I’m currently brewing in an Aeropress, and considering one of the lower end espresso machines.
But based on a few comments from James Hoffmann about him drinking filter coffee at home, I’m wondering if an espresso machine is something that people end up using every day, or if people are brewing with simpler methods and just making espressos when they’ve got time on the weekend or people over?
What’s your experience, did you buy a machine and it mostly just takes up counter space, or is it a daily source of joy?
I haven’t read every single reply but the vast majority say probably not.
My experience is basically the opposite of everyone here. I bought a refurbished gaggia classic for $275 in like 2012 or so. I use it daily. It’s not hard to use, and in fact my 5 year old can pull a shot all by himself.
There is a comment that for the same prep home espresso won’t be as good as commercial because the machine quality is lower.
I’m sorry but IMO this is 100% wrong.
As long as there’s nothing wrong with your machine, water, or beans, there’s no difference. The goal of an espresso machine is to supply 9 bars of pressure. The coffee doesn’t care if the machine cost $400, $4000, or even $12,000.
The reason commercial machines are so expensive is really twofold. Mainly they are built to be able to pull shot after shot all day every day for decades. The second thing is that commercial machines are pretty much universally multi group dual boiler setups where you can steam and pull 3 shots at the same time. So not only do commercial machines require the highest quality stuff, but they need 3, 4 or more copies of everything.
But again the goal of the machine is to supply heated water at 9 bars of pressure. The results will be the same in any machine that can accomplish this goal, the cost difference basically boils down to how nice the machine is to use, and what extra features it has.
The grinder on the other hand makes a huge difference. But, you don’t have to spend a ton to match cafe quality. A baratza encore will do the job but not well. Step up to the sette and you will be able to get close.
Lastly is the beans. Now this is an area that you will have to research, but I found a local roaster that mainly sells to local cafes and hotels, but is also is open to the public. His coffee is fresh and I really enjoy it.
The last thing is that tricky statement “for the same amount of prep.”
Cafes pretty much do the very minimum. Press a button on the grinder, get a volumetric dose that should be within 1.5g or so, quickly tamp, pull a shot, and move on to the next customer. I’ve even started seeing mechanical automatic tampers being used.
You on the other hand will (likely) be weighing beans with sub gram accuracy, checking the machine temperature, carefully distributing the grounds, carefully tamping or maybe using a calibrated tamper… Etc.
You will be putting in more prep just simply because you have to. You don’t have the equipment that cafes do that will make the process as easy as pushing 2-3 buttons. But that’s okay. If you enjoy espresso you will enjoy the process and it’ll become a hobby more than anything.
But that last part is the key. Are you willing or ready for espresso to become a new hobby? Yes? Buy a machine. No? Keep using aero press. Or do some else. Only you know what you want.