I’m looking for a single head mid-range espresso maker for my workplace (Canada); two of our three people are real coffee fans (one used to own a cafe) and so I need something pretty special. Figured it’s a good topic to, uh, try to get things brewing a bit here in the new community. Anyone got a specific recommendation?
If you want something special and are not scared to modify thigs a bit: Gaggiuino
I have a Londinium R24 and a Decent. I’m not sure if they are mid-range but I love both. The Decent has taught me so much about espresso making. The Londinium makes insanely good espresso consistently. Both offer flexibility that allows you to make anything at any roast level, assuming you pair it with a good grinder. If everyone likes medium to dark roasts, I’d suggest investing more in the grinder and getting a reliable E61 group.
Agreed on the grinder thing. Oddly enough one of my main criteria for that is just going to be “does it not make a huge mess, because this counter space is very small” though.
You said midrange, but I’m not sure what your budget is. I have a DeLonghi Dinamica and it is spectacular. Produces excellent cup after excellent cup of coffee.
That said, the coffee production is entirely automatic. The only thing I do is steam/froth the milk.
Honestly I don’t really have a specific budget, it’s more that I shouldn’t just dive for the highest end stuff.
Fully automated stuff always worries me for longevity. how long have you had yours, is it wearing well?
Going strong at two years. I do all of the maintenance recommended in the manual (which is honestly not that much work), and I make sure to leave it open after I’ve finished making coffee for the day so that it dries out and doesn’t leave it gross and moist inside.
I specifically avoided the one that froths the milk since I figured it would be a nightmare to clean.
I don’t know what the consensus is outside of Italy, but if you are on the cheap get a Bialetti mocha pot. It’s not exactly espresso but it basically is.
What budget are you working with?
The cheapest rec I’d go for is a Breville Bambino Plus with a Encore ESP grinder, but you can go much higher end.
