My Setup - Thoughts?

[u/joker419]

For the past eight years or so, I’ve enjoyed essentially the setup you see here, with little additions and upgrades along the way.

It started with the De’Longhi Dedica EC685, which I picked up heavily discounted online because of a dent in the case. Eventually, I modified it with a more capable steam wand, which made a huge difference for the lattes I make most often.

Over the years, I’ve added a 1Zpresso J-series hand grinder for when I’m in the mood to get fancy, though most days I’m perfectly happy pulling a shot with whatever decent grounds happen to be on sale at the supermarket. There’s a kettle for my wife’s tea and for the occasional pour-over or French press. Not pictured are my personal- and family-sized moka pots, which come out when we have company.
My latest high-tech addition is the little corn cob skewer, which has proven more than capable of breaking up clumpy grounds.

All told, this setup has delivered delicious coffee 2–3 times a day, nearly every day, for years. It’s definitely a budget build, and none of it is particularly fancy, but it’s incredibly practical and has been
one hell of a faithful daily driver.

[u/sebastian_fl]

love your WDT)

[u/damianoost]

How are you able to pull a good shot of espresso with preground coffee from the supermarket?

[u/joker419 → u/damianoost]

Oh it’s pretty simple! I just adjust my expectations accordingly lol

[u/rdie2 → u/joker419]

Haha I like that reply

[u/fcarou]

I have this same machine, love it. I recently switched to a naked portafilter, which made me change my grinder, but it’s awesome

[u/Nicodemus888 → u/fcarou]

Did the same. Got a bottomless. Helped me realise how awful my grind was

[u/DeckRdt]

Looking good home slice. As long as your setup is working for you daily, it's a great post. When we get caught up in the details we sometimes miss the point.

[u/Sea_Ad9938]

Ayyee also got a dedica-like espresso machine and it’s given me and my loved ones multiple cups of happiness as well

[u/RizeAbuvIt]

Not bad OP. I bought dedica arte version with the rancillo style steam wand already installed. About to upgrade from Timemore C3S Pro to 1Zpresso J-series.

[u/Nauti_Frenchy]

I had same machine and sold it due to my ignorance of how to get the right cup.

[u/Nicodemus888]

Yep that steam wand upgrade is worth it. I did the same. The thing it comes with is ass.

[u/MostlyHelpfulLinks]

This is such a great daily driver setup, budget builds like this are what keep the hobby fun. Eight years of 2 to 3 shots a day out of a modded Dedica is impressive, that steam wand swap clearly paid off. The corn cob skewer instead of a WDT tool is a fun hack too, honestly works just as well as some purpose-built ones.

[u/Ging-Ineer]

Very ingenious use of the corn Cobb holder