First I'd like to thank the contributors to this forum. Because of it, I have learned mountains about espresso and am able to make a much better drink than would be possible for me without it. With gratitude duly noted, we can move on to the confession(s) part of this post.

Yes, I used to be one of those who spent $5 at least once a day at Charbucks, to the detriment of my wallet, and now I find also to my taste buds. Until three years ago I hadn't darkened the door of a Charbucks and didn't care to. Then, one day after my husband and I had a movie date, he suggested we go in. At that time I thought my eyes had been opened and I knew I had done wrong. I began craving the sweet White Mocha and became addicted to yet another substance. Through a series of unfortunate events, I am no longer able to afford the charry luxury and am grateful, because now I have learned another nugget of truth: I can make better espresso at home.

Enter FRUSTRATION, stage right. I must admit the beginning of my trials as a home barista (I use this term extremely loosely) were without the benefit of information found here. I went to the thrift store, bought a Mr. Coffee steam espresso machine (gasp), and being the cheapskate I am, followed up with a visit to my local grocer for some low-grade whole beans (bigger gasp). Since I already owned a grinder of the whirlybird type (biggest gasp of all), I was off to the house to make my first great shot . . . NOT. Because of my ignorance, everything that came out of that machine during the first month was the bitterest drink known to man, and no amount of milk/sugar could cure it. Thus, the machine was relegated to an infrequently accessed top cabinet in my kitchen because I knew not what to do. I gave up . . . temporarily.

During a recent visit to a friend's home, I was offered a latte made with a Krups machine. While it may not be the heaven on earth drink I read about on this forum, it was a step up from what I previously had made. Determined that the common man should be able to have good espresso and cappuccino, I went home and began reading on the Internet to learn where I had gone wrong.

FRUSTRATION meets DESPAIR. My quest for information landed me here, on this noble forum. Initial reaction: overwhelmed with information since I attempted to be a knowledge sponge. Secondary, but much stronger reaction: my heart sank lower with each post I read, as I concluded that without expensive equipment I would never be able to make decent espresso. Since a severe tightening of the purse strings drove me here in the first place, I feared decent espresso was out of my grasp because I cannot afford fancy gadgetry.

Thus I continue my journey, too weak to go without, yet too poor to have ideal equipment. To boot, I'm newly enlightened that Charbucks is not all it's "cracked" up to be. What's a financially poor, coffee-ruined gal to do? Make the best of what I have, that's what. Yes, I'm still using all the above-mentioned toys to produce espresso-type drinks (the horror), but I believe it will prove invaluable experience over the long haul.

[Begin RANT]. Reading here it seems there are a few, perhaps many, who would have us believe it is better not to bother unless we can lay out $500 minimum for barely passable equipment. Yet in other posts they say it is the barista's skills rather than the machines, which should be blamed for a poor extraction. Read further still to find posts that claim a good barista can get decent espresso from poor equipment. So which is it, folks? I'm sure there will be vehement replies to this post arguing "all of the above." (That's assuming, of course, anyone bothers to read to the end.) It really torques me off that some posts imply one must own expensive gadgets to learn anything. I maintain that whatever level of equipment we own, there is valuable experience to be had and much that can be learned. [End RANT].

What have I LEARNed with what most will dub "toy" equipment? I took apart my machine and cleaned it thoroughly, removed the group and soaked everything in vinegar. This significantly lessened the bitter/burned aftertaste from my drinks and showed me what a difference a clean machine makes. I also learned a 4 oz blank shot helps achieve a good water temperature, thus reducing the burn flavor. Thanks to a few video posts and some practice, I can make great microfoam, which is vital since I only consume milk-based espresso drinks. I store my stainless steel frothing pitcher in the freezer, which gives me more time to stretch my milk. Now I use only bottled water, further improving my product. I sawed off the bottom of my plastic basket holder with a Dremel to make a NPF and diagnose problems with my extraction. This drastically improved my results. I learned techniques such as WDT and NSEW and made a useful tool for leveling below the rim of the basket, all of which further improved my results. I experimented with different roast levels and found there are vast differences among them that directly impact the flavor of my drink and effectively take care of the bitterness not removed by machine cleaning. I learned my crappy grinder performs MUCH better and heats the beans less if I grind 2 or 3 batches per shot in quick succession instead of grinding the whole shot amount at once. I learned the impact of different doses for different roasts. I scrounged the house for something to fit my basket and use for a tamper, quickly learning tamping does make a difference. This is only the tip of the iceberg on the experience I have gained with my junky toy equipment.

