Because of this, I now have an energy drink problem 😂. If I don’t have time to make coffee at home or go to a specialty coffee cafe, my only option is energy drinks for caffeine 😭.
I have convinced most people I know that coffee doesn't suck and at least 3 of my closest friends had never had coffee they appreciated... we are all in our thirties, btw
At home, for the past year, we all start the day with a delicious latte. I don't regret at all having started this hobby, and I am already planning to buy a new coffee maker with a double boiler, rotary pump, etc. Indeed, you always want to upgrade.
There is nothing better than a delicious latte at home! No regrets is the best mindset to have in this hobby, and it’s true that once you’re hooked, the urge to upgrade is almost inevitable. A double boiler with a rotary pump is also very interesting to me (especially the LM Linea Micra ;) )
There should definitely be specialty shops in your area that you can go, they /should/ give a shot at least as good and possibly better than what you can produce at home, as their setup is even better than what you have.
I admit upgrading cab be a problem i bought a 2006 Gaggia classic and I have upgraded and modified the machine numerous times, when they release brass boiler next year I will buy that and upgrade it to that. But yeah you end up watching so many TH-cam videos that you end up watching.
Once you go down this rabbit hole you can't escape. I purchased as my first machine a Flair 58 and an Option 0 mini. A year later I upgraded to a Londinium R24 and an Option 0 P64 grinder. I love it. Went with the R24 since I live alone and don't drink any milk drinks, but if I have company and they want something with milk the option is there.
Wow, a Flair 58 and Option-O Mini was already nice, but upgrading to a Londinium R24 and the P64 grinder? That’s next-level! How do you like the Londinium R24??
I’m on the fence or have been : for many, many years now I relied on my trusty Bialetti : cheap, simple and makes great coffee. (I grind my beans myself). I almost bought a second hand espresso machine but the deal went sour. Now I’m kinda glad I’m still using my Bialetti. I really like the simplicity of the thing.
lol I just got back into it after 15 years of having great espresso and the new coffees now are much better than then. And I have brought so much gear ya would have thought I would have learnt after the first time. It’s the same with drip coffee tho I tried it thinking I wouldn’t like it much and it’s amazing. I usually finish the day with a CoffeeSnobs Decaf Wow that I roasted myself and it tastes like warm melon flavoured butter when I get it right. I am using a Hario switch. One thing I have learnt to do is if I screw something up with making the coffee or roasting it. I will always try it because sometimes it is AMAZING. It’s usually not but hey sometimes…….
Wow, what an incredible coffee journey you've had! Getting back into espresso after 15 years must feel like stepping into a whole new world - haha! It’s awesome that you’re exploring drip coffee too - it’s such a versatile method. That decaf you roasted yourself sounds absolutely heavenly-“warm melon-flavored butter”? I'll take that! The Hario Switch looks like such a fun tool to experiment with - I also thought about buying it. What roaster do you use to roast your own coffee at home?
@ yup it’s expensive and fun. We have been getting stuff of Temu and AliExpress. Haven’t gotten anything that’s a dud yet. My hand grinder is so well built and can easily do espresso. Tho the adjustment is a tad course so I have the top of the line version coming so it’s should be better. I did nail the grind with the Grinder I have and it was one of the best offers is have ever made.
And just two months ago, I upgraded my “on machine” grinder to the same one you have, the D64, flat grinder (because my current machine, the Barista Express, has one on it). The only problem I have now is deciding which machine to upgrade to… which has lead to information overload! Do I want/need a dual boiler, rotary pump, etc? The reality is that the subject of this video is pretty accurate and you did a great job covering it… good choice on your new machine decisions. The grinder is super and the Ascaso has great reviews from the videos I’ve watched so far.
