(Part 3) Top products from r/espresso

Caveat: I'm an espresso noob, but think I'm sufficiently well informed to address this.

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Your OXO conical burr grinder is at the low and cheap end of espresso-capable grinder, so it will likely become the first upgrade. I don't know if the one in the Barista Express is better, but upgrading it will only be possible by upgrading the whole expensive device. There are other grinder-related arguments against machines with built-in grinders.

The New Classic Gaggia (Pro), one of which I recently purchased for $418 after discount from Whole Latte Love, comes with a plastic tamper which you should not use. I bought an Apexstone leveler for $18 which sits on a $10 mat and does close to a perfect job [See caveat]. It's one of the best entry level machines because it does the basics very well - pushing sufficiently hot water [See caveat] through coffee in a proper filter basket (i.e. not the pressurised filter) in a proper 58mm plated brass portafilter. It also comes with a proper steam wand which can be used shortly after a press of one of the three buttons which operate the machine, which is normal for a single boiler machine.

Most of the modifications discussed relate to the not-New/pro Classic (which does not preclude modifying the New/Pro Classic).

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Before buying I was also watching the price of the Breville BES840CBXL for a long time since it's competitively priced and looks much nicer, matching my the Smart Grinder Pro, however others' experience with the product and both my and others' experience with the manufacturer recommend the Gaggia. Note that the cheaper Breville grinder - the Dose Control Pro - is the better choice between the two for just espresso.

Completely off topic, but I just noticed your username. Do you work in the medical field? I'm a lab tech working nights in a smaller hospital.


The budget is going to get gnarly, especially if you buy things new.

I can tell you that setup I see recommended most often are the Baratza Vario (not W), the Crossland CC1, and a good scale, which is also probably one of the cheapest ways to do it. My wife and I also pretty much only use the same bean over and over again, so tuning it in between batches is pretty simple.

The scale in the grinder is a nifty feature, but it ends up giving your dose +/- .2 grams, whereas if you if you tune it in with a scale and the built in timer, you can get it down to smaller than +/- .1 gram. It may not seem like a big deal either way, but I use the same bean with the same dose over and over and over... So I feel like the added feature kind of goes to waste.

You can try different grinders like the Baratza Sette, which uses conical burrs vs the flat burrs of the Vario, but is new and unproven. There is also the Baratza Forte which is the older brother to the Vario and is supposed to resolve some of the flaws with the Vario. Your other grinder options are stepless (preferably doserless) grinders like the Fiorenzato, [Mazzer Mini]http://www.mazzer.com/en/grinder-dosers/mini/) (La Marzocco sells Mazzers, so there is that) and others that I can't remember at this point.

At the top of the home espresso machine market price wise is La Marzocco. Honestly, I think the only reason to get one of these would be to piss people off. Breville Dual Boiler(BES920XL), Rocket anything I guess, Rancilio Silvia + a PID kit, and others. I think a PID is a must have feature for any espresso machine.

I am by no means an expert in this topic, I'm just in the middle of researching an upgrade. I'm currently considering the Fiorenzato (because the name sounds cool. No really, I don't have a good reason for this. My Vario is more than sufficient, it just annoys me from time to time) and the Breville Dual Boiler (it's chock full of features and it has a bigger portafilter).

Awesome choice! The grinder will serve you even if you decide to upgrade your machine down the line and will help with your pulls. Don't forget to descale your machine every few months. I've listed some of my favorite things below, only the descaler is needed and almost any name brand works. The rest are awesome tools me and my wife use everyday. Be sure and keep up on maintinence and cleaning and the machine will last you forever.

This will help you steam milk to the right temperature:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016CDFC6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Urnex Dezcal 5 Pack:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4E7QYO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

These guys make the best tampers for whenever you a nice one!:

http://www.orphanespresso.com/GRIND-DOSE-TAMP_c_291.html

Group head brush:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC5H333/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CjIJAbXCXXVP2

I also use a ec155 for my intermittent espresso habit. I replaced the pressurized basket as well. I find that I get good results using the grinder linked below when coupled with good freshly roasted coffee. You may want to look for good used grinders on ebay, the one I use has gone up in price since I bought it. I'm also not convinced that the bodum gives a fine enough grind for really good espresso.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043095WW

Personally, OP, I wouldn’t use a garden hose from outside. It would require you to leave it on all the time, and I don’t trust garden hoses to be on all day, let alone 24/7. Also, I don’t know about this particular maker, but a lot of higher end machines have liquid level boards and sensors so they know when and how much to refill automatically.

