Espresso machine

[Anonymous]

We have a Nespresso vertuo machine. It’s been great. Don’t have to think about it. The machine makes an amazing amount of crema/foam for the espresso. I just add ice and oat milk and that’s my iced latte. No frother, no grinding coffee beans, no hassle. If you like lattes, I feel like the true coffee snob experience isn’t that necessary—the taste is half covered by all the milk anyways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Manual machines require skill to operate correctly and demand more steps in the workflow. Semi-automatic machines, e.g. Ninja Luxe Cafe and Breville models, make it easier to produce a good beverage but still require some effort. Fully automatic bean-to-cup machines are painless to use, but the quality of the drinks they make is inferior to those from manual and semi-automatic machines when those are used correctly. Fully automatic machines also are usually more expensive than semi-automatic designs.

If you just want to push a button are not too picky about drink quality, a fully automatic machine is the way to go. Many make decent, if not outstanding, drinks. For many people, the sweet spot is found with a semi-automatic design, which combines the quality potential of a portafilter machine with a higher level of convenience than is found in fully manual alternatives.

Very helpful thanks! I didn’t realize the difference.

[Anonymous]

So worth it. Going out for coffee is so not worth it anymore.

[Anonymous]

My DH got me this a year ago: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/breville-barista-touch-espresso-maker/

I was incredibly annoyed that he expected me to set it up Christmas Day. I’m still annoyed that he has refused to learn how to use it. That being said, it’s among the best gifts I’ve ever received, and it brings a lot of joy to our family. Our adult kids are obsessed with it when they are home.

Nespresso machines are nice and easy, but consider whether something like the Breville is close to as easy without the negative environmental impact. Maybe cheaper after a few years? No clue. Coffee is an expensive, wasteful habit, but not one I’m willing to give up.

[Anonymous]

We bought a Rancilio Silvia 25 years ago as a graduation gift to ourselves and we have used it every day since. It’s paid for itself long ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a game changer. We have the Breville Bambino Plus. It’s $499. My whole family has stopped buying espresso based drinks. We never go Starbucks.

The ones we make at home are better and now free. The machine has paid for itself.

I have had the Nespresso machine in the past, which is like a Kureg, I don’t recommend it. I thought it was pretty awful.

I don’t get this, I’m never at my house and then I decide to go to Starbucks. I go to Starbucks frequently but it’s always because I’m somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a game changer. We have the Breville Bambino Plus. It’s $499. My whole family has stopped buying espresso based drinks. We never go Starbucks.

The ones we make at home are better and now free. The machine has paid for itself.

I have had the Nespresso machine in the past, which is like a Kureg, I don’t recommend it. I thought it was pretty awful.

I don’t get this, I’m never at my house and then I decide to go to Starbucks. I go to Starbucks frequently but it’s always because I’m somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

I think Lidl sells pods that are Nespresso compatible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Manual machines require skill to operate correctly and demand more steps in the workflow. Semi-automatic machines, e.g. Ninja Luxe Cafe and Breville models, make it easier to produce a good beverage but still require some effort. Fully automatic bean-to-cup machines are painless to use, but the quality of the drinks they make is inferior to those from manual and semi-automatic machines when those are used correctly. Fully automatic machines also are usually more expensive than semi-automatic designs.

If you just want to push a button are not too picky about drink quality, a fully automatic machine is the way to go. Many make decent, if not outstanding, drinks. For many people, the sweet spot is found with a semi-automatic design, which combines the quality potential of a portafilter machine with a higher level of convenience than is found in fully manual alternatives.

Very helpful thanks! I didn’t realize the difference.

I have had a Ninja Luxe Cafe 701 Model for several months and have been very pleased with it. It replaced a much more expensive superautomatic. The Luxe Cafe can make pretty much any espresso-based drink you can imagine, produces good drip-style coffee, and can make iced/cold coffee drinks, too. It is very versatile, and operating it is not difficult or complex. It does, however, benefit from a diligent review of its operating instructions, given the many variables the user can adjust. There are also helpful YouTube videos available, some from people who actually seem to know what they are talking about, e.g., Coffee Kev, Tom's Coffee Corner. Looking at a few of those may give you a sense of how the machine works and what you can expect from it. Ditto for Breville machines in a similar price category.

[Anonymous]

We have a Jura E8 and love it! That being said, we had a Bosch when we lived overseas and were sad to have to move to a Jura (supposed to be a better brand) when we moved back. Bosch did not sell 110V versions in 2020. Apparently, about a year or two ago, they started selling 110V Bosch machines in the US. You will not regret it if you buy one! If I was buying one today, I would buy a Bosch.

That being said, it sounds like everyone on here is happy with the one that they have. Buy one, in whatever prize range you can afford, and enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Get a real one. The ones by delonghi and Breville are meant to break. Gaggia is a good start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think Lidl sells pods that are Nespresso compatible.

I cannot imagine Lidl making any kind of acceptable coffee pod. Ugh!

[Anonymous]

We just got a Breville Barista Express Impress. A big splurge, like $650, but I really like it. I’ve fallen deep into a rabbit hole of espresso snob videos, but they’ve been very helpful in teaching me how to use it and troubleshoot things.

My BIL has a Jura 8. I think he paid a few thousand for it and said it’s a beast. But his family said it shakes the entire house and was currently “in the shop” for repairs.

[Anonymous]

I love my Nespresso (original). DH doesn’t drink coffee so not worth a huge machine just for me. And the simplicity can’t be beat. I recently upgraded to a Breville nespresso that had a real milk steamer and that has made a difference (I prefer lattes and cappuccinos).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a real one. The ones by delonghi and Breville are meant to break. Gaggia is a good start.

We’ve had a $400 delonghi magnifica that’s made 8 shots everyday for 15 years and is still cranking…and I stopped descaling it 5 years ago. Not sure what you’re talking about.