Thank you so much! 😊 It sounds like you’re making some fantastic upgrades-switching to the DF64 is already a big leap forward, especially compared to built-in grinders. As for the machine, I completely get the information overload! In the end, it all comes down to what you value most: consistency, ease of use, or maybe future-proofing. The Ascaso Steel Duo PID has been a great fit for me - simple, reliable, FAST and solid performance without being overkill. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you’re well on your way to building a dream setup. Happy brewing, and thanks for watching! If you have any questions about the machine or anything else - make sure to ask me :)
The Ascaso is one of the ones I was contemplating. I especially like the dual boiler with a PID. Only thing is it has a vibratory pump and tbh, I want something much quieter and the rotary pumps are seemingly the better choice.
For me, it was mostly time-efficiency, features and the looks. I don't want to wait 20-25 minutes until I can pull a shot of espresso - and that is the case with most dual boilers. I love that you can play around with pre-infusion and I really love the way it looks in my kitchen. Yeah, the vibratory pump is slightly annoying as it moves the cups that are standing on the top of the machine and if you use a small espresso cup it can happen that it moves and the coffee is running out next to it. So I would prefer a rotary pump in the future (and I have a crazy upgrade coming in around 2 months ;) )
@ TBH, it is almost the same price point as the new Profitec Move and watching the videos, I’m leaning towards the Move. Although I want to get a dual boiler with a rotary pump, the price increases substantially just to get the rotary pump… thoughts? Have you heard of Profitec and/or the Move?
Manual coffee 10years(Hand grind& manual press espresso) -> Full Auto(Philips, taste never satisfied) -> Semi Auto(Taste good but still tired) -> Full Auto(Delonghi Dinamica Plus at max dose with "doppio+" function, it is decent taste & very very convenient).
That’s quite a coffee journey! Especially when convenience becomes a key factor, a fully automatic machine can make sense - I was never satisfied with the taste of the coffee they make though! I haven't tried the Delonghi Dinamica Plus though
The obsession and upgrade parts are so true. I find myself obsessing with every minor detail and the constant feeling of wanting to upgrade. It gets exhausting at times and sometimes I will take a few days off. The coffee nerd part of me really gets into my head! Great video.
Thank you so much for sharing! The obsession is so relatable-it’s part of the journey for us coffee nerds, haha. Trying to make the perfect cup can sometimes feel like a rabbit hole, but it’s also what makes this hobby so interesting for me. Glad you enjoyed the video!
When you become a little more experienced, you'll quickly realize that your grinder is really the most important part and even then, $500-700 is probably as much as you'd ever need to spend.
Experimenting is the best part! I look forward to making what I hope will be a beautiful espresso every morning, and the challenge of that is what makes this hobby retain It’s allure. 👍🏻 cheers!
Hi Tom - I absolutely love your videos! I've subbed to your channel years ago with my private YT-account. Thanks for stopping by and cheers - congrats to 100k subscribers (soon ;-) )
Yeah, been there, done that, and still being at it ^.^' Started with a Delonghi Dedica. Upgraded to a Rancilio Silvia. Got said Silvia upgraded with PID Control, Display, Shot timer etc. Then I got fed up with steaming milk on that one (even if it makes really tasty shots) and got myself a Rancilio Silvia Pro X Dual Boiler. Which eventually will get modded. Same with the grinder. Some Graef grinder, Eureka Silenzio, now a DF64 and Fellow Ode Gen2... and I am itching to upgrade to a Timemore Sculptor 64s. And that is barely midlevel. ( I still enjoy a nice "normal coffee", tho. Some nice speciality coffe. From a V60, a Hario Switch, Aeropress, Bialetti, Cold Dripper, Phin... No I don't have a problem 😅)
Haha, I feel this so much! welcome to the endless cycle of coffee upgrades! The Timemore Sculptor 64S looks awesome (haven't tried it before, but watched many reviews)! It's not a problem; it’s passion (at least that's what I tell myself)
@@LukeMakesCoffee It really is! And I really felt that the upgrades actually improved things (so it's not just mindlessly pouring money into something). Since I came to like espresso-based milk drinks like a Flat White or Latte or a Cortado, steaming milk with a dual boiler is so much more convenient, compared to the single boiler way. And the DF64 and Ode Gen2 just fit my taste profile and my wish for single dosing. The Eureka was by no means a bad grinder, it's actually quite decent. But it's a terrible single dose grinder, especially with that tiny fiddly dial. The Timemore Sculptor 64s would be a great next step, because it will improve my workflow. The Turin/G-Iota DF64 is a fantastic grinder for the money (and I would actually still recommend the Gen2 or the DF54 to anybody looking for a solid first grinder). Covers the whole range from espresso to Mokka, to pour-over, to french press. Particle distribution is good, you also have the whole range of 64mm flat burrs available. Italmill, Gorilla gear, SSP, you name it. But it has it's quirks and it is a bit fiddly and messy. Also cleaning the grind chamber is a bit of a chore, as you always have to zero it afterwards. The Timemore would take away almost all of those issues and still offer me the same variety of burrs available.
