Coffee
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What's your budget? A Vibiemme Domobar if you've got the coin.
That's slightly too much for me.
Max budget is $2500. Preferably around the $2000 mark. But that will include a grinder
So maybe this combination:
https://www.espresso.co.nz/work-from-home-sale/lelit-pl81t-grace-pid-espresso-coffee-machine-eureka-mignon-specialita-coffee-grinder-black-combo-with-free-extras/Bro! Get one of these when on special as it will be within your price range then.
It is by far and away the best home made coffee I have ever had. Ours just keeps humming along.
If a @Hooroo recommendation isn’t enough, here’s what James Hoffmann has to say about that machine...
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What's your budget? A Vibiemme Domobar if you've got the coin.
That's slightly too much for me.
Max budget is $2500. Preferably around the $2000 mark. But that will include a grinder
So maybe this combination:
https://www.espresso.co.nz/work-from-home-sale/lelit-pl81t-grace-pid-espresso-coffee-machine-eureka-mignon-specialita-coffee-grinder-black-combo-with-free-extras/Bro! Get one of these when on special as it will be within your price range then.
It is by far and away the best home made coffee I have ever had. Ours just keeps humming along.
If a @Hooroo recommendation isn’t enough, here’s what James Hoffmann has to say about that machine...
What does he say about it??
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@barbarian said in Coffee:
@Duluth Breville do some good entry level ones. We've got the BES870 Barista Express (https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/home-appliances/coffee-and-beverages/coffee-machines/breville-barista-express-espresso-machine.html). Cost about $700 when we got one in cherry red from Noel Leeming last year.
We're thinking of buying one of these. Seems the standout in the price range (we don't want to spend over $1000).
Glad to hear you'd recommend it. All up how long does it take to make two standard coffees in the morning? Never had a machine before and my one concern is I'll be wrestling with the thing for 10-15 minutes each morning.
For a double shot split two ways, about 2-3 minutes. For two double shots, probably 3-4 minutes. That's from a standing start - and we froth our milk separately. Add a couple of minutes for frothing and cleanup if you're that way inclined...
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What's your budget? A Vibiemme Domobar if you've got the coin.
That's slightly too much for me.
Max budget is $2500. Preferably around the $2000 mark. But that will include a grinder
So maybe this combination:
https://www.espresso.co.nz/work-from-home-sale/lelit-pl81t-grace-pid-espresso-coffee-machine-eureka-mignon-specialita-coffee-grinder-black-combo-with-free-extras/Now we know where our monthly patreon contributions are going...
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What's your budget? A Vibiemme Domobar if you've got the coin.
That's slightly too much for me.
Max budget is $2500. Preferably around the $2000 mark. But that will include a grinder
So maybe this combination:
https://www.espresso.co.nz/work-from-home-sale/lelit-pl81t-grace-pid-espresso-coffee-machine-eureka-mignon-specialita-coffee-grinder-black-combo-with-free-extras/Now we know where our monthly patreon contributions are going...
when you say it like that i feel like we joined onlyfans
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@mariner4life said in Coffee:
What's your budget? A Vibiemme Domobar if you've got the coin.
That's slightly too much for me.
Max budget is $2500. Preferably around the $2000 mark. But that will include a grinder
So maybe this combination:
https://www.espresso.co.nz/work-from-home-sale/lelit-pl81t-grace-pid-espresso-coffee-machine-eureka-mignon-specialita-coffee-grinder-black-combo-with-free-extras/Now we know where our monthly patreon contributions are going...
when you say it like that i feel like we joined onlyfans
Just can’t imagine spending that kind of money on something that you can buy for $5
( says the guy who’s probably spent $30k + on plastic bricks...)
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Thanks. I am leaning towards a traditional machine with a seperate grinder though
I just happen to be at an awkward price point. There's a big gap between the features of a $1500 machine and a $2500 one.. but there's not much in between.
I'll probably have to up my budget
If going down that path I would seriously consider getting a Rocket even if you pick up a second hand or reconditioned machine. Biggest tip in NZ would be to buy from somewhere that does servicing and with a rocket you won’t struggle with parts etc.
There are other equivalents but Rockets are the most popular/common and have a good reputation. Uses standard E61 grouphead so easy to get new baskets, handles etc.Google a local company and see what they have in stock.
I have a good little dual boiler machine from the uk. Good bang for buck (cost me about £650 on special)
Makes good coffee, but it does have to be a hobby and takes a while to get to the point where you can get up and have one in hand quickly.
I have had to troubleshoot the odd problem and have recently had to replace an element myself. Any machine like this is way too heavy to easily ship around for service.Then you have the accessories, grinder is a must. These machines really perform best on freshly ground. I get good results from the finest setting on a small Bodum burr grinder. Takes no bench space either.
Milk jugs and bang boxes another must as is a good tamper. -
Totally endorse everything @Crucial said. I bought two single boiler machines for around 2.5Keach years ago with the full intent of it paying for itself but have barely used it until forced to this last month. I haven't really minded because its a beautiful object d'art on the kitchen benchtop
but now that I have the hang of it I'm not buying café coffees even though I now can.I get the coffee ready the night before, turn it on before I get in the shower and then it takes 4 minutes once I'm dressed.
