Mine gave up the ghost today. And who knows caffeine better than HN?
Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
1–10 of 25 posts
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#2- What price range? - Mainly for espresso, or also for capuccino and others (ie. good frother)?
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#3The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker makes beautiful espresso because of its 15-bar pump (most models in this pricerange have lesser pumps). Only 90$. I've had it for a while and it's awesome. Haven't been able to make very good capuccino yet, but I'm told that's a matter of milk-frothing technique :)
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Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#4This is the only espresso machine I've owned, but I really enjoy it. One-button lattes and cappuccinos are very nice.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NAATK2/ (DeLonghi EN670.B Nespresso Lattissima)
(Edit: If you're not looking for automatic, you can probably scratch this one from your list.)
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#5I would suggest buying a french press and grinder instead.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#6Rancilio Silvia is very low tech and hackable. Solid, simple, built to last. The design doesn't change from year to year.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/rancilios-silvia-espresso...
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#7- What price range? - Mainly for espresso, or also for capuccino and others (ie. good frother)?
Less than $750ish
Not fully automatic.
For home/office use - several shots a day.
Mostly for espresso, someimtes capuccino (80/20)
Not interested in bells/whistles/computers - just good espresso.
Solid quality/durability/maintainability is a plus.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#8Rancilio Silvia is very low tech and hackable. Solid, simple, built to last. The design doesn't change from year to year. http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/rancilios-silvia-espresso... http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol04/?pg=124#pg124 http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/rancilio_silvia
Looks like a good one. Will check it out.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#9I would suggest buying a french press and grinder instead.
That or a Moka pot. Not only does it taste much better than in a machine, but handgrinding coffee is an awesome and satisfying micro-break!
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#10Save yourself some time and money: buy a grinder, a Nissan vacuum thermos and an Aeropress: http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm. I've tried several espresso/coffee makers and barring one that is commercial grade and several grand, the $25 Aeropress can hang with the best of them.