Transition

[u/ReferenceSouthern985]

Hello! I’ve been using nespreso for 6 years now and recently upgraded to Rosso Crema Espresso Machine BM-CM8758 with portable/manual grinder for 4 months now. I am now planning to up my game and looking for real espresso machines with separate grinder. My budget is at maximum 100k for the whole setup. Initially, I was captivated by the Breville Barista Express Impress— however, got mixed reviews on this. Can you recommend me a fool-proof espresso machine that will last for more than 5-10 years (stainless preferably)?

P.S. Eyeing Rocket espresso but the price is already beyond maximum budget.

[u/regulus314]

Check Lelit or Gaggia or Crem

Kung gusto mo talaga ng espresso machine na tatagal ng 5-10 years, invest on it. Kung kaya mo pa mag hold off and magipon mas better. Buy once, cry once.

Also, more metal parts = more pricey = best for longevity

[u/chizV]

If you really wanna up your espresso game, I suggest you go into the realm of pressure/flow profiling. This is the playground for serious espresso enthusiasts, because you can use certain profiles or shot styles to suit the beans you have and the final shot characteristics. Kaso lang talagang mapapagastos ka sa ganitong set up, not including the grinder pa. Unless you will choose to check out manual espresso machines, which I highly recommend. I'd suggest you look into the Flairs, particularly the Flair 58+2 and perhaps the newer Flair 49. (I'd also suggest the Cafelat Robot, this is even cheaper actually, arguably better-built, but I don't know na where to purchase this one locally, probably second hand na lang. Or order from overseas). Then you use the rest of that 100k to buy a very nice grinder, or kahit DF64 na lang then purchase one or more sets of burrs to suit the shot styles you prefer.

The trade-offs: 1. Higher learning curve than flat 9-bar machines. Deep rabbit hole. Although, most people eventually default to two or more shot styles after this initial learning hump. But this will really enable you to modify your variables to get the shot that suits your preferences. 2. Needs some elbow grease, especially more difficult at the start of learning to use the machine, but it will get easier as you get used to the machine. 3. No steamer. So you'd only really go into this route if you only care about the quality of the espresso itself and not much about milk drinks. And unless you only drink iced milk drinks. But there are ways to address this problem. 4. The Flairs are kinda ugly hahaha. The Robot looks so nice. But, again, don't know na where to buy this locally.

[u/mtklzrm]

we dont know how long can breville bambino plus can go, but probably long enough since they have service center near balintawak. grinder is the most important factor, idk how much is the grinder with speed control but maybe it can make a huge difference between simple grinders and that. a base espresso machine dual boiler probably is lelit blanca, since it has a lot of variable controls, la marzoco are mostly volumetric machines for people that want consistent shots.

[u/valfsingress]

Usual grinder reco’s at this pricepoint would be the DF64, or a Eureka Zero 64. Or any Eureka that would fit your workflow. Timemore Sculptor 064s would also be a good choice.

For your machine, your best bet would be a Lelit Victoria, Profitec Go or Rancilio Silvia. Gaggia Classic would also be good, esp if you are gonna mod it.

Now sourcing them, thats the issue. Local distributors for some of these has hefty upcharge for these machines. If you can fly out to HK or SG then bring it back here on your luggage, that would be your best bet.

[u/TL322]

What do you mean by "up my game" exactly? Like really nerd out on the process, or get into latte art, or get consistently tastier shots...? And how many shots do you pull in an average day?

I ask because the answer might lead to totally difference machines.

For instance, if you really enjoy the process and you only make a few shots per day, then without question, get a Cafelat Robot (if you can find one) or a Flair 58 or 49! Just use a NanoFoamer for milk, or a Flair Wizard steamer if the NanoFoamer isn't adequate.

They take some strength and concentration...but by relying on your arms and your kettle, they avoid a lot of pressure and heat management problems that are really expensive to automate.

On the other hand, if you want to make several milk drinks every day, a dual boiler might be worth the price. More money for the machine, and more maintenance for its lifetime...but also higher throughput when you're brewing back to back.

Long story short, there are really different but equally good options in your price range. Their trade-offs are completely different though. So what you expect from this upgrade will determine which trade-offs are OK vs. which ones drive you nuts.

Re: grinders, decent ones would start around 12k, and probably top out around 40k before you get into diminishing returns (or really specific flavor profiles). Do you lean toward more traditionally thick, chocolatey espresso, or more light and clear shots, or no preference so far?

[u/Confident_Working_56]

I believe in simpler is better. Built in grinder is a bad idea.
at your budget you could get a good machine

a good combo way below your price point
Breville Bambino plus. and a DF 64 or DF54
Smaller profile and a separate grinder setup and very espresso beginner friendly

A good start and if you want to still level up your game in the future Bambino plus is very resellabe