Over the past few years I’ve gotten a small handheld blade grinder, an Aeropress, a French Press, and started roasting my own beans.
The problem is that while some changes stick (like the grinder and the bean roasting), some changes just take up space (I usually use my Mr. Coffee over the Aeropress or French Press).
With that in mind, I’m looking for an espresso maker that is low budget, since I may not use it that often; but is still nice enough that I’m not going to hate espresso making because the machine is bad (ie: low pressure, low heat, leaks, etc).
Most espresso makers I’ve seen are a few hundred to a thousand USD; but since I’m worried I may end up almost never using it (or just using it to froth hot chocolate), I’m looking for one that’s around 100 USD or less.
While I expect you all have loftier targets for your espresso machines than that, I am hopeful if you don’t have any specific recommendations you can tell me what signs to look for that an espresso machine is of decent quality.
EDIT:
As you may have gathered I’m hardly an expert on coffee matters, so I really appreciate your help.
It sounds like for the time being I should stick with the Aeropress I already have and maybe upgrade to a Mokapot (or even a medium range espresso maker) down the line if I really take to it.
For what it’s worth, I did watch the recommended James Hoffman video and was able to make a decent (to me) cappuccino using the Aeropress and French Press I already had on hand!
Thanks again for all your help!
Side question, what’s your roasting process?
On topic: As others have said. Investing in a proper grinder may be the next step instead of an espresso machine.
I used to have a popcorn popper with the side vents, but that broke; so now I use a popcorn popper with the vertical vents and a glass chimney from an oil lamp. I usually roast through the end of the first crack, which usually winds up around Full City.
I have noticed a number of comments suggesting a new grinder. I’ve always had an “if it ain’t broke” mentality when it comes to buying new things, but I saw Costco had a burr grinder for ~50USD; so I may try to pick it up.
I am a little curious, though. How does that grinding method affect the flavor? I thought it just affected the uniformity of the grind…
Uniformity is everything my man.
A blade grinder will break your beans in random sizes. You will have big chunks with almost zero extraction (basically wasted) up to super fine powder that will get grossly over extracted (bitterness to the max), and everything in between.
A good burr grinder helps keeping everything “in the middle”, so you can get a much more controlled extraction.
I don’t know about this 50$ Costco grinder but if it’s electric, it will be shit. You won’t find any decent grinder, even straight from China like a DF64 for less than 350.
Your best bet for constrained budgets is a good mid-range manual grinder from 1zpresso. It will be night and day compared to your blade grinder.
The encore is great for its price. You can also upgrade the standard to the esp burrs. However, it does take up space.
I’m doing the frying pan method, I go a few minutes after first crack. Still, these beans may be too lite for an espresso machine that’s under $100. My personal pick is the ninja machine, I’m saving up for it.
About the grinder, you want to check reviews and various sites for what’s a decent one. I like the encore I have (ESP) due to easy cleaning and ordering of replacement parts.
I used a spice grinder (blade) for a while, but made the switch and can’t go back.
Blade grinders make boulders and dust. Save it for chopping herbs or something. Get a Timemore or Kingrinder hand grinder for just over $50 on Amazon. They aren’t the best but they are far better than what you have.
A good grinder is arguably the most important piece of gear in your coffee making set up.