Getting into Espresso

CoffeeinMyCup

Hey everyone, I mentioned in my intro post that I do not have an espresso machine but would like to get into it, the only thing standing in front of me is spending the money of an Espresso machine. Some other users mentioned that there are some machines that are not very expensive and that a used machine can work just as well as a new one as long as it is cared for, so I am now on the look out! I thought I would ask what you all would recommend for cheaper espresso machines, I could probably spend $600-ish but anything above that would take some more time for me to save up the money. If any could point out brands to look at, brands to avoid and what I need to be looking at to make sure a used machine is in good condition I would be eternally grateful. Thanks everyone

Brett H

Oh mate.... hard one to answer because some second hand machines are fabulous and others are a disaster.  All machines need replacement parts, maintenance and service.  In short, they're the cost that keeps on costing.  My vote, a great coffee grinder, a pour-over and a Moka Pot. Hopefully the tech-heads will be along soon. Just  and extra thought, the Sunbeam EM7000 has been known to drop in price under $600.  Be sure to get a five year warranty and I image that would be good be good bang for buck.

fg1972

Hello there, Does your budget include a grinder? If not, a good grinder is probably more important than the machine itself. If budget is limited, I'd be inclined to say get the best grinder you can afford which will allow you to make decent coffee using alternate cheaper brew methods initially then worry about a machine later when you have more funds. Alternatively you could an all in one machine/grinder which in my opinion won't offer the same control and quality as as separate equipment and you'll probably end up buying separate equipment eventually if "espresso" is important to you. Let us know what you end up deciding. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

K_Bean_Coffee

Hi there, For a $600 budget I would personally go for a grinder and a pourover. That's a spend of $100-$500 to get great long blacks every day. Another option is to look for a second hand Gaggia Classic, Silvia or Lelit Pl41. Feel free to take a look at my Buyer's Guide Good luck Cheers, Paul Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

readeral

Depending where you are located, I'm just in the process of finishing up a restore of a Gaggia classic (with some nice upgrades too!) which although functional when abandoned, I couldn't bare to see such a lovely machine find its way to landfill. I'm sure I could work with you and KBean to get you sorted with good entry Gaggia and Macap M2M around the $700 level. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CoffeeinMyCup

I am already set with my grinder, earlier this year I got a Barazta Encore as a little gift for myself and I currently have a very basic pour over that I won from a roaster in Cambodia a couple years back. Just a piece of ceramic/glass that sits on the top of the cup, very rudimentary but works great non the less. I am taking a look at some classifieds around me for any good deals on the machines mentioned here, I will keep you all posted.

readeral

Send me a DM if you wanna know more about the Classic I have. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

askthecoffeeguy

Id be looking at a second hand sunbeam em7000 in that price range one that can be tested before buying mine is about 7 years old and its still going strong! pour over doesnt cut it for me if im craving espresso and all of us have to start somewhere when we're getting into the espresso market! P

Mrh

I have a 3 year old lelit pl41plust I'm about to list for sale.  A great single boiler that takes 58mm handle. Might suit your purpose...

askthecoffeeguy

on 1504048382:

I have a 3 year old lelit pl41plust I'm about to list for sale.  A great single boiler that takes 58mm handle. Might suit your purpose...

oh, nice machine!

K_Bean_Coffee

Mmmmmm yep. That Lelit would be a really great starter. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

CoffeeinMyCup

on 1503748464:

Hey everyone, I mentioned in my intro post that I do not have an espresso machine but would like to get into it, the only thing standing in front of me is spending the money of an Espresso machine. Some other users mentioned that there are some machines that are not very expensive and that a used machine can work just as well as a new one as long as it is cared for, so I am now on the look out! I thought I would ask what you all would recommend for cheaper espresso machines, I could probably spend $600-ish but anything above that would take some more time for me to save up the money. If any could point out brands to look at, brands to avoid and what I need to be looking at to make sure a used machine is in good condition I would be eternally grateful. Thanks everyone

My finances recently took a big hit and I am going to have to start saving up some money again if I am wanting to get an espresso machine. I am going to take this time so I can look better at the machines and see what exactly would fit my needs, and look more at how they work as well. If anyone still has those machines they are selling when I am back on here asking for suggestions that would be great, but don't go holding onto it as I don't know when I will be able to save the money up for a machine, probably after the holidays. Thanks for all the advice everyone, you made me really excited to move onto espresso.

askthecoffeeguy

on 1504322667:

My finances recently took a big hit and I am going to have to start saving up some money again if I am wanting to get an espresso machine. I am going to take this time so I can look better at the machines and see what exactly would fit my needs, and look more at how they work as well. If anyone still has those machines they are selling when I am back on here asking for suggestions that would be great, but don't go holding onto it as I don't know when I will be able to save the money up for a machine, probably after the holidays. Thanks for all the advice everyone, you made me really excited to move onto espresso.

my sunbeam cafe series exploded this morning and i just bought a 'new' one on gumtree for $100 (ok its second hand) mine lasted for 7 years with no problems but now i fear that the cost of repair would outweigh the replacement cost - so it is possible to do well for less! P

Lwowiak

What a bargain. Seek and you shall find.

Simon

on 1504322667:

My finances recently took a big hit and I am going to have to start saving up some money again if I am wanting to get an espresso machine. I am going to take this time so I can look better at the machines and see what exactly would fit my needs, and look more at how they work as well. If anyone still has those machines they are selling when I am back on here asking for suggestions that would be great, but don't go holding onto it as I don't know when I will be able to save the money up for a machine, probably after the holidays. Thanks for all the advice everyone, you made me really excited to move onto espresso.

Ah fair enough, happens sometimes hey! All in good time though, and better taking your time to research around and decide, as it'll be what suits you best and what you're living with. But either way you'll love it when it comes and when you get stuck into it!!

Recin

Getting into Espresso has been such a wild ride! I’m currently obsessed with dialing in my grind size to get that perfect 1:2 ratio. It’s a total rabbit hole, but so rewarding once you hit that sweet spot. When I’m waiting for my machine to heat up, I usually hop on luckymate.co.com casino Lucky Mate for a few quick spins to pass the time. It’s the perfect combo—intense caffeine and high-stakes fun. Anyone else here using a bottomless portafilter? The mess is real but the crema is worth it! Cheers.