Have all my antics made me able to produce the perfect "God" shot? Most assuredly not! BUT, I can produce a palatable drink that surpasses Charbucks, even on a bad day. While I do tend to salivate after better equipment and look forward to the day when I own it, today it is not in the cards life has dealt me. Today I must learn to be content with what I have.

thejaneofalltrades wrote:[Begin RANT]. Reading here it seems there are a few, perhaps many, who would have us believe it is better not to bother unless we can lay out $500 minimum for barely passable equipment. Yet in other posts they say it is the barista's skills rather than the machines, which should be blamed for a poor extraction. Read further still to find posts that claim a good barista can get decent espresso from poor equipment. So which is it, folks? I'm sure there will be vehement replies to this post arguing "all of the above." (That's assuming, of course, anyone bothers to read to the end.) It really torques me off that some posts imply one must own expensive gadgets to learn anything. I maintain that whatever level of equipment we own, there is valuable experience to be had and much that can be learned. [End RANT].

I am glad that your equipment has been a learning experience. I will agree with everything that you have quoted: 1) $500 is about minimum for a starter set-up (I could probably find something less than that), 2) the barista's skills are usually to be blamed, and 3) a good barista can get decent espresso from poor equipment.

How can all of these be true?

#1 gives the bare minimum for an espresso setup. If you are still using your Krups, you aren't making espresso. You are making something akin to Moka (sp?). It is what the stainless steel 'espresso' machines that you put on your stovetop make as well. To make true espresso (said with nose slightly in the air as only a true purist can, ) you have to have something brewing at 9 bar (or around that) of pressure. The Krups machines don't do it. That being said, if you like what comes out of the Krups machine (ie. Moka) then drink it and be happy.

#2 is almost always true. If I have a meltdown, it is not my equipment's fault it is mine.

#3 assumes that the baseline is espresso machine - not Moka Pot. A great barista could probably pull better shots than I could on a Gaggia or the like - (s)he doesn't need a La Marzocco, but it sure is nice.

Bottom line, assuming you have an espresso set-up, a good barista can probably pull godshots on it. Everything beyond the basic set-up adds features that are great things to have (like steam on demand) or helps us not-so-great-home-baristas along with our barista-ing problems and adds to flavor (like pre-infusion or the e-61 group).

Just wait till you have a godshot - the krups goes in the trash along with the whirly-blade and you start to dream of what may come...

Wow! Somebody read to the end! Thanks for your comments, Matt. One of these days I will have a decent setup, maybe after taxes. Yeah, I know it's not real espresso coming out of my toy, but it beats the heck out of what I was doing before, which was double brewing coffee to try to get a strong enough coffee flavor to taste it with the milk (gag).

Question: You said you could probably find equipment for less than what I quoted. Where and how? I would very much like to upgrade my grinder and machine, but am not sure where to turn next. Hubby won't let me have very much money to pursue what he calls a "frivolous" endeavor. That being said, I have read about the importance of the grinder, yet I know my machine doesn't produce espresso. If I can only have one . . . my gut instinct says get a grinder. But alas, I still will not have espresso

I read to the end as well .... I wanted to ponder it some more, but here's a quick comment.

Thanks for sharing your experience and a well written post. You've clearly been reading and learning. Many (if not most) folks here probably started in the same way as you. For about 10-12 years, my espresso machine was a Braun steam "toy" and blade grinder.

As for good coffee equipment on the cheap, I would suggest you start watching the CG Buy/Sell/Trade forum (link) Some nice clean Rossi grinders sold there for $125 recently. Some others may still be available. You need to watch it daily... it changes often and the super good deals usually go quick.

On a shoestring budget, I would consider a cheap but good used grinder, or possibly a handmill, a French Press, and maybe the AeroPress. Continue using your current machine and see where you can get with a better grinder. Explore French press and maybe the AeroPress (not espresso but a good brewing method) for some other low cost but good alternatives.

thejaneofalltrades wrote:Question: You said you could probably find equipment for less than what I quoted. Where and how? I would very much like to upgrade my grinder and machine, but am not sure where to turn next. Hubby won't let me have very much money to pursue what he calls a "frivolous" endeavor. That being said, I have read about the importance of the grinder, yet I know my machine doesn't produce espresso. If I can only have one . . . my gut instinct says get a grinder. But alas, I still will not have espresso

I was thinking of a lever machine (like a La Pavoni - probably $300 from e-bay) and a hand grinder (depending on market $50 - $100 on e-bay, often less). Putting you somewhere around $400. Change the Pavoni to a Gaggia and you could end up around $300 - maybe less if you have patience on e-bay.

Jesawdy is right about the CG buy/sell forum, but good deals do go quick. I picked up a Mazzer and an Andreja Premium for $800, but I snagged it a minute after it was posted, and there were 3 in line after me within 10 minutes of me getting it. All that to say, there are good deals, but you have to have the $$ to be ready to jump on the deal when it pops up. I was lucky enough to have just gotten money from selling my previous machine.

