Forum menu
As much of a fan as I am of the aero press and stovetop (done well) neither of them makes anything like espresso.
Inverted method with aeropress FTW
I'd probably go with the new Gaggia Classic (2019) now they've gone back to the solenoid valve and added a decent steam wand. That or the Sage Bambino/Barista Plus around your price range. The Gaggia will just keep turning out great coffee. Even my 2015 (takeover years) model made great espresso, not far off what my Rocket now produces which considering the price difference is amazing. It was just the milk steaming which was was shite and they've now fixed that it seems. Probably as good as they get before going to rotary pumped/dual boilers and forking out over a grand!
I'd avoid ones like the delonghi though, they seem to break quickly!
I think it’s worth trying a variety of different sources and types – doesn’t have to be expensive and you’d be amazed at the results, a real rainbow of flavours on offer!
Don't get me wrong, I love nice coffee and all the flavours you can get, but I only have dual wall baskets at present and more importantly don't have a grinder. It's a potential future purchase but for the time being I'm just as happy with super market stuff.
I’ve got a Sage Barista Express we got as a gift. It’s one of the best things in the house - if it broke I would buy one again immediately! Not sure I could live without it. Tend to get beans from Pact.
I also have an Aeropress and stove top but they just don’t compare.
Sage Barista here, very good nice and simple. It seems a decent middle ground given the in built grinder. The flow meter did go after 18months but no issue being replaced within a couple of days engineer was round and replaced it.
I got a second hand Silvia V2 on eBay, cost £110 and can't fault it really.
Rancilio Silvia V1 here, 17 years and still going strong. Had a new boiler at about 12 years. V easy to take apart and clean / replace parts as needed.