Espresso Machine

[rsuelzer]

Hello,

I know there must also be some caffeine addicts on this site. Does anyone have any recommendations on a reasonable priced (under 200) dollar espresso machine?

Thanks
Ray

[lxskllr]

I'm an amateur. Santa got my daughter a Mr Coffee espresso machine a couple of years for xmas. It works pretty well... I don't really know what the practical difference is between that $30 machine, and a $400 machine. I haven't wanted to spend the money to find out, but all that gleaming stainless sure is pretty :^)

I don't know how picky you are, but a cheapo from Target might do the trick for you. If you want something better, I'd go to some forums that specialize in that sort of thing. If I were going to spend $200 on a machine, I'd rather spend $400 if it made a difference; Know what I mean? $30 isn't a big deal to lose if it isn't perfect for your needs, for real money it pays to research, and buy what's appropriate, even if it's over budget.

[rsuelzer]

OK... So I thought snus was confusing at first. But, espresso, I am WAY over my head. There are like 8 different types of machines and dozens of brands. There are grinders that range from 80-2000 dollars.

Foam vs Microfoam, Frothing, and steaming.

I think I am in way over my head. And it looks like a mid-range espresso machine costs about 300 dollars. That is ALOT of snus. :-). Although, I spend 20 a week at various coffee places, so it is a tough call.

Ughh, the finer things in life are always costly.

[b0xii]

Food Network's Alton Brown did an episode on espresso in which he explains the benefits and downside of various types of espresso machines. It was a while back so I don't remember his suggestion, but if you could find the episode on TV or online I would recommend watching it. His recommendations come from experience and the use of solid logic.

[sychodelix]

Espresso is great and snus is great. Just indulge with both in moderation. I've seen way too many posts on here with people who have overdone it with nasty consequences.

[sagedil]

What are you talking about, it never has hurt sfcsav xzC VSADV VZS xD BzSDFs vbxzc me. :wink:

[rsuelzer]

I agree. I must have a high tolerance.

I have four shots of espresso followed by 2 general starks (at the same time) the result is normally very pleaseant.

however, i will say, that sometimes i can feel something unpleasant creeping up then i take out my snus and am good.

[bakerbarber]

I have terrible headaches without caffeine like sage said.

I take a pain reliever that contains caffeine with my morning cup most days.

The combo does well with me. I change up my morning snus between whatever I happen to have open.

For espresso I recommend buying a $100 or so machine and spending the extra money on quality beans. As long as you work up a decent amount of pressure in the machine spending extra money only gets you novelty.

Plus if it craps out in a year or two it's easier to replace.

Of course grind your own beans. Every day.

My wife has a more serious caffeine addiction than I, so I benefit from her compulsion in the morning. I might not go through the trouble on a daily basis for myself. I normally have a cup of home brew from premium beans and don't bother with espresso.

[sychodelix]

I agree. I must have a high tolerance.

I have four shots of espresso followed by 2 general starks (at the same time) the result is normally very pleaseant.

however, i will say, that sometimes i can feel something unpleasant creeping up then i take out my snus and am good.

I'm a caffeine/nicotine junkie as well, so I've also felt the "something unpleasant" on the horizon before. Gotta ditch the snus and lay off for about an hour or so when that happens.

Note this kind of things only really happens if you are using LOTS of caffeine and LOTS of nicotine. Reduce one or the other slightly and you should be fine. You can usually feel that "ugh" feeling coming on if you are pushing it.

As for the espresso machine, unless you're in it for cappuccino making, buying a nice stovetop percolator is a great way to make decent espresso and it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

[clitten]

Food Network's Alton Brown did an episode on espresso in which he explains the benefits and downside of various types of espresso machines. It was a while back so I don't remember his suggestion, but if you could find the episode on TV or online I would recommend watching it. His recommendations come from experience and the use of solid logic.

Good Eats just happens to be one of my favorite tv shows, and since I don't have cable or satellite, the internet has become a great tool for finding episodes. When I first started reading this thread good eats came to mind immediately. So for the OP's viewing pleasure....

Good Eats (S10E19) Espress Yourself Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbqE3Npk13k

Good Eats (S10E19) Espress Yourself Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS6rveFmgTo

[b0xii]

Good job clitten!

[bakerbarber]

I have Alton Brown's autograph.

:idea:

[clitten]

I have Alton Brown's autograph.

:idea:

I am so jealous, that guy combines 2 of my favortite things, cooking and science.

[bakerbarber]

He was the Keynote speaker at a baking association tradeshow one year. I have his first book autographed, "Cook Smart" where he signed it. Never cracked the spine of the book.

I saw him in person again a couple years later and sat in the audience for a "show" on taffy. It was the "Fabulous Food Show" that comes to Cleveland every year.

I couldn't get another autograph though since Giada was there too and was cockblocking the meet and greet tent.

The Ace of Cakes was there too. He's pretty cool. At the time his show wasn't too big so he was only set up like a vendor stand, but he talked to everyone and wasn't stuck up.

[Jegara]

Nespresso

Try a Nespresso machine. On a scale of 10, they make a 7, which is better than the majority of cheap espresso machines available.

The catch is that you have to buy their coffee "capsules".

Their site is at nespresso.com. Do some googlingfor user reviews..