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Advice Wanted: Good Inexpensive Espresso Maker
By Jesse | September 19, 2008 |
Well as I mentioned in my last post I’d like to have a good inexpensive espresso maker. I don’t need all the bells and whistles to steam milk and all that stuff. Any suggestions?
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Topics: Drinks |
September 19th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
It’s not exactly inexpensive, but unfortunately Nespresso makes the best espresso out there. Is it available in the US?
September 19th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Looks like it is available, but you are forced to use their coffee pods.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Moka Express, stove-top espresso maker. The coffee will taste a bit different than machine-made espresso, but it’s simple, inexpensive, and I kind of prefer the taste.
For more info, here’s the Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_pot.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
How about rather than inexpensive we say “simple”?
If simple, than Adam is right on, Bialetti Moka Express. Tip - don’t buy one bigger than you need. If you typically make 1 cup and sometimes make 4 - then buy one of each size; they don’t cost that much.
If really, really good coffee (espresso) is what you are after with quick reheating so you can serve friends, then you want the Rancilio Silvia and I recommend the Rancilio Rocky burr grinder. I have the Silvia outfitted with a PID controller (after market) for better temperature control and I got the Rocky without the doser. But that’s just personal preference. With that you will need a good tamper. And frankly, no set-up is complete without the base.
Given that will set you back over 1200, I’d start out with the Moka Express.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Hi Jesse,
This depends on what kind of espresso you like. If you want something that will produce a thick, black shot of coffee, you probably have a lot of options. If you want to get on the coffee geek train and pull shots that really pull out the flavor of an espresso blend and produce a thick, velvety crema, you’re looking at a bigger investment.
From what I understand of home machines, the inexpensive ones tend to suffer from bad temperature control and low pressure. To get a really good espresso, you need a strong pump and a water temp that’s not going to fluctuate all over the place while you’re extracting a shot. Other machines use pods, and every espresso from a pod I’ve had is pretty nasty. (Admittedly, I’m spoiled from spending years behind the bar at some great coffee shops.) The Rancilio Silvia (as Rick notes above) is the standard choice for home fanatics, but it’ll cost you.
http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/rancilio_silvia
The other important advice is not to skimp on a grinder. A good machine without a consistent grind isn’t going to make great coffee. Coffee Geek is an excellent place for more info on both of these things.
For a low cost alternative, you might also try out the Aeropress. It doesn’t technically make espresso (despite the claims on the box) because it doesn’t use anywhere near enough pressure to produce crema. But it does produce a nice shot of coffee and gives you much more control over the strength and flavor profile you desire. My guess is that, paired with a decent grinder, this would give you much better coffee than any cheap espresso machine you might find.
Good luck!
September 19th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I think you guys just talked me into staying with my drip coffee maker and my French Press for the time being. :)
September 19th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Since I’m here anyway, I envy your ability to obtain and smoke such a wide variety of cigars. More so, I envy your ability to keep track of which ones taste like what. Every time I go to the shop I think, oh no … which ones did I like and which ones not … and is that one really worth it.
That aside, one thing I’ve learned is that the drink can make or break the smoke. The right drink can make a so-so cigar seem excellent and the wrong drink can down right ruin a good cigar.
My point is, if you plan to drink coffee with some of your smokes, do it right or don’t do it. Do not get something affordable only to have a mediocre smoke-drink experience. Better off without.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Rick, the main reason I remember is probably because I smoke too much. :) I have a text file full of notes from the cigars I haven’t reviewed yet.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Nothing wrong with a French press. Simple and it works!
September 19th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I have a Krups Model xp2010 I rec’d for my birthday and I love it!! Its a combo coffee maker also. It makes espresso perfect with the “cremma” on top. It makes espresso as good as the $15000 machine at the restaurant I work at!! Yes I said fifteen thousand dollars. Check out Krups.com for info. Enjoy.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Just get a stove top espresso percolator.
http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.brewers.mokapot.shtml
Ignore those ridiculous prices. You can get them for under $10 at any grocery store in Miami.
Paul
September 19th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Jesse,
Since quality is every bit important as price, there has to be a balance. The Nespresso Essenza Flowstop is priced “reasonably” and produces pretty good espresso.
Joe
September 20th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Jesse, it’s these coffee pods that make the coffee as good as it is. Of course, I also like it because it’s so easy to do :) Try it out somewhere.