I would plumb from a sink indoors, so you don’t have to worry about freezing/bursting hoses and tubing during the cold months if you’re in certain climates. Tap into a sink with the following, if you plan to do it yourself (I usually urge people to hire professionals though):


http://www.hhdonline.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=F58A52082DA6422091676E0C5554B675

(This hooks onto the shut-off for your sink—the compression nut goes onto the tube first, then the delrin sleeve [linked examples of all of those below] goes on the outside of your 1/4” JG tubing. The brass insert goes inside, then you screw it onto the tee. I would also add one of the plastic shut-off valves to your line under the sink before you run the rest of the line)

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/heating-and-cooling/air-conditioners-and-coolers/evaporative-cooler-parts-and-accessories/4518155

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/heating-and-cooling/air-conditioners-and-coolers/evaporative-cooler-parts-and-accessories/4265013


I would connect one of these under the sink and behind your espresso maker, but I’m overly cautious. I would also add a second shut-off for your water line right before the machine.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Push-Fit-Quick-Connect-Water-Leak-Controller-3-8-3-8-Emergency-Shut-Off-RO-/273006090140

John Guest PPSV040808WP Single Straight Shut-Off Valve, 1/4" Tube OD x 1/4" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YKF2E2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xOOkDbE3T1Q0K

As a safety measure, I also like to use these, they clip behind the little protruding plastic pieces that go over the hose.

https://www.freshwatersystems.com/products/john-guest-locking-clip-1-4

As for that white fitting at the end of the blue line, I’m assuming that you’re supposed to put that on the machine, yes? Plastic fittings are fine, but these are an option if it ever strips, starts leaking, etc.:


https://www.freshwatersystems.com/products/john-guest-lead-free-brass-flare-female-connector-1-4-x-1-4-ffl


John Guest NC2098LF Female Garden Hose Connector, 1/4" OD x 3/4 (Pack of 10) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N4NJ1WI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ONOkDbNXJE6J2

As for any tips on John guest, I try not to bend in too many harsh angles—if you need are short on space, use an adapter with an elbow on it so the tubing doesn’t bend going into the machine. Bends and warps mean leak if you have to forcefully bend it to make the connection.

Again, worth it to see what a plumber costs and if they can do it, but I hope this helps!

If you ever want to take a variable out of the equation, using weight instead of volume for your output is a great tool since crema volume can vary significantly. This scale is $14 and has been amazing for me for months and months of daily use. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003STEIYY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got a basic calibrated tamper on Amazon. The Espro one looks really nice, but I wanted to see if I liked the style before droping 3x as much. Just make sure to get the proper width for your portafilter.

You're not ignorant. This is one of those few espresso accessories that is as insanely priced as it looks. My buddy has one and it's not worth it. Even if this were the same price as something like this I'd still be on the fence about which to purchase.

You're better off spending that money towards a better leveling device like The OCD or The Jack. Leveling tools are also considered an overpriced luxury, but they have adjustable parts and there is an easily noticeable difference in build quality between a $20 one and a $120 one.

Thanks! Here you go!

Vario 886 Grinder

Pocket scale

Distributor

Dosing Funnel

Espro calibrated tamper VST 58.35 Flat

Grindenstein Knock box

Presto timer

18g VST portafilter basket

IMS E61 shower screen

E61 thermometer

My Dual Boiler has a shot timer so I have only needed a simple scale. This is what I have ended up with. It isn't water proof but I have done everything but pull a shot directly on the weight platform and they normally last 18-24mo before giving up the ghost. I also like that it is small and doesn't hang off of my drip tray when I pull a shot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042E4AG0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yep! I use this scale on my drip tray as it goes to fractions of a gram and fits under the portafilter with a little ceramic bowl on top:
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-0-01g-Digital-Scale/dp/B0012LOQUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421508338&sr=8-1&keywords=scale+aws

Looks like they have a new one out, but I haven't used that one. http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-Digital-BL-1KG-BLK/dp/B0012N1NAA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421508353&sr=8-2&keywords=scale+aws

What I use for coffee now is https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Drip-Coffee-Scale-Timer/dp/B009GPJMOU/, has timer for pourover and is accurate to tenth of a gram. Little lag but not enough to make me really want anything else any time soon. I know that price is above what you asked for but wanted you to know the price of one that could very well last quite a while.

