Manalishi Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1 Location: United States Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Jun 28, 2012, 1:07pm Subject: Need to switch from drip to espresso
Hi y'all.
I'm here for advice on switching to a low-cost set up for espresso. I'll admit, I'm NOT a coffee snob. As long as it's not bitter and horrible (like Starbucks drip) I'm fine. While I loooove a good cup or shot, it's just not necessary for me everyday. I've been getting by fine on my cheap $15 drip coffee maker, and pre-ground coffee. Not gourmet by any stretch, but it does the magical trick of turning me into a functional adult human every day. Woohoo!
The problems is that drip coffee is giving me stomach problems- acid reflux, things of that nature, that I just don't get with espresso/ espresso drinks. I can't keep paying for these drinks at a coffee house or Starbucks. I'm in the market for something at home. It HAS to be real espresso, not just strong coffee, for the sake of my tummy.
I've got my eye on either a Mypressi Twist or a Handpresso, mainly for cost reasons. I know I'll need a kettle as well. Looking at a decent grinder but I might have to wait on it.
Any thoughts on these or any other espresso makers? I've read some advice on budget setups on here, but they are geared for those with different needs than mine.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,669 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Thu Jun 28, 2012, 2:18pm Subject: Re: Need to switch from drip to espresso
Get the grinder sooner rather than later, it will shock you at the increase in quality, I really do mean SHOCK you.
As for Espresso, the My Pressi twist has gone out of business and if you are quick you might get a deal on a old stock item on line or at one of our vendors, they are great little devices and they have just in the VERY recent time, gone out, it is a shame.
You can also look to a Moka pot, it is an espresso LIKE coffee. It uses pressure also and is the every day coffee maker in Italy. Another method you might like is the Aeropress, it makes a nice cup and is very inexpensive.
To get a TRUE espresso worthy, basic starter setup, new, (great deals can be found on used equipment) you need to think about $500 for grinder, machine, tamper, scale and possibly a pound of coffee, and that is the starting point, it goes way WAY up from there!
Please do yourself a favor and read our FAQ on how to buy an espresso machine. It will really help you to start to understand and to start to be able to navigate your way to something that will work for you. Like any industry, things change all the time and it is a little dated but the foundation is solid. Just ask us before making a purchase to bring you up to date. http://coffeegeek.com/guides/howtobuyanespressomachine
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Thu Jun 28, 2012, 9:47pm Subject: Re: Need to switch from drip to espresso
Wayne makes good points. Around here, it's grinder first. I do believe you can get plenty of grinder for $250. My suggestion is a "refurb" Baratza Preciso, $299 new, around $259 refurb, I believe. click here Not only does it grind excellently for espresso (conical burrs) but it is designed, like the Vario for easy, almost instantaneous adjustment to drip, van pot, press pot.
Many here love the AeroPress. It produces a 2oz coffee concentrate, a shot minus the crema, then ad maybe 4-5oz of water for a VERY taste Americano. The profile has quite a bit less acidity, so it is a nice alternative for those with sensitive stomachs.
NobbyR Senior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 1,608 Location: Germany Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Poccino Opus One, Ariete Grinder: Eureka Mignon Istantaneo,... Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Melitta Linea Unica de Luxe Roaster: N/A
Posted Fri Jun 29, 2012, 12:52am Subject: Re: Need to switch from drip to espresso
The Italian way to start the day is a caffè latte made with a moka pot like a Bialetti and hot milk which is usually not even frothed. Maybe that's the cheapest solution for your needs. You should, however, use freshly ground coffee, so you'll need a grinder.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
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