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I spent $700 on a decent semi-automatic espresso machine and burr grinder, learned how to make espresso correctly, and spend $15-20/12oz bag of beans. This tran
by sfpotter 4y ago
I spent $700 on a decent semi-automatic espresso machine and burr grinder, learned how to make espresso correctly, and spend $15-20/12oz bag of beans. This translates to well below $1/16g of espresso. Cost of milk if my wife or I want it is negligible per drink. Considering that espresso drinks are at $4-5 for decent quality, this invest repaid itself very rapidly since we make 2-4 drinks per day between the two of us.
At this point, my routine is pretty much dialed in (pardon the pun), and is quite uncomplicated. Everything is on autopilot. I’m not operating at a very high level. A small amount of effort initially was all it took to get very good results. If I ever feel the need to get deeper into this hobby, the option is always there, and it will probably be there. As a hobby it’s a nice one, because there are lots of little ways to tinker. I could get a bottomless porta filter and play with that. If I really wanted to be spendy, I could get a manual espresso maker.
I haven’t worked as a barista before. I think maybe working as a barista causes you to have an unhealthy and sort of extreme relationship with coffee. If you are deciding whether to get deeper into coffee or not, as a non-barista, I can say that has been a lot of fun and a good way to save money.
- r00fus 4y agoI used to have a super-automatic but the deep cleaning was non-trivial and tedious. Even at once/month it was not worth it in comparison to my chemex pour-over or Indian filter coffee (for an even faster brew).
- sfpotter 4y agoI have a semi-automatic and the cleaning is a breeze.
- panda888888 4y agoBut were you actually purchasing 2-4 drinks per person per day before getting this setup? If not, this doesn't pay for itself as quickly as you'd think.
- sfpotter 4y agoEdit: misread your post. We were buying 2-4 per day between the two of us. The rate at which it paid itself off was quite reasonable. Considering that this purchase was not a major outlay for us, we didn’t bother working the numbers. But since we bought it three years ago, I can safely say it has paid itself off several times over at this point.
- DLTADragonHawk 4y agoThis route is the same I took. The automatic machine pays off on your time for sure and just by having whole beans ground you will see an enormous flavor improvement.
- kostarelo 4y agoSame experience for me! Never worked as a barista but it was actually a super fun and educational journey to learn all things espresso and coffee. I bought a Mignon Zero grinder and a Delonghi Dedica with a non-presurrised portafilter for about $500 for both. Both are beginners friendly and for home use. I've learned all about dialling an espresso, the amount of coffee to put it, the duration of the extraction, the amount of coffee to get out and what role the cut of the coffee plays. I've calculated that the investment will pay back it-self in a few months, ~5-6.
- theGnuMe 4y agoWhich super automatic? I've been looking at them. I've gone through almost all variations but right now it is a pour over since I can make it strong.
- sfpotter 4y agoSemi-automatic. I have a Solis Perfetta Plus. Grinder is a Eureka Mignon.
- nickthegreek 4y agoI went with a Breville Barista Touch at the beginning of Covid and my experience mirrors yours. I can even get locally roasted coffee delivered to my door. It was a big upfront investment, but it has already paid for itself by curbing my partners Starbucks habit.