Cafelat Robot (espresso maker), Kruve Propel (espresso glass), Fellow Stagg EKG Pro (kettle), Ana Sora very light roast by Pilot (beans).
Maybe the best espresso I’ve ever had in my life. Is it dramatic to call it mind-blowing espresso? If so then I guess I’m dramatic because this is so, so good. Highly recommended.
The only thing I’d want to change about my setup at this point is my grinder. Thankfully I have a DF54 coming in the mail (hopefully very) soon. I still really enjoy my current hand grinder though, but I’m grinding at a 0.0 right now and it’s just on the coarsest end of what I’d consider good. I’d like to go a touch finer though, I had to go light on the pressure with this shot. With the Robot though, I was still able to make an incredible shot with it regardless.
8 Comments
chocrates@piefed.world · 3 pts · 2d
I just looked up the price on that espresso machine 🤮
BurntWits@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 2d
I’m curious what price you saw online. The Robot is famously very difficult to buy brand new, if you saw a live listing or used it was probably way over MSRP.
Also, take a look at La Marzocco Linea Mini for something truly expensive.
chocrates@piefed.world · 1 pts · 2d
$689 I think, not sure if it was new or used.
BurntWits@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 2d
That’s definitely over MSRP. To be fair, I got the version without the pressure gauge on it, and I had a 10% discount code too, but I only paid $495 CAD (around $350 USD). The version with a pressure gauge at regular price is $660 CAD (around $470 USD).
chocrates@piefed.world · 2 pts · 2d
Interesting thanks! I haven't looked at espresso machines in a while. I want to try it but the entry price was so high
BurntWits@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 2d
If you’re willing to put up with a relatively cheap outer build (plastic body, cheap feeling buttons, etc) the DeLonghi Stilosa is a very competent machine internally. It’s probably the cheapest pump machine with a proper boiler, rather than a therma-block or other crappy heating element. It feels cheap to use for sure, but it’s also like $100 or something. The parts that count are good, but they cheaped out on everything else. It’ll last a while and make good espresso, it just might not feel great to use. If you’re willing to spring forward a bit more cash, the Breville/Sage Bambino is a massive step up in quality, but it’s a couple hundred extra. If you’re willing to do manual, check out Flair’s offerings. I’ve never used one myself but I’ve heard great things.
If you’re willing to shop used, try finding a Gaggia Classic Pro. There’s different models of the GCP with different R/SIN numbers so do your research but they’re super user repairable and can last forever. The aftermarket parts scene on it is insane. I have one (a 2019-2022 model) and love it. I got it used for $320 CAD in near mint condition. Took a bit of hunting but it was well worth the effort. I’ve since modded it a bit but it wasn’t necessary, it pulled great shots stock, too.
MalReynolds@slrpnk.net · 5 pts · 2d
If you're looking secondhand the Rancilio Silvia is also this, got mine a decade or so ago and it was already a decade old I guess. All parts available, last year I replaced the frame (which rusts, you may find a bargain that way) with aftermarket stainless steel. If you want to get fancier it supports many of the same mods as the GCP like the gaggimate and gaggiuino, pump upgrades etc.
kettuli@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2d
Thank heavens I don’t like espresso.