Espresso: another obsession

[BlindLemonLars]

I have the Gaggia Coffee (it was a gift, but I think it was around $400) and can vouch for this solid, but no-frills machine. Great espresso, fast recovery, and the steaming wand is a breeze to use and clean. I find I can get back to espresso temps quickly simply by opening the steamer valve and bleeding out the pressure.

My grinder is an inexpensive ($100ish) Capresso, but I'm quite happy with it. My only complaint is that it won't do a good french press grind, way too uneven and with a lot of dust. For espresso though it's great, very fine and consistent.

My older (80's vintage) DeLonghi had a built-in grinder with doser. I didn't care for the doser, as there was always a little pile of ground coffee underneath it. I'd rather just measure out the coffee with a scoop.

In my experience, one of the most important steps is proper tamping of the grounds. Not too hard, and definitely not too soft. My girlfriend can never pull a proper shot, as she hasn't figured out the tamping thing.

 

[Orpheus]

I'll say it again to anyone who wants to try making espresso. A good machine can be had brand new for between $20-30. Get yourself an Aerobie Aeropress. The thing makes coffee and espresso and is ridiculously simple to use and clean. I have a $400 Starbucks Barista espresso machine I got on clearance for $79 new at Starbucks. Since I got the aeropress, I don't use it anymore. The head honcho over at coffeegeek even said he would gladly put up an aeropress against one of those expensive Clover coffeemakers anyday.

If you want to dabble a bit first, go ahead and get the aeropress. That way you're not out too much money and you can get some good quality espresso. You can always ramp up your equipment with more expensive toys when you're ready.

 

[TxBrew]

I've read mixed reviews about Gaggia products. Like that they rust over time. Anyone notice that with theirs?