Chemex/Aeropress in combination with Comandantes and enjoyed that way of preparing coffee for many years and still do. Nevertheless had always an interest on espresso and was looking for machines from time to time. Olympia aroused my interest some years ago because I as well heared they are well made and quite easy to handle… I had a view looks at both the Maximatic and the Cremina at a local dealer and finally went for the Cremina. I have it now for 6 weeks and after getting used to it, testing different beans, getting the best coarseness, correct tamping and pressure on the lever aso. I am now very happy with it. Espresso shots are reliable good and it is perfect for Capuccino as well. I do around 5-7 shots per day. What I really like about it, preheating is pretty fast and it doesn't need much space. Regarding crema I get good results with 30 to 10% robusta. I use coffeee from a small local speciality roaster. The tank is on the small side, if you want to make a lot of shots in a row it might not be the best solution. It needs to cool down before it can be refilled. And yes it seemed to be very well build... ironheartish well
James Hoffmann did a nice review here:
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Agreed…I have watched more than one of his videos in the past.
@Chap @Mike_Lima_Papa @hajduk Thank you very much and I appreciate the information and help. I have waffled on making a decision on this for years…also did the same thing on a kamado style cooker and now can't believe I didn't do it sooner.
Love espresso and maybe this time I'll do it...
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Quick preheating is one of the things I like best about the Ascaso. The water is at temperature in 3 minutes and I can pull water to preheat the group head and be ready to go in less than 5.
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