...as a well-built, cheap, semi-automatic espresso machine? It would be really cool if I could work on drink mixing and latte art from my apartment when I'm not on the job. I'm sort of new to being a barista, so I'm not too sure of what I'm looking for or where to look. I've caroused espressoparts.com and found some that were perfect -- with exception to price. Could anyone recommend some models, or places I could begin looking?

Views: 260

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

If you're looking for a home machine that is both reasonable in price and solid in cunstruction with the desireability of a semi-auto group, you might want to check out the Expobar Brewtus II. It has a two boiler system, which means that your brew boiler is not subject to overheating like the heat exchanger machines. It has a finger lever group, so can actually control preinfusion times before engaging the pump for your extraction. It has a commercial grade pump instead of a vibe pump (if i remember correctly), so your extractions will be consistent in terms of pressure. I would say, though, that cheap is quite a relative term in this world. You might expect to spend 13-1400 on this machine without a grinder. However, it's the next best thing, in my opinion, to spending 7,500 for a La Marzocco Gs3 with similar results.
No help from me regarding home machines... I still don't have one (prob. won't for a while either). BUT there is certainly a thread (or 200?) on this topic over at Home-Barista.com. I'd definitely spend a few hours wading through the stuff over there while you wait for our community here to reply.
Thanks guys, I check it out.
There is always the chance that you might score an Astra Gourmet. They are bulletproof and fairly easy to work on. They are huge, Think a half of a commercial machine. From the factory they are in a fair price range, eBay they are all over the board. If eBay add $250 and a few days work additional. Figure 45min for warm up and a few pulls to get all hot. 20 AMP breaker needed for the home wiring. They make a smaller one that is not quite so well thought of.
Chris and Brady are both correct.
But, if you do not have a quality grinder all else is useless for consistency and quality of your shots.
I've been scoping out a few different models online that might fit my needs, but a grinder will be essential too. All I've got here is a hand-held electric grinder for brewed coffee, and theres no way to adjust or measure a grind with it.

It would seem to me that you get what you pay for when it comes to espresso machines, so I may just wait till I have the disposable income for it.
Gagliardi said:
a grinder will be essential too. All I've got here is a hand-held electric grinder for brewed coffee.

A grinder makes espresso. All a machine does is make the water hot and push it through the puck. Small variances in water temperature and/or pressure are easier to work around than small variances in grind size. Get a good grinder and an Aerobie Press and wait for the machine. the Aerobie and a good grinder is going to make you happier than a LM GS3 and a whirly-blade.
It ain't ezzacky espresso, but it's good, and it has decent crema. My roaster shocked the beans outta me with a quick counter-top demo the other day.
Interesting. That may be the way to go then. Is this aerobie press a new thing, or have I been living under a rock?

Anyone want to shout out some good grinder models?
I couldn't disagree with Chris more on this subject. The only way to have real espresso is to actually have an espresso machine. The pressure of 8.5-9.5 bar is what really defines the pressurized fusion that is so different than other brewing methods. Having said that, it is very difficult to grind correctly for a proper extraction without a good grinder. I would say save your pennies and get a machine and grinder, but until you can afford that I would just wait and be patient.
You must balance. Good grinder + good espresso machine + good beans + good barista = good espresso. No part is more important than any other, and there is no substitute for any part. Your espresso will equal the least of these.

That said, a good grinder will immediately improve all of your coffee, in addition to being necessary for good espresso. Makes sense to buy this now and save for the machine.

I like the Mazzer Mini for a small grinder. Got one on the bar in the shop for decaf (big bro Luigi for standard). The home one is a Kitchen Aid "Professional" burr... ok for drip, vac, and french press, not sure about espresso.
Chris DeMarse said:
I couldn't disagree with Chris more on this subject. The only way to have real espresso is to actually have an espresso machine. The pressure of 8.5-9.5 bar is what really defines the pressurized fusion that is so different than other brewing methods. Having said that, it is very difficult to grind correctly for a proper extraction without a good grinder. .

First, you need to go back and understand what I wrote before you disagree with it. A coupla things, here. I did say that what the Aerobee makes "It ain't ezzacky espresso". What I did say was that you'd get better results with a great grinder and a plastic toy like this than with a great machine and a plastic toy grinder. Which indicates to me that the grinder contributes more to the process than the machine.
And, you can generate 8.5 - 9 Bar with the Aerobee. Does that mean that if you had water at 91-96C, and leaned on your Aerobee enough to get 9 Bar through the puck, that you'd describe that as 'real' espresso?

I'm thinking that you really agree with what it is that I said, but I wrote t in such a manner that you didn't understand how I meant it. It sound to me like we're both saying much the same thing here.
Well if price is an issue, I just may have the solution for you, we have a few machines, the good thing about it is depending on which model you can actually get it for free, only downside is you have to commit to the espresso for a 7month to a year depends on the machine, however you can just out right purchase the machine.I know we have a particular one Racillio, that is $100 cheaper than I have been seeing them. I have a few home machines myself The starbucks Barista, and the Delonghi, my next one I think is the Briel, or Rancillo.. Let me know if I can help you.. http://www.bod.intlcn.org
Interesting. I'll get back to you on that when I have time to look into it some more. You'll hear from me.

GODBOD said:
Well if price is an issue, I just may have the solution for you, we have a few machines, the good thing about it is depending on which model you can actually get it for free, only downside is you have to commit to the espresso for a 7month to a year depends on the machine, however you can just out right purchase the machine.I know we have a particular one Racillio, that is $100 cheaper than I have been seeing them. I have a few home machines myself The starbucks Barista, and the Delonghi, my next one I think is the Briel, or Rancillo.. Let me know if I can help you.. http://www.bod.intlcn.org

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Barista Exchange Partners

Barista Exchange Friends

Keep Barista Exchange Free

Are you enjoying Barista Exchange? Is it helping you promote your business and helping you network in this great industry? Donate today to keep it free to all members. Supporters can join the "Supporters Group" with a donation. Thanks!

Clicky Web Analytics

© 2024   Created by Matt Milletto.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service