A good grinder and the right beans. Then get to know your machine. I had tried you tube-ing etc in the past but I have now learned that the most important thing (for me anyway) is your ears. When the milk is ready the sound changes.
Single boiler slows the process down slightly but not enough to bother me. Is important to flush it through though or you ban fuck the pump (as my partner did with the one I gave her).
But really its easy as and massively rewarding. Plus it still looks fucking good.
I'm in the office and can't find a link to the one I have but something like this.
BEZZERA BZ10 1.5L Espresso Coffee Machine
Compact size - ideal for smaller kitchens and apartments...
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@barbarian @Duluth one other important factor when considering a semi-automated if you have children is their ability to make and bring you a decent coffee.
This morning I rocked out to my home office, and had a coffee put in my hand by my boy. Top work lad, dad's proud. On weekends they bring us coffee in bed ... it's a pretty sweet deal
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I get the coffee ready the night before, turn it on before I get in the shower and then it takes 4 minutes once I'm dressed.
This was what turned me off expensive machines. They make amazing coffee, but you have to have time to prepare. The link had a 10 minute warmup time; and then from what I've seen, it's coffee 3+ that starts getting 'excellent'. It's awesome, but has to fit your lifestyle.
I saw a Breville that had a 3-4 second warmup (not a typo)... just the espresso machine (no grinder/frother), but still. That's insane.
If you want to dive into the hole, have a look here. I think they give similar advice to here - Brevilles' are good for beginners, but the sky's the limit!
https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/ -
I get the coffee ready the night before, turn it on before I get in the shower and then it takes 4 minutes once I'm dressed.
This was what turned me off expensive machines. They make amazing coffee, but you have to have time to prepare. The link had a 10 minute warmup time; and then from what I've seen, it's coffee 3+ that starts getting 'excellent'. It's awesome, but has to fit your lifestyle.
I saw a Breville that had a 3-4 second warmup (not a typo)... just the espresso machine (no grinder/frother), but still. That's insane.
If you want to dive into the hole, have a look here. I think they give similar advice to here - Brevilles' are good for beginners, but the sky's the limit!
https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/That's what that youtube clip @Crucial added above said. You need to ask yourself "Are you looking for a new hobby" before buying one of those types.
He gave a nice review of it.
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They are the definition of the law of diminishing returns. Like buying fine wine. Want to double the quality? Easy, pay 5 times the price. Too much time for not good enough returns=coffee machines.
Though if any of you guys in the UK have one I would be prepared to pop round.
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@nzzp absolutely and it stopped me using the machine for years. What's changed is a) I can't get my coffee fix any other way and b) I'm saving a shit load of time on my commute.
Now that I know what I'm doing I simply load the coffee in the porta filter the night before after I have my coffee with my dinner (something I would never have previously). Turn it on in the morning. I've timed it. I used to get a coffee on the way to work. This will actually save me time (& money) and it tastes better.
Now I just need to start using my brewery (made one batch in 5 years - although it has been ace for somewhere to put my dough when its proving) and it'll be one less white elephant.
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@Catogrande said in Coffee:
Too much time for not good enough returns=coffee machines.
Seriously, try a Breville. We love a good coffee, and it makes 'good' coffee easily and simply.
'Great' coffee is a rabbit hole. Same as 'great' Pizza, beer, women, wine, bread, etc. I'm time poor, and landed on 'good' unless (as @Hooroo says, you want a new hobby
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Now I just need to start using my brewery (made one batch in 5 years - although it has been ace for somewhere to put my dough when its proving) and it'll be one less white elephant.
what brewery you got (derailing thread slightly)? My hobbies are brewing and smoking meat - family friendly, but not so good for me as other things
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@nzzp https://williamswarn.co.nz/product/starter-packs/brewkeg10-litre-complete-pack-plus/
I mentioned beer as I know you spend time on that. I also have a Bradley Smoker I don't use....
60-70 hrs week at work - weekend at my partners (usually) doesn't leave much play time. I do smoke just not in the Bradley that often.
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@Catogrande said in Coffee:
Too much time for not good enough returns=coffee machines.
Seriously, try a Breville. We love a good coffee, and it makes 'good' coffee easily and simply.
'Great' coffee is a rabbit hole. Same as 'great' Pizza, beer, women, wine, bread, etc. I'm time poor, and landed on 'good' unless (as @Hooroo says, you want a new hobby
This is all true. Breville/sage design those machines aimed at the person that wants minimum fuss for maximum return. They really are quite good.
If you want a new hobby, go for a decent prosumer manual machine like a rocket or similar with good support.
If you just want to knock out a coffee that is going to satisfy you then get a good breville.Just another point. If you like milky coffees then good milk makes a massive difference to your home results and not only through flavour. Texture is a big part of the experience and enjoyment.
Again you can practice a lot on your new hobby or let the machine do a good job for you. Breville does good texturing. -
@dogmeat nice. WilliamsWarn make pretty good gear, but they charge for it
If you're interested, the next step is to start making 10L batches for fermenting. You can do it easily on the stovetop, and opens up opportunities for interesting and different beer varieties. But beware -like the coffee, it's a slippery slope!
