Yes, I do have a smart outlet (a very old, not really that smart) and have it to already be on M-F.
But I am never sure when i will be up on weakened. Plus the process of making the espresso shot is more complicated than grinding and leave it on the stove while i get ready for the race…
Could i do the espresso shot?
Yes.
Do I use “time” as an excuse.
Yes.
The classical Italian ones are cast aluminum, with an aluminum basket. So no rust. But if your water is hard, then certainly calcium buildup can be an issue.
You gotta get that process dialed in man! 
If my machine’s warm I’ve got to be around 45-50 seconds away from having a double ready to drink.
Bruh. Belive me… I have the process dial in.
The problem is my process is MANY, MANY steps…
like weight the beans, grind them, weight the grounds, then put the grounds in the basket, use the leveler to compress and level, and finally 40s pull.
I had more steps before (like 3 more) but i have refined the process with time and the addition of the leveler.
It takes about 2 minutes from start to finish if i dont get distracted with kids.
In the stove takes longer to make, but i dont have to be there.
Is a 1st world problem, to be sure.
And mostly a non problem. Its just the way ive done it forever (since i start doing early running races) and kind of like it that way…
With COVID and work from home I’m here slangin’ shots and milk drinks for the wife and I like a starbucks barista. My latte is art is getting DIALLED! If i end up losing my job I know what i’m doing to pass the time haha.
I even took to making a better than starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Made a batch of the pumpkin spice and was making that for most of the month of Oct. I can’t really stand the stuff but it won me some serious brownie points.
Yeah dont get the 1, its too small even as a single drinker to be of any use. I learned that lesson the hard way. The Bialetti is the only way to go.
I realize this may be more of a regional thing but anyone got any recommendations for quality coffee that is sold at big grocery stores? I’ve been happy with Peet’s so tend to pick those up if I see a new type, and their Major Dickason’s is my go-to
As far a supermarket brands…that’s my go-to as well.
I was amazed to see all their blends on the site but can’t find most locally and their online prices are ridiculous compared to the store
Sign up for their emails, they run quite a few sales/codes, talking about Peet’s.
Good call. My local stores usually have 12oz for 9.99 and I grab it on sale for $6.99 or so. The website wants $18 or so per pound.
Costco sells Major Dickason’s in big bags but I don’t know if it makes sense to buy that much at once of one kind
This is what I use too, better than any machine! Coming from a fellow Italian (Y)
You can get counter culture at our grocery. I like their big trouble.
Found Peet’s at Costco for a great price, $15 for 32oz whole bean. Picked up Magnum Exotics Jamaican blue mountain, not impressed for my taste.
Wife told me not to buy any coffee stuff until Christmas, thinking she got me some brewing devices so pretty excited. Also seem to be transitioning her from the Keurig to my freshly ground French pressed morning cups so that’s a win
No pic yet. My drip maker with a built in blade grinder bit the dust. So last week I picked up a Baratza Encore grinder and an Aeropress. Already had a scale and electric kettle. Wow did it change the flavor of the coffee. A lot of experimenting to do now as there appear to be a million different ways people brew with the aeropress. Likely will add a moka pot and maybe a chemex in the future.
Ron
Are there any “affordable” espresso machines that aren’t total crap?
James Hoffmann has a couple of great review videos
Thank you! My wife got me some coffee stuff for Christmas (I think there’s a Bialetti Moka Pot in there) so that should be a good segway into the more legit stuff eventually
