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The roma and similar sub $100 espresso machines (I have a delonghi model in that category) use a pressurized basket and aren't really making espresso comparable

The roma and similar sub $100 espresso machines (I have a delonghi model in that category) use a pressurized basket and aren't really making espresso comparable to more expensive machines. Expensive machines have more powerful pumps and boilers that ensure a proper 15 bar of pressure delivered to the puck vs. the roma and similar pressurized basket machines have a valve in the bottom of the basket that forces the basket to build all the pressure. The end result is an inconsistent brew as pressurizing on the basket wreaks havoc on the puck. Basically these cheap machines are designed to give a lot of crema and a meh espresso shot. I've had more success with my machine after removing the valve and depressurizing the basket, but then you start to run into the limitations of the boiler and pump not being up to the task. It's why I said you really need to spend about 500 on a brewer to get espresso comparable to what you get at a coffee shop. This isn't snobbery or whatever you want to say, it's just a simple fact pressurized basket brewers don't work the same way and are difficult to get consistently good results--they're designed to make a pretty looking brew.

mekoka 4y ago
Thanks for the detailed answer and insight. It opened up an interest in more closely comparing the shots one gets from machines in the different categories, to see how apart they really are.
chii 4y ago
> really need to spend about 500 for an electric machine, yes, this is the basic minimum, but not for a manual lever machine (i would expect brand new to cost less than $250, and second hand to be around $150 in good condition). The most expensive part of espresso machine is the pump. If you for go that with a manual, lever espresso machine, you bring the cost down drastically. Ditto with grinder - a good manual grinder with good burrs capable of the fine grind for espresso can be had for around $100 bucks brand new.

mekoka 4y ago

Thanks for the detailed answer and insight. It opened up an interest in more closely comparing the shots one gets from machines in the different categories, to see how apart they really are.

chii 4y ago

> really need to spend about 500 for an electric machine, yes, this is the basic minimum, but not for a manual lever machine (i would expect brand new to cost less than $250, and second hand to be around $150 in good condition). The most expensive part of espresso machine is the pump. If you for go that with a manual, lever espresso machine, you bring the cost down drastically. Ditto with grinder - a good manual grinder with good burrs capable of the fine grind for espresso can be had for around $100 bucks brand new.