Reason 1 isn't an issue if you just go for a dual boiler e61 machine in the first place. If I still had my brewtus IV I'd still be using that, but I moved country and left it to a family member. Will buy the Synchronika II pretty soon.
I get great strong flavored coffee from a Bialetti Brikka, from a Turkish Ibrik, and from a Nyugen Phin coffee maker; all 3 of those makers are cheaper than the sales tax you paid on just one of those perfection espresso makers.
That’s a great point! Those brewing methods are incredible at delivering strong, flavorful coffee without breaking the bank. Plus, the simplicity and affordability of those methods are hard to beat.
1:10 when you started typing "How to..." I was waiting for "...sell your kidney on the black market" I'm currently at the beginning of the path, bought a Dedica 885 a couple of months ago together with a kingrinder k6. Works for me but I start to feel why a handgrinder is maybe not the best for daily coffee making :D Altough at least I don't have to purge and waste coffee. Also, I used to love the flavoured coffee of a local chain here, in Hungary. Now I bought the whole-bean version and now it smells and tastes like acetone... So yea... I've ruined my perception of good coffee.
Haha, selling a kidney might not be that far off once you start upgrading! 😅 It sounds like you’ve made a solid start with the Dedica 885 and the Kingrinder K6. but daily handgrinding can be a real workout! And oh man, I hear you on the flavored coffee! Once you try freshly roasted whole beans, there’s no going back.
Hahaha nice video! Luckily i was able to resist the need and urge for perfection but one thing is so true - when you reached the point of making "your" perfect espresso or latte/mocha etc. - going out to pay money for a coffee, doesn't make sense anymore 😂
Haha, thank you! 😊 Once you’ve mastered your perfect espresso or latte at home, it really does make buying coffee out feel TOTALLY unnecessary. Unless it's a reeeeally awesome place that serves great specialty coffee, but sometimes that's hard to find..
This video was amazing! If I may ask you a question please. I bought a Flair Neo Flex last year to learn the basics and love it. Now I’m thinking about moving to an electrical machine, but I’m not ready to go all in and spend thousands just yet. I have my eye on one similar to the “all in one” Sage you showed at the beginning of the video 0:45. it’s basically the same thing but different brands and models in my country. Would you recommend starting like that to learn, or just buy a more expensive one with a separate grinder right away? Thanks!!
You didn't ask me, but if I may, I'd advise keeping the grinder and the machine separate, because you can buy a better grinder that'll work accross different brew methods, or one that you could swap out the burrs, and you could also upgrade it later. Same with the machine, you could start with the breville/sage bambino, it's basically the same thing, minus the grinder.
