Morning all-
Just a quick reminder to people who are new to pulling espresso: Don’t be discouraged by $1000+ setups on Reddit, your skill as a barista matters way more than fancy gear, as long has you have the essentials covered. Focus more on your technique and consistency. In my opinion, spending the money on trying different beans and improving my technique & cupping skills will give you more satisfaction than a nice looking setup. Got my lelit for about $350, using a 1zpresso hand grinder as I usually make coffee for myself!
by Main_Marzipan_2736
16 Comments
Can confirm. I just spent way too much on a set up for my wife and I and our shots have been several different kinds of gross lol.
Agreed, we started on the lower end for our shop.
We pull 8-10 shots a day, and couldn’t be happier.
We have been through a lot of bean varieties.
I think trying new coffee is the best part
Ayo how’s that Lelit? I have kinda been on the fence with getting one ngl
I have this same machine since 3 years and a half ago and I love it.
When it breaks I’ll have a difficult time deciding what to pick next. If it lasts many more years, meaning. It has good durability, I don’t see a reason to pick anything more expensive.
I must say the difference with my late De’Longhi dedica is huge (despite using unpressurized baskets) though.
So, on one hand I share your view, you don’t need the top-shelf equipment to enjoy the hobby and produce good quality espresso, but some of the low-end machines, especially if they were designed for pre-ground coffee, will not produce great espresso.
You can make great esspresso for cheap. The issue comes from if you like light roast. Than you have to fork over some money.
I just got the Lelit Anita and it broke me. I hate the grinder it’s super inconsistent. Even within the same batch. Damn hopper moves around so you never know what grind setting your getting. The brew head is decent but the stream and grind suck balls
Welcome to butlerless anonymous
We have the same setup 🙂
BuT tHe La MaRzOcCo iS sOooO GoOd
Spent €200 on a second hand IsoMac, 7 years ago. New around 1000. With a little love and maintenance these are indestructible.
Is the 1zpresso hand grinder good for espresso ground beans? – I’ve been considering it, but I’m not sure. I need/want a good quality grinder
Oy! Where did you score that amazing price on that Anna v.2?
https://preview.redd.it/oprtz8dmsk6g1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59dcd6c8c328c69229960382bdfb1ea6ba848e52
Op is right, work on your skills. I’ve been very satisfied with my Lelit and Df54. Sometimes I think about upgrading to a dual boiler so I can steam straight after pulling a shot but other than that it’s been great for the past 2 years. But then again I wonder which set up would be the next upgrade without going all out and can’t find any that justifies breaking the bank for a marginal difference in taste.
Thank you for saying this! I just got a broken bambino plus from FB market place for $100 which I repaired and a K2 hand grinder to give to my husband for Christmas. I think we can make it work!
Absolutely. We got our grinder set up and refurbed Lelit for under £600. Probably spent another 50-80 on extra bits (scale, heavier tamper, milk jug, dosing funnel). We’ve been very happy!
When I started looking for a machine, I’ve spend a loooong time to understand every detail and how to make the perfect of everything. In the end I got one from the company I work, Electrolux. More for having already a grinder and looking good. To be fair, all that time spent was nice to learn but in the real daily life I can make much better coffee than the regular coffee shops I’ve been. My cappuccino is delicious for me and I learned how different beans taste on a espresso. And it’s really funny going to places outside and say to my wife that our coffee is better most of the time.