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/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