WAKE UP AND COFFEE
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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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James Hoffmann might be the best lad on YouTube even outside the coffee rabbit hole. I recommend everyone to watch his videos. What a legend!
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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.
Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk
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I know this thread is called Wake up and Coffee.
Here’s my „Go to Bed and Coffee“
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I have a somewhat primitive setup. Barazta grinder and a Kalita wave that I pour over ice in a tall, narrow glass jar. I absolutely love the outcome and the ritual of making coffee, but my wife has started indicating she may want a less labor-intensive solution, so looking into drip machines. I favor one with a thermal carafe, though ultimately I’ll be continuing to use my setup.
One of the ones she sent had an integrated grinder, which might be nice so I don’t have to remember to shift to a coarser grind for my pours over. I was leaning towards a Moccamaster with a 40oz insulated carafe or similar Brevile. Thermal carafe with good capacity and auto-drip-stop are key. Wife doesn’t care about coffee as much as I do and could be fine with a shitty one, but in case I ever have any I’d like to get a decent one. I suppose I could just get something like the Moccamaster and buy bags of ground coffee for her and maintain dual setups. Feedback is welcomed on the best path forward.
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@mclaincausey I have a sorta similar thing — I used to use a Chemex most of the time (also have a Wave and a V60 - collect em all! :D) but it's a bit tough when I'm making coffee for me and my girlfriend when she's over. So I got a Moccamaster and have been very happy with it. Another option that's a good bit cheaper and really is almost as good in my opinion is the Bonavita that looks like it was pretty much based on the Moccamaster. I had one of those at one point and lost it in a breakup, iirc. Decided to go fantz with the MM the next time around, basically out of morbid curiosity.
It's funny because my girlfriend has expressed wanting to not have to bug me to make coffee all the time, but she hates anything remotely mathy (which, early in the morning, I get) and doesn't jive with using a scale etc. I dunno, I get really into the whole meditative precision thing (and I am not at ALL a mathy person).
I can say that the models with the built in grinders are kinda disgusting. I'm not sure if there are nicer ones out there now, but I've used a couple of the Brauns that do that, and 1. they use the crappy kind of blade grinder that's really only good for spices 2. they're a total pain in the ass to clean.
Hope that helps! Finally I can say something of value in this thread
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Thanks man. Yeah the one she sent was like a grand and looked easy to disassemble and clean. Has flat burrs in the grinder. I am satisfied with my standalone grinder, and I think she pitched the thing thinking it would satisfy my needs while making it easier to produce more coffee in the morning since she has an employee now who sometimes has some coffee, and she sometimes does the deed herself and perhaps finds my setup burdensome. I did forget to mention my trusty digital gooseneck kettle as part of that setup.
I think Moccamaster KBGT with a 40oz thermal carafe is looking like the front runner and I’ll deal with any grinder issues if they arise, perhaps by maintaining whole beans for me and ground ones for her.