I would also give thumbs up to good french press coffee - it is wonderful and probably the cheapest brewing method around (aside from 'cuppping-style' where you just put the grounds in a cup).

What I find the most encouraging about your post(s) is that you are learning to make the most out of what you have. When you are able to upgrade, you will appreciate it that much more. Kudos to you.

The BST thread on CG is an excellent source. Equipment offered by forum regulars is usually in top notch condition and/or honestly represented. Cragislist and flea-bay are also good sources, but you never know what you are getting. If you pay slightly more and get a refurbed unit, it usually comes with a small warranty and is often in new or near new condition. There are some excellent deals to be had but you must be patient (which by reading your post you seem to be), have the cash and be ready to jump on it.

Are you looking for the beginner/minimum set up? Or can you stretch a bit more for an HX (sometimes you can find them re-sell for hundreds less)? Most often recommended are the starter Gaggia's (Espresso, Carezza, Evolution). Next up would be the Solis SL-70. Great steamer, but you'll need to get a non-pressurized basket for it. I got mine refurbed for about $160 which was a bit more than Gaggia's would be. The difference in steaming is huge. If you can find a good deal on one, I'd skip the Gaggia's altogether, but there are many more Gaggia's available on the secondary market. Put the bulk of your money toward the grinder. Look for a resale Rocky or Cunill Tranquilo at a minimum. Rossi's, Rio's and Super Jolly's sometimes come up for sale at very good prices, but these are huge commercial machines and are few and far between. Probably the last grinder you would ever buy.

The advice to go French Press or Aeropress is good. They are both inexpensive and create a very satisflying cup. Get a frother and you'll be in the game. Pairing either of those with a hand grinder (ie Kym or Armin Trosser) is the thriftiest way to go. Not espresso, but, espresso flavor on the cheap!

You could also scout around thrift stores and may luck into something, rather like looking for a needle in a haystack ......

I am overwhelmed with gratefulness for everyone's kind comments and wonderful suggestions (and the tolerance for my longwindedness). I intend to follow through on each item in each post, for now the French Press and grinder info and in the future the more pricey equipment. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond. It is much appreciated.

thejaneofalltrades wrote:What have I LEARNed with what most will dub "toy" equipment? I took apart my machine and cleaned it thoroughly, removed the group and soaked everything in vinegar. This significantly lessened the bitter/burned aftertaste from my drinks and showed me what a difference a clean machine makes. I also learned a 4 oz blank shot helps achieve a good water temperature, thus reducing the burn flavor. Thanks to a few video posts and some practice, I can make great microfoam, which is vital since I only consume milk-based espresso drinks.

What you describe is more of a "caffuccino" than cappuccino, i.e., strong coffee with steamed milk. The inherent problem with steam-driven pressure coupled with an aluminum group is how quickly the water temperature will rise above desirable brew temperatures. I bet you would get an overall better drink if you prepared a very strong coffee using an Aeropress or French press and used your Krups for frothing only. At least you'll get flavorful coffee sans bitterness to go with the milk.

Another inexpensive option is the All-Clad Presso (be careful not to break the arms!). They're frequently on eBay where the cost of shipping is greater than the Presso.


Everyone has a "steam toy" in their closet (true confessions)

HB wrote:What you describe is more of a "caffuccino" than cappuccino, i.e., strong coffee with steamed milk. The inherent problem with steam-driven pressure coupled with an aluminum group is how quickly the water temperature will rise above desirable brew temperatures. I bet you would get an overall better drink if you prepared a very strong coffee using an Aeropress or French press and used your Krups for frothing only. At least you'll get flavorful coffee sans bitterness to go with the milk.

Another hint: if you must use the steam toy, at least pull the brewing carafe before the brew cycle finishes, certainly at the first hint of steam coming through the puck. That will cut down on bitterness.

HB wrote:Everyone has a "steam toy" in their closet.

Ain't that the truth! Gathering dust in the basement:

The above posts address your questions very well. I will only add that an exceptional cup of coffee beats the pants off marginal espresso, or psudo espresso. A lot of people tend to go over the top on equipment (this coming from a guy with two lever machines, one E61 vibe pump machine, a single group commercial and a two group commercial espresso machine and two grinders) .

A French press pot will make a very good, bold and flavorful cup of coffee that will stand up to some milk, best of all, they are very cheap. There are a few good drip machines out there as well. I picked up a Melitta Clarity, new in box on eBay a few weeks ago for a fist full of dollars. It produces a wonderful cup and brews at the proper temperature, every bit as good as a Technivorm which runs nearly $200.

Even with your current kit, you would experience a quantum jump in quality if you upgrade to a burr grinder. You may want to take a look at the Best Inexpensive Grinder and Best espresso gear on a student's budget?. As others have suggested, you can also go with a hand mill. You get a good grind for very little cash, not to mention some exercise cranking the handle.