quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
Again, I don't own a Nespresso. But regarding saving money with reusable pods, here is an interesting article.
https://coffeegeek.co/en/how-t...o-reusable-capsules/

Interesting that he didn't comment on how the result tasted, I thought.

He does here: https://coffeegeek.co/en/revie...-reusable-nespresso/

"It will be more interesting for you, for the same budget, to buy an espresso coffee machine?"

I don't think so, Tim.

I suppose it may be possible to do it more inexpensively than I have. I didn't go top-drawer, but neither did I go for the very bottom of the pack. The reason is simple: I was looking for the most economical way to have reasonably good odds of experiencing success.

My espresso machine, a Breville the Bambino Plus, cost $500. My grinder, a Baratza Verio, nearly that. Add to that a tamper/distributor, which eases the task of executing consistent distribution and tamping in a portafilter, and a knock box, and you're talking slightly north of $1,000.

The DeLongi Dedica, mentioned earlier, would cost $350. A Baratza Virtuoso (grinder), which is just barely adequate for espresso: $250. There's $600, right there. Add the incidentals I mentioned, above, and you'd be up around $650.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
"It will be more interesting for you, for the same budget, to buy an espresso coffee machine?"

I don't think so, Tim.

FWIW he's French and used a translating app to convert his review and comments into English. So some nuances have been lost.

So here I am, about two months after I ordered our Breville the Bambino Plus espresso machine, about 2-1/2 weeks since acquiring our Baratza Vario grinder, and about $1k lighter in the wallet.

Was it worth it?

To me it has been. It's taken me a lot of trial and error to actually begin to produce good espresso. A couple of times I thought to myself "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." But I've finally gotten to the point I'm pulling tasty shots consistently. Is is as good as what an accomplished barista might produce? Dunno. But it's damn good to my taste

Here's the thing: If you want "fast and easy," and particularly if you don't want to spend a lot of money: Espresso is probably not for you. Probably best to stick with something like a Nespresso machine and be, if not happy, at least content.

But if you've got the wherewithal and enjoy exploration/experimentation, then have at it. It'll probably be worth it.

Caution! Side effect of learning to love espresso: A cup of "Americano"-style coffee from a drip brewer, Aeropress, pour-over, or what-have-you may not do it for you anymore. It takes as much coffee to pull a 2 oz. espresso as it does a 5 oz. "Americano," and, naturally, the former doesn't last as long in the cup. Thus you will double or triple your coffee consumption and economical beans with unknown roast dates won't do it for you anymore.

You have been warned

So, aficionados and hobbyists would find espresso machines a good pursuit. But someone who just simply wants a nice cuppa would probably do well enough with the likes of a Nespresso machine?

I made a good choice I guess. I've found a good handful of pods that I like and gives me some variety. For now at least.

My problem is that it's too easy now to make a decent cuppa that I'm drinking much more coffee. There's no wait or cleanup. Just press a button. And BAM, there goes $1. There may be an argument that espresso machines may be more cost effective / limiting than Nespresso.

About three months into my espresso adventure, and adventure it's been. I kind of liken it to my last new hobby: Golf. Just about the time you think you've had an epiphany, that you're finally on your way to pulling good shots consistently, something goes awry and you begin to wonder if this was such a good idea

With golf, if you're paying attention, you'll eventually learn what really works and what is really just fool's gold. Same with espresso. With golf you'll sometimes make a correction, try something new, only to later find out all you did was put a band aid over the real problem and introduce another in the process. Same with espresso.

All that being said: I think I'm finally getting the hang of the espresso thing

I will say this: If you truly want to make true espresso at home, understand that you're embarking upon a hobby. As with any hobby, good results will not likely come either easily, quickly, or inexpensively.