Jenn312 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 39 Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 6:54am Subject: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
After shifting through dozens if threads last night, I came to the conclusion that the Aerobie is not for me. What is the cheapest bare bones espresso maker that I can taste that will make decent espresso. I plan on using the espresso to make lattes and cappuccinos if that makes a difference. I don't need the machine to have a good steaming tip because I convinced my mom to buy the house a milk frother. This will be a starter machine that only needs to last 2-3 years. I do not want to spend a lot of money on something I end up not using. If I see I am using the espresso machine regularly I will slowly upgrade my set up.
Yes I know the grinder is key but I have decided to hold off buying one until I see that I will actually stick to making my own latte in the morning instead of running out to Starbucks. If I see a commitment by me for at least 3 months then I will buy a good grinder and slowly upgrade all my equipment.
SStones Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 203 Location: Canada Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Giga 5, ECM Giotto, Rocket... Grinder: Anfim Milano-Best Vac Pot: No :( Drip: Some $30 thing from Walmart Roaster: I buy pre-roasted.
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 7:45am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
All of the disposable machine manufacturers have a simple aluminum boiler with its own heating element, a lid. a steam-arm, and a group with a basket. They should range from $50 to $80, maybe even cheaper. A simple search of Amazon.com for Krups espresso machine gives us this: Krips_Search Search also for Capresso, and Cheap espresso machine. A Mr. Coffee one seems to be the cheapest I can find in 15 seconds. Cheapest?
Small Print: I do not endorse these products. I simply point to them as being cheap and expecting them to last for a couple of years. They will make espresso. They will make cappuccino. They may not make it as easily and as well as you hope. You won't be amazed by their quality, but you may be satisfied, you haven't wasted a lot of money. If it saves you from drinking Starbucks' every day, it will pay itself off in no time and then start saving you money toward a grinder and eventually a much more sophisticated, better machine.
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 7:50am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Jenn312 Said:
After shifting through dozens if threads last night, I came to the conclusion that the Aerobie is not for me. What is the cheapest bare bones espresso maker that I can taste that will make decent espresso. I plan on using the espresso to make lattes and cappuccinos if that makes a difference. I don't need the machine to have a good steaming tip because I convinced my mom to buy the house a milk frother. This will be a starter machine that only needs to last 2-3 years. I do not want to spend a lot of money on something I end up not using. If I see I am using the espresso machine regularly I will slowly upgrade my set up.
Yes I know the grinder is key but I have decided to hold off buying one until I see that I will actually stick to making my own latte in the morning instead of running out to Starbucks. If I see a commitment by me for at least 3 months then I will buy a good grinder and slowly upgrade all my equipment.
You're asking a question that's impossible to answer. You can't make decent espresso without a competent grinder, so the rest of the question is moot. I would choose starbucks over preground espresso any day, and that's saying something. You can get a Skerton hand grinder, which is like $30. And a Saeco Aroma, which you could probably find around $150-200. There's always the Mypressi Twist, but that's kind of in its own genre. But that's about as low as you can go and still make decent espresso.
Granted, since you're going as low as possible, you're going to have to put a lot of work into making a decent shot, which is why I think it's always better to start a little higher up than the bottom. I would suggest saving some money and investing a little further. You could always resell it, if necessary.
Jenn312 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 39 Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 8:14am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
TheSunInsideYou Said:
You're asking a question that's impossible to answer. You can't make decent espresso without a competent grinder, so the rest of the question is moot. I would choose starbucks over preground espresso any day, and that's saying something. You can get a Skerton hand grinder, which is like $30. And a Saeco Aroma, which you could probably find around $150-200. There's always the Mypressi Twist, but that's kind of in its own genre. But that's about as low as you can go and still make decent espresso.
Granted, since you're going as low as possible, you're going to have to put a lot of work into making a decent shot, which is why I think it's always better to start a little higher up than the bottom. I would suggest saving some money and investing a little further. You could always resell it, if necessary.
Thanks this sounds like a reasonable investment as it is within my $200 budget for both the grinder and machine. Like I said I don't mind upgrading the grinder within a few months and the machine later down the road.
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 8:48am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
Jenn312 Said:
Thanks this sounds like a reasonable investment as it is within my $200 budget for both the grinder and machine. Like I said I don't mind upgrading the grinder within a few months and the machine later down the road.
I'm glad I could help. Keep in mind that starting at the bottom means that you'll have to put some work into getting a decent shot. Make sure you're using fresh, high quality coffee.
This is a good suggestion. May I also suggest the Brikka moka pot as one to get. It has the additional pressure hold/release function that has had good reviews.
Len
"Coffee leads men to trifle away their time, scald their chops, and spend their money, all for a little base, black, thick, nasty, bitter, stinking nauseous puddle water." ~The Women's Petition Against Coffee, 1674
Jenn312 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2013 Posts: 39 Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 9:02am Subject: Re: What is the cheapest new bare bones espresso maker that I can get.
CoffeeRoastersClub Said:
This is a good suggestion. May I also suggest the Brikka moka pot as one to get. It has the additional pressure hold/release function that has had good reviews.
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