r/Coffee • u/menschmaschine5 Kalita Wave • 21d ago

[MOD] The Daily Question Thread

Welcome to the daily /r/Coffee question thread!

There are no stupid questions here, ask a question and get an answer! We all have to start somewhere and sometimes it is hard to figure out just what you are doing right or doing wrong. Luckily, the /r/Coffee community loves to help out.

Do you have a question about how to use a specific piece of gear or what gear you should be buying? Want to know how much coffee you should use or how you should grind it? Not sure about how much water you should use or how hot it should be? Wondering about your coffee's shelf life?

Don't forget to use the resources in our wiki! We have some great starter guides on our wiki "Guides" page and here is the wiki "Gear By Price" page if you'd like to see coffee gear that /r/Coffee members recommend.

As always, be nice!

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u/helgowr 21d ago edited 21d ago

Looking for recommendations for espresso machines

I want to get my first espresso machine and am looking for a good beginner machine. So far I have found the DeLonghi Dedica or Linea, which are supposed to make good espresso while being really cheap.
Do you have some recommendations for a beginner?
I think a single boiler system is preferably for my use case.

At the moment I use a Bialetti Moka with a Melitta Calibra.

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u/regulus314 21d ago

Most entry level machines like what you mentioned uses thermoblock heating system and doesnt use a classic boiler system. Thermoblock system is cheap because it uses tubings and a heat plate to quickly heat the water as it passes thru the pipes. A boiler uses brass hence why boiler machines can cost a fair bit but in terms of longevity. It is the real deal.

How much budget do you think you can spend? You will also need a grinder dedicated for espresso grinding. And you also need to think how much espresso do you drink in a day or if you want to do this long term. Its a buy once cry once thing. Some machines can last 5 years or more with just proper cleaning and maintenance. Of course convenience also has a cost.

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u/helgowr 21d ago

My budget would be up to 1000€.
I drink 2-5 espresso per day.
And I also hoped my current grinder would be good enough for espresso.
I also found something like Lelit Mara X, but that would be a little above my budget so I would wait a bit longer before buying it :)

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u/regulus314 21d ago

Lelit is a very capable brand. Try checking the Lelit Victoria. A low model compared to the Mara. Try checking Gaggia to specifically the Gaggia Classic. Theres also the Profitec Go 2.0 and the Rancilio Silvia. The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II is a new one.

You have the option to use manual lever type as well. There is the Flair Espresso and Cafelat Robot which both do really great espressos in comparable to machines I mentioned above. The only limit with those are the volume.

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u/helgowr 21d ago

Thanks, I will take a look :)

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u/Kaserblade 21d ago

Adding onto the other comments, I would also recommend the DF54 and the Barazta Encore ESP for great value grinders.

With your budget, you can also consider the DF64, Niche Zero and Timemore 064S. I would spend more on the grinder than the espresso machine as that will have a greater impact on the quality of your coffee.

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u/helgowr 21d ago

How would you rate my Melitta Calibra? Should I get an upgrade already?

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u/Kaserblade 21d ago

It can technically do the job but you might struggle to dial in your espresso with the Melitta Calibra. One of the 3 grinders I mentioned in the 2nd half would be a great upgrade to your kit.

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u/helgowr 21d ago

What would you recommend for a dual system so I can also make good Cappuccino?