I would go for a cheap espresso machine (e.g. breville bambino) and a good grinder! Then you can always upgrade the machine if you feel like you want something fancier / better. The built in grinder of the Sage Barista Pro was not BAD but very inconsistent - it varied +- 1-2 grams per grind and that is a lot. Especially when you are trying to get better results 😁
I never drank more than maybe 3 espressi a day since i wanted to sokewhatlimit my caffeine dependence. Got a BFC junior plus, 64mm GBW cafè-grade grinder, roast my own coffee, controlled water filters for coffee+tea. I got everything for a decent shot of espresso, yet I still find myself not drinking any for a few days just to get off the caffeine It really helped my sleep quality and quantity Still, making and roastong coffee will probably always stay a huge passion of mine
Wow, it sounds like you’ve built an incredible setup! Taking breaks to manage caffeine dependence is a smart move, and it’s great that you’ve found a balance that works for your health and sleep. I try to drink a maximum of 4 espressi (mostly it's 1-2 flat whites a day) The fact that your passion for coffee goes beyond just drinking it - into roasting - shows how much of a passion it is to you. I would also love to roast my own coffee. What roaster do you use?
Love good coffee. Still waiting to have a good espresso. The stuff I make on my 20yo Krups tastes just like the stuff I’ve had at high end roasters. I keep thinking ok I must be missing something. And yeah it’s a massive rabbit hole. Reminds me of astrophotography.
Haha, coffee and astrophotography - two hobbies with endless rabbit holes, for sure! It’s interesting that your 20-year-old Krups is producing espresso comparable to what you’ve had at high-end roasters. It just goes to show that sometimes, it’s less about the gear and much more about the beans, grind, and technique. What I find crazy is the fact, that some Cafés have amazing espresso machines but they are still not able to pull a good shot of espresso.
Moka in the morning for both of us. Espresso shot in the early afternoon. Then with another Moka in the evening with chocolate. You will "waste" whole beans when dialing in a new bag! When you spend USD $15.00 for 4 oz/114 gr!
That sounds like an amazing daily coffee ritual! But I totally feel you on the “waste” when dialing in a new bag, especially when you’re working with premium beans at $15 for 4 oz. It can sting a bit, but it’s all part of the journey to a perfect cup 😅😅
Thanks for the awesome video! Question: Do you make your own water? If yes, would you please share your recipe? If not, which water do you use for your machine?
Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words! I don’t make my own water, but I use filtered tap water for my machine. Making my own water for coffee has always been an interesting topic for me - do you make your own water and if so, how? :)
@@LukeMakesCoffee Thanks for your reply, truly appreciated! I’m considering getting my first espresso machine soon, but one thing that has held me back is water. Espresso machines can be sensitive to water quality due to scale buildup in the pipes and boiler. To extend their lifespan, many home baristas suggest making your own water. I plan to use food-grade distilled water (still searching for a source in Germany), along with potassium bicarbonate and Epsom salt to create a no-scale water formula (free of calcium and chloride ions). Since coffee is mostly water, this should also help ensure great, consistent shots.
@@GreenMamba555 sounds very interesting! Please let me know when you have managed to find all the ingredients to make perfect coffee water - I am from Austria, so I should be able to buy the same ingredients as you 😁
Thank you so much! 😊 In this video, I’m using the Ascaso Steel Duo PID V2 and the DF64 Gen 2 grinder. Both have been fantastic for me so far! Let me know if you have any questions about them :)
No, I’m not ready to take the plunge. I’m fairly obsessive about my coffee from brewers that cost a 10th the price, such as aero press, moka pot, and French press, but despite considering an espresso machine for well over a decade, it’s still a road that I’m not willing to go down.
Fair enough! Honestly, sticking with methods like these is a fantastic choice. they’re affordable, versatile, and can produce truly amazing coffee. I still love my espresso machine though :)
@ I have respect for anyone that’s willing to go for it! To me the biggest factor is that I don’t drink straight espresso. I like lattes and americanos, but those can be made (or at least simulated) using cheaper brewers.