The one I used for years making french press with a blade grinder (calm down it's just a spice grinder now), and still use for other kitchen tasks, is https://www.amazon.com/Ozeri-ZK14-S-Digital-Multifunction-Kitchen/dp/B004164SRA/. It's cheap, it works, and mine has lasted I think 5yrs now. It does not read to a tenth of a gram and does not have a timer though. And, it just doesn't look as cool.

Mcglaughlin Oil Petrol-Gel Lubricant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TWJ2L0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If you can get smaller one the better

No, but we've descaled it by having a Jura tech do it, and we've used Claris filters for a while. Water in Canada isn't hard so it's been a non-issue really.

But yeah the little pills are those : https://www.amazon.com/Jura-64308-Cleaning-Tablets-Automatic/dp/B000BJSF6Q

FYI trying this for now:

https://www.amazon.com/XEOLEO-Intelligent-Espresso-Profilter-Magnetic/dp/B07K9R5WP7/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=espresso+58mm&qid=1558048191&s=home-garden&sr=1-10

Maybe like this one, little more reasonable price than Leviton:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lutron-D-600R-WH-Rotary-Single-Pole-Dimmer/dp/B0039PXBOA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Freddo cappuccino or Freddo espresso! They have become mainstream in Greece. You pour a double shot over 4-5 ice cubes and you blend it until it foams significantly (not using the kind of blender that breaks down the ice cubes). It becomes iced espresso that retains its punch, and blending it does something to its texture. If you add cold foam on top it becomes freddo cappuccino.

Here's what I use for blending: Hamilton Beach 730C Classic DrinkMaster Drink Mixer, Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004X135/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Aqz5CbFPBW1QS

https://images.app.goo.gl/9GgQebVbUzEj8Xef9

Check out this kit:
API GH & KH TEST KIT Freshwater Aquarium Water Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SNCHMA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bybCCbHR6HQX2

Gives you a drop wise measurement of hardness and alkalinity (kh/carbonate hardness).

My thermometer recommends stopping at 140F which will coast to ~150-160F. Thermometer has a "green" band of 150-170F.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016CDFC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nQLWCb71CX7XS

I have been using this $11 scale for a year now, if you don't want to drop hundreds of dollars lol....

American Weigh Scale AWS-100 Digital Pocket Scale, 100g X 0.01g Resolution https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012LOQUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KF6VAbBDS1F0X

>Gaggia Pure

Do you mean this one? It's not so small... https://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-102532-Espresso-Pure-Semi-Automatic-Espresso/dp/B0015QX3BG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

You could get the Breville and get one of these to lock out the untrained.
http://www.amazon.com/Roride-RRKA-StoPower-Power-Plug/dp/B0014ZXWCS

What's your opinion on this machine. This is the one I bought a while ago: De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F49XXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6uo1CbFZ3RQQJ

Some of the things I bought:

Tamper, Tamping Mat, Pitcher, Cups.

Not quite the same scale as pictured (but I bet it is the same internals)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLXTYCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think the picture is the same leveler I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And since I was uncertain about leveling vs tamping at the time:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTJ9224/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All three items are doing exactly what I want.

You could probably even get by with a Moka Pot, a solid burr grinder, and an electronic milk frother for when you want a hot mocha instead of iced. $30 for the moka pot, $150 for the grinder, and another $120 for the milk frother (optional) and you've got a setup cheaper than a superautomatic (albeit, more manual effort required).

I'm a strong advocate against pods, because the single-use pods are incredibly wasteful (from an environmental perspective), and price-per-pound of coffee, very overpriced. You could buy a re-usable capsule, but I feel that kind of defeats the purpose of the "convenience".

\ A moka pot doesn't produce "true" espresso, but you can make a very concentrated cup of coffee with it. And considering how quickly Starbucks pulls their espresso, you're probably not far off in flavour.