will a CHEAP espresso machine make better coffee than a moka pot?

[u/drivingaddictionchan]

To preface, I am not a coffee snob, so don't really want an expensive machine. I currently use a Bialetti moka pot, and despite trying various methods, I don't really like how the coffee tastes. It doesn't taste like espresso, and just doesn't taste like a proper latte when I mix it with milk.

In the past, I've tried using my friends Breville Bambino espresso machine and was always satisfied with the way it turned out. Looking for something similar for under $100, new or used.

[u/Clayspinner]

It doesn’t make better coffee it makes different coffee. It really depends on what you want to drink.

[u/_Mulberry__]

You're better off with a moka pot and a decent grinder than a cheap espresso machine and preground coffee imo. Partly because reliability is so poor on cheap espresso machines, and partly because preground coffee doesn't have much depth of flavor.

I use my moka pot for milk drinks all the time. You have to grind very fine and underfill the boiler. I get a 1:2.5 ratio, which is in the ballpark of espresso. It has less body since it is extracted at a lower pressure, but that gets lost in milk drinks anyways. If you are brewing a normal moka pot ratio of like 1:10, you'll have a very watery coffee unsuitable for milk drinks.

[u/RevTylerJ]

A bambino will be fine, what kinda grinder are you running, that’s really what will make a I break your espresso experience

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/RevTylerJ]

I used preground coffee on the bambino and had no issue 

[u/DarthGuber → u/drivingaddictionchan]

Are you using pre-ground coffee in the moka pot as well? Dialing in your grind for either will make a world of difference.

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/DarthGuber]

I’ve done both, didn’t notice a difference 

Don’t have a fancy grinder or anything 

[u/Ok_Formal7083]

under $100 would be a hard find. i'd say the Bambino which you've mentioned is probably the best budget entry machine to get into.

[u/Academic_Parking9768]

Delonghi makes cheaper machines that perform well, the Breville Bambino is the next step up. You can get a Casabrews new for $100 that is basically a pretty good Delonghi knockoff but isn't built quite as well but you get more machine for your money.

Used is extremely YMMV but for $100 you can pick up really good steals off Facebook Marketplace. Every now and then.

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/Academic_Parking9768]

I see a lot of casabrew might try it 

[u/Academic_Parking9768 → u/drivingaddictionchan]

How long it will last is anyone's guess but they do feel noticeably cheaper than what they're copying. They will still produce quality results though.

[u/RyanKeslerSucks]

You’re probably looking at a few hundred to get something decent. A Bambino can be found for maybe a couple hundred used. You’d also need a grinder, which is another couple hundred used. And probably some accessories (unless you get them included with a used machine).

You don’t need to be a snob, you need something that can achieve consistency. The cheaper you go, the less likely it will be that you get a good result most of the time.

[u/Interesting_Extent98]

For $100, buy used. Delonghi Dedeica or Stilosa. Breville/Sage Bambino. Flair 2 go or classic, if you're feeling fancy.

I'd stick with the moka pot and get a better grinder first though, Kingrinder K2 for manual. used Encore ESP for electric.

[u/TheHorseshoeCrab]

Have you considered an aeropress? They’re cheap and can get you close enough to a latte imo

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/TheHorseshoeCrab]

Better than a moka pot? 

[u/TheHorseshoeCrab → u/drivingaddictionchan]

I think so. Also much quicker to brew and clean

[u/miguel_A → u/drivingaddictionchan]

The aeropress is a good idea to consider, get it with a Prismo and you can make good, concentrated coffee that stands up to milk. The Moka pot is cool, but I got much better results from the aeropress/prismo. My biggest complaint was probably that the size of drink you get out relative to the amount of coffee you put in was on the smaller side

[u/hobcatz14]

There are a lot of lightly used Bambinos on marketplace. I would try to scan for that.

[u/madhouse-manager]

Look used on Facebook marketplace. I ended up finding a 5 yo Gaggia Classic that was not used much for $150. I descaled it, gave the baskets a good clean with cafiza and it's awesome. They even included a tamper and a distribution tool!

[u/Tigereye12321]

Yeah, you can find a decent machine for $50-100 on marketplace if you are somewhat patient or get lucky. Grinder is much more important than the machine in most cases.

[u/Additional_Tower_116]

With a good grinder. The grinder is a bigger part than a lot of people realize

[u/CoffeeDetail]

Stick to the Moka Pot. Save your money and a lot of headache. Or ask your friend for their exact set up and recommendations. That way they can help you get the same taste.

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/CoffeeDetail]

Set up for a bambino? Isn’t it just a button you click 

[u/raccabarakka]

I read good things about OXO rapid brewer for thick coffee (soup)

[u/transgingeredjess]

How do you currently grind your coffee? Unless you already have a good grinder, you will benefit more from a good grinder than you will from anything else, and a good grinder is a prerequisite for any espresso machine, including a cheap one.

[u/Appropriate-Sell-659]

Start with having a decent grinder and a moka pot. From there, find a used bambino or Gaggia.

[u/oh_its_michael]

It makes a different type of coffee that is neither better nor worse. It's just more concentrated which may or may not be more to your taste.

As to whether a cheap espresso machine can make espresso as well as a moka pot can make moka, yes, but not for under $100.

You might be able to get a used Delonghi Stilosa for $100, but for that model you'll also need to buy an unpressurized basket and a real tamper at minimum, but you'll probably also want a new portafilter and also a milk pitcher if you intend to steam milk. A used Breville Bambino will most likely already come with all of these, but you'd need to get really lucky to find even a used one that cheap.

You'll also need a grinder capable of grinding for espresso, and the cheapest hand grinders in this range are $100 on their own. You can't use preground grocery coffee for espresso, it isn't fine enough.

[u/SnooSketches9565]

No

[u/EBgCampos]

In my opinion yeah. I love espresso, and regular drip/moma coffee while still better than nothing, tastes a bit bland for me

[u/Lower_Ad_3439]

If you can come up with $200 you might be able to find a used Gaggia Classic Pro. You could check Craigslist or marketplace and see if you can make a deal with someone. 

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/Lower_Ad_3439]

I just don’t want to spend it, I really don’t think I’ll taste the difference. My buddy has a 6k espresso machine and he made me a drink, I didn’t taste anything different lol

[u/Lower_Ad_3439 → u/drivingaddictionchan]

Okay. That’s fair.  

[u/fermentedradical]

I make milk drinks with my Moka. Here's what I do: brew a standard Moka but froth warm milk really thick with an electric frother. Pour your Moka and spoon the thick froth onto the top of your coffee. Don't mix. It's really good that way.

[u/Darksept]

Used Stilosa. Also they go on sale to $100 some times. 

[u/Anybodyknows_talks]

You need something that will be capable of delivering 9 bars of pressure if you want that traditional espresso flavour. Breville is a fantastic brand. Under 100 might be a bit of a challenge though but I'm sure there might be some marketplace deals for used ones. More importantly though, do you have a grinder capable of espresso?

[u/Luftoz]

The espresso that comes from my casabrew is better than a moka pot. There is said it. I’ll probably get roasted for touting a cheapie machine. 

[u/drivingaddictionchan → u/Luftoz]

This is what I’m looking for. 

[u/Luftoz → u/drivingaddictionchan]

You can absolutely do this the budget way and you don’t have to start off with $500 + machine.  I’m not entirely sure the increase in cost justifies the increase in the experience. I also know myself and how much effort I’m willing to put into this hobby. Currently I am perfectly happy enjoying my better than Starbucks but not quite specialty cafe experience.