I only need to make 1-2 double expresso's per day and ideally I want a machine that will produce an expresso just like the one that I get from Starbucks?
Would this machine be able to deliver what I want?
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,320 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Fri Dec 14, 2012, 3:31pm Subject: Re: Is this a good deal?
Starbucks uses super autos now so yes, this should give you a very similar tasting cup. Not a great cup, mind you and you would be surprised how easy it is to surpass *$. Also be aware that super autos are expensive to fix and prone to break down. Read all the reviews on amazon even the low ones to get an idea of the problems you could have. IF you still want it get it. If you want more then come back and post again after reading the links below.
Hand grinders are the cheapest: Hario Coffee Hand Grinder OE LIDO Manual Coffee Grinder OE PHAROS Hand Coffee Grinder Baratza: Prescio Vario(w) Used commercial: Super jolly etc.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Bazman Senior Member Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 2 Location: London Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sat Dec 15, 2012, 8:34am Subject: Re: Is this a good deal?
CofeeNoobie I will read the links.
Hi Jason, thanks for the info, sadly I don't know the coffee shops you mention (but will try to check them out).
My all time favourite coffee came from the canteen where I used to work, sadly I have no idea what they used.
I also like my local coffee shop very much and will try to find out a bit about what they use.
I will try to describe what I am looking for hope it helps you understand what I am looking for a little more:
I like the espresso to be fairly viscous, with a little froth on top. I like it to be almost sweet when you first taste it (without adding any sugar) with a good round coffee taste, but without being too bitter.
In terms of the big chains I like Eat=Starbucks>Costa (but its close)>Nero
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,725 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Sat Dec 15, 2012, 1:03pm Subject: Re: Is this a good deal?
I think Jason's point was more... (to put it bluntly) do you want to make really good espresso, or something on par to *$$ over-roasted, charred swill? My guess would be that the cafes he mentioned actually do make good espresso, so if you prefer what they offer over *$$, then that will greatly affect the recommendations you get from this board. In particular, if you prefer the *$$, then we won't deter you from getting a super-automatic machine, but if you want control over the process and prefer the opportunity to make great shots then we will try to sway you away from them.
I only need to make 1-2 double expresso's per day and ideally I want a machine that will produce an expresso just like the one that I get from Starbucks?
Would this machine be able to deliver what I want?
I own the ESAM 4400, and it is the only superauto I have ever owned or demoed (nearly in the dozen range) that can do a 2-2.5 oz, 24 second extraction. By removing the sheath on the steam wand, you can make real microfroth. It will far exceed the garbage any Starbucks peddles.
As usual, fresh beans and operator experience are helpful. That machine is a steal at the price.
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