Beginner Espresso setup

[floydpink]

I also swear by the Macap M4

By no means do I advocate doing this, but after messing around with a Gaggia machine and grinder, I discovered this wasn't a hobby that I was likely to outgrow, so I went all in and bought the Macap and a shiny machine with an E61 brew group and have never wondered when I wake up if my espresso is gonna be good since. I'm all in.

[germantown rob]

Don't do it! Pure insanity to want to make your own espresso at home, think of all the money you'll be taking out of the economy. If people find out what espresso is supposed to taste like who will give all those kids jobs to act like they know something about coffee and espresso?

If you insist to get into this home espresso thing then take everyones advice and think grinder first. Single Boiler/ Duel Use will make tasty espresso, the cult like following of Sylvia scream this, but they will not be making you many drinks very fast. HX machines will take care of as many drinks as you want and you will never have to wait for the machine, learning the cooling flush with an HX allows control over brew temperature. Double Boilers won't make a better espresso shot then an HX or a PID'ed single boiler (which will cost as much as an HX machine) but many allow you to set the desired brew temp and will have enough steam power to froth a few gallons of milk.

Have fun researching

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by germantown rob

...take everyones advice and think grinder first. Single Boiler/ Duel Use will make tasty espresso, the cult like following of Sylvia scream this, but they will not be making you many drinks very fast. HX machines will take care of as many drinks as you want and you will never have to wait for the machine, learning the cooling flush with an HX allows control over brew temperature. Double Boilers won't make a better espresso shot then an HX or a PID'ed single boiler (which will cost as much as an HX machine) but many allow you to set the desired brew temp and will have enough steam power to froth a few gallons of milk.

Have fun researching

This is a totally correct, lucid and well thought out conclusion. This is the way it is. Wish it wasn't, but it is. 'Effin' A.

[germantown rob]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

This is a totally correct, lucid and well thought out conclusion. This is the way it is. Wish it wasn't, but it is. 'Effin' A.

I am all choked up, that might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I called Anne in to see it for herself and she just laughed, well I choose to believe it and I thank you Mister Moo'ffee (Master to us coffee wanna be's) .

Vic, I have a hard time with you backing me .

Sometimes waiting and saving for something you can have for many years of pleasure is worth it. I have had to many hobbies where I bought in the low to mid range to start and upgraded a year or two later sometimes over and over, this is just not cost effective. Coffee is simple in it's requirements, excellent grown beans, masterfully roasted, ground with excellent equipment, then add hot water at the temperature that works best. Justifying a grinder is easy for me but the idea that one will spend $900-$5000+ 0n hot water delivery is hard to get behind, especially when you consider this is an invention that is 70+ years old. It is to late for me but the rest of you thinking about espresso should run and save yourselves, let me wallow in my tweaking a profile to get a better roast for my 2oz of liquid amber(gold) and while I sit and sip and ramble on about the wonderful aromas and multitude of flavors take pity on my wife that has to listen to it while she tries to enjoy her cup.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by germantown rob

...Vic, I have a hard time with you backing me...

Hey. Who wouldn't?

[germantown rob]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Hey. Who wouldn't?

I really should read what I write .
I meant to say ...I have a hard time believing Vic would back me.

[pfm721]

Originally Posted by germantown rob

Don't do it! Pure insanity to want to make your own espresso at home, think of all the money you'll be taking out of the economy. If people find out what espresso is supposed to taste like who will give all those kids jobs to act like they know something about coffee and espresso?

If you insist to get into this home espresso thing then take everyones advice and think grinder first. Single Boiler/ Duel Use will make tasty espresso, the cult like following of Sylvia scream this, but they will not be making you many drinks very fast. HX machines will take care of as many drinks as you want and you will never have to wait for the machine, learning the cooling flush with an HX allows control over brew temperature. Double Boilers won't make a better espresso shot then an HX or a PID'ed single boiler (which will cost as much as an HX machine) but many allow you to set the desired brew temp and will have enough steam power to froth a few gallons of milk.

Have fun researching

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

I'm with Rob, but a capable grinder and HX machine will set up back well over twice your budget.

Not to discourage you, this is the route I went and am very happy with my setup. Expensive, but literally a lifelong investment so when you think of it being around for the next 30 years, you can talk yourself into it,