Espresso machine decision paralysis
-
- Posts: 31
- Joined: 7 years ago
Hello again, hope everyone is doing well. I'm having a hard time deciding on a new espresso machine as there are so many options available. I'll start with some history my coffee adventure.
About 10 years ago my Keurig died and I decided to stop drinking subpar coffee. I didn't have much of a budget so started with a used Gaggia and MDF grinder. Within a year I upgraded to a used Oscar HX and refurb Vario. I struggled with consistency even though I finally started buying fresh roasted coffee. I now only have the Vario and am soon adding a DF64P so will need something to use with it.
I typically made small milk drinks (cappuccino, flat white) since my espresso shots didn't taste great. I will still need capabilities for milk drinks due to other family members but I am hoping to enjoy straight espresso much more.
Currently I'm buying a medium roast espresso blend from a local roaster. I don't care as much for dark roast but would be interested in light roast espresso if the grinder can handle it.
I had an budget of $1500 ($2k at max with tax/accessories) and some of the machines I'm considering are Profitec Pro 400/Lelit Mara X or Profitec Pro 300/Lelit Elizabeth.
I hope you can help me out as I don't think my wife (who doesn't drink coffee) can take much more of me discussing pros/cons of espresso machines.Thanks for listening and for your input!
About 10 years ago my Keurig died and I decided to stop drinking subpar coffee. I didn't have much of a budget so started with a used Gaggia and MDF grinder. Within a year I upgraded to a used Oscar HX and refurb Vario. I struggled with consistency even though I finally started buying fresh roasted coffee. I now only have the Vario and am soon adding a DF64P so will need something to use with it.
I typically made small milk drinks (cappuccino, flat white) since my espresso shots didn't taste great. I will still need capabilities for milk drinks due to other family members but I am hoping to enjoy straight espresso much more.
Currently I'm buying a medium roast espresso blend from a local roaster. I don't care as much for dark roast but would be interested in light roast espresso if the grinder can handle it.
I had an budget of $1500 ($2k at max with tax/accessories) and some of the machines I'm considering are Profitec Pro 400/Lelit Mara X or Profitec Pro 300/Lelit Elizabeth.
I hope you can help me out as I don't think my wife (who doesn't drink coffee) can take much more of me discussing pros/cons of espresso machines.Thanks for listening and for your input!
-
- Posts: 1143
- Joined: 4 years ago
IMHO,
The best bang for your buck would be a Breville Dual Boiler and the DF64. That combo will probably be just a little over your $2K budget but the only accessory you will need to add to make great espresso will be a cheap digital scale.
A more budget friendly, yet capable combo would be the DF64 wi9th a Breville Bambino or Bambino +. You will still need a scale but you will also want to get a bottomless portafilter. I think the bambinos are coming with both pressurized and standard baskets now. If not, you will also want to get the standard baskets.
The best bang for your buck would be a Breville Dual Boiler and the DF64. That combo will probably be just a little over your $2K budget but the only accessory you will need to add to make great espresso will be a cheap digital scale.
A more budget friendly, yet capable combo would be the DF64 wi9th a Breville Bambino or Bambino +. You will still need a scale but you will also want to get a bottomless portafilter. I think the bambinos are coming with both pressurized and standard baskets now. If not, you will also want to get the standard baskets.
-
- Posts: 31
- Joined: 7 years ago
The visual build quality isn't there compared to the other SS options I mentioned. I'm more concerned about the quality of internals if something happened after the warranty is up. It also seems to be a bit more difficult to work on though the hobbyist community is strong. I'd prefer to not be looking for a new machine in a few years.