Any Espresso Junkies?

[BBob]

Been kicking the tires on getting an espresso machine. Any recommendations? Way too many options out there ranging from $200 to $3000+. Don't need anything fancy and want to stay in the $500-$800 range. Brands to focus on and brands to avoid?

Rancilio Silvia at $900 gets you into a real starter machine. I've owned quite a few machines from real expensive to not so much like the Rancilio. Currently I'm playing with an old basic Ascaso I picked up that needed repair. It takes a little more work and finesse to get a great shot than a more expensive machine but machines like the Rancilio and Ascaso do well once you learn. What's been said about grinders is very true, don't skimp. You can get by with the lower end but once you use a real (expensive) grinder you'll understand. I've been using a Mazzer Mini grinder for a really long time now. There's lots more choices out there now than when I bought it.

I roast my own with a modified popcorn popper, that is unless someone gifts me a bag of nice raosted beans which happens often.

 

[BBob]

I’m gonna give a shameless plug here for my buddy’s company, Odyssey Espresso. His Argos lever machine is beautiful and seems to be filling its niche quite well in the espresso world.

Looks great. His pricing competes with the La Pavoni manual machines. I've used one but never owned a manual. Someday, maybe one of your buddy's

 

[insanelupus]