Look at used market. You can get some really good stuff that has been taken care of as people dip their toe in the ocean and then decide to upgrade.
4 Likes
The used market is definitely the way to go. I use a Gaggia Classic I picked up from someone that “stopped working” for $70, just had to descale the machine and unclog the three way solenoid valve. Recently just picked up a Breville Duo Temp too for $25 as “no water came out” and the group head was clogged. Lots of people are either upgrading or failing to do maintenance on these machines and you can definitely find some bargains. Occasionally you can find the same type of deals on grinders, but I’ve usually noticed the entry level espresso grinders seem to be sold closer to MSRP than higher end ones. I was able to get a Mazzer Super Jolly for less than what most are selling Sette 30’s for.
I would try to target a Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silvia if you can, both have parts readily available and are able to be modded/upgraded if desired in the future.
3 Likes
My first machine was a wedding present someone got, then barely used for 18 months, and sold used. It was great to have an entry into the market that was silly cheap, like $50.
I’m ready to invest in a grinder, it’s the only thing holding me back from near perfection…
I’m thinking sub- $150, what would you people who drink pour-over recommend?
I just got the baratza encore. Been using it for 2 weeks and it’s been fantastic. I measure and grind only what I need each morning. The last few beans will popcorn a little as they try and feed. I purchased from a local coffee shop for the $139 price. I just don’t trust Amazon for these kinds of purchases. Too many knock offs being sold by import sellers and like supporting local businesses.
Ron
3 Likes
+1 on the Baratza Encore mentioned above. You also have an option to upgrade to a M2 burr set later on for improved grind uniformity/performance.
1 Like
Mr. Coffee Automatic Burr Mill Coffee Grinder with 18 Custom Grinders, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T6EJS0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_zz4YFbAWXTE9A
Wife got me this. It does work better than what I had before (no grinder and buying ground coffee) but probably has functional limitations compared to better ones. Maybe just build quality/materials, don’t know enough about this stuff
1 Like
On the topic of affordable espresso makers my parents have a DeLonghi KMix they aren’t using so I may play with it for a little while, I dunno how “good” it is but might give me something to learn with
This is my camping setup… Not too expensive and it works well. At home I use a pour over or my zojurushi coffee maker.
3 Likes
Big trouble is very good, as is Hologram.
I’m somewhat local to CC, here in North Carolina. I simply gave up on the brand based on pricing. Now, I purchase (and subscribe for delivery) to https://www.freshroastedcoffee.com/
Don’t get me wrong, CC is great stuff – but it’s just too expensive for me these days.
2 Likes
What are they up to now? When I lived in Charlotte I was getting them for ~$12
1 Like
Ascaso Dream with Eureka Mignon Specialita.
Upgrading to this grinder improved quality of my doppios A LOT!
7 Likes
Counter Culture is close to $16 for 12 oz (340 grams), the last time I was brave enough to walk into a supermarket. The auto-delivery I’m getting from Fresh Roasted Coffee is $13.47 for 12-ounces – delivered to my doorstep.
Obviously, it’s a silly proposition while I noodle around on a $10k bicycle, but I suppose we all have our individual breaking points.
3 Likes
I saw some of the ones that were recommended to me on eBay. Rancilio is around $500-600 used, a bit steep for me. I can’t afford to get a good machine so will just experiment with other cheaper methods for now. Moka pot coming for Christmas and I’ll probably get a pour over since it’s one of the cheapest forms of kit out there but can still be very complex to learn
1 Like
Depends on what you call affordable.
You can get a very decent one for 500 to 600.
And you can get passable one for even less. The problem with cheap machines is consistency. The temperature and pressure are usually not consistent between shots because compromises had to be made to make the machine affordable.
Look at it as a 500 bikes direct road bike and a 1500 road bike. Both will get you were you need to go, but which one will get you there in a nicer way (smoother ride, better shifting, etc).
1 Like
The rancrancilio silvia is a great machine. You have to watch out for used ones. Many people get a silvia as their first machine. And most people don’t take care of the boiler as they should (I am pointing to myself). You can end up with a machine that might be clogged or soon to be broken…
I got mine in 2012, and still works like a champ!
The mocha pot is an absolute best bang for the buck. Yes, it’s not espresso but you can have absolutely great coffee for a fraction of a crap Espresso machine
1 Like
Picked up this Rocket machine. It’s a big upgrade from my Mr Coffee pot but I’m enjoying the learning process. I only drink black coffee so I’ve been making Lattes etc and dropping them off to neighbors.
7 Likes
That’s the issue, I’m a buy once cry once kind of guy, 500-600 isn’t terrible but still a lot of money and I don’t want to spend $300 on a machine that’s inconsistent or just ok, why spend the money at all. Also I’ve got no counter space for the thing. In addition id need a better grinder, and it’s just not something I want to dish out more money for right now.
Moka pot is cheap and versatile and gives me something to experiment with. Same with a basic pour over setup.
2 Likes