I personally think a good pour over is better than an espresso, but i do have at least 2k spent on brewers, grinders, water,… so we’re getting in the same price range as some espresso setups here. A well brewed pour over takes just as much if not more from a (home) barista than a well pulled espresso shot.
Couldn’t agree more , but I actually made money from upgrading my machines , but also this month made the bravest decision… I decided to downgrade my coffee machine (made money in the process) and now I feel good and am ready to downgrade further and train my self to accept any coffee … it takes courage , but am free from the chains of (the next machine will be my last) 😂
That’s such an interesting perspective, props to you for breaking free from the upgrade cycle! Sometimes, simplifying the setup and focusing on the process itself can be so chill. It’s amazing that you’ve even managed to make money while navigating the upgrade path - how did you manage to do that? 😅 Coffee is ultimately about enjoyment, not perfection, so finding that balance is key.
I see your points and to some degree I agree. However, I want to offer the opposite side. You may need the gear and the time to invest and it might be expensive and time consuming and in the process you may have to become a perfectionist. But all this is if you want to make the best espresso. Let me explain. You can get a Delonghi dedicated for less than €200, all rest gear for another €100 and a decent grinder for around €400-500. Start with medium to dark roast that you can find everywhere. Ok not optimal conditions, you won’t enjoy this light roast coffee (which by the way is harder to get right) you will not have precise PID control, but you will experience the making of good espresso. I did this as part of an experiment and noticed that my coffee was always better than in the cafes. If you drink milky drinks (cappuccino and the likes) probably you won’t be able to tell the difference. So my conclusion is that you don’t need to break the bank for good espresso at home. By the way I don’t go to cafes just for the coffee but for the atmosphere and the friends. So don’t mind too much if espresso is not as good as at home. This discussion reminds me the question about photography. What makes a great picture is not usually the gear although some of the best photographers have one and I have seen pictures taken with a laica or a hasseblad. What you need is a good lens a decent camera and a great eye. Back to coffee making you need a decent gear and patience.
This is such a thoughtful perspective - thanks for sharing! I completely agree that there are different ways to approach espresso-making, and it’s not always about having the top-tier gear. Starting with something like the DeLonghi Dedica and pairing it with a good grinder is an excellent entry point into the espresso world. Your comparison to photography is spot on!
Absolutely! It’s the probably the same for any hobby - once you get hooked, it’s all about chasing that next level of perfection. But honestly, isn’t that part of the joy? Hobbies are where we get to geek out and invest in what makes us happy 😁
I’m in a serious dilemma about whether to upgrade my sage barista pro grinder to a single dose one or on the other hand a Eureka Libra which grinds by weight. I love the convenience of grinding by weight but it does have more retention Anyway goodbye money
Either way, your wallet might take a hit, but the joy of upgrading your coffee game is priceless 😊 I also decided between the DF64 Gen (which I bought) and the Eureka Libra... Single Dosing is amazing to experiment with different beans and grind settings and also it has basically zero retention BUT sometimes I wish I had the Eureka Libra as it's just sooo convenient.
joining the wonderful world of well made espressos at home is like driving a Lamborghini most of the days, but when you hang out with family, friends or need to go to a doctor, you can only get an old VW Beetle.
$3000 for my grinder and espresso machine. $5 per latte at the store down the road. $17 for a bag of really great beans that makes 17 20g espressos. Milk is about $0.50 per. So $1.50 per vs $5 at starbucks every day, twice for 2 people. So saving $7 a day. $3000/(3.5*2), I broke even after 428 days and now I'm saving money every day and the coffee is much better. I have no desire to upgrade.
That’s some solid coffee math! 😄 Breaking even after just 428 days is amazing, especially when you factor in the massive quality upgrade compared to store-bought lattes.
That’s the beauty of coffee - you don’t need the fanciest machine to make amazing coffee! But still many people (me included) are always looking for a better/fancier way to make coffee :)
can iu specify your geer? the machine i can tell but can you tell the grinder model? the other nice gear you have there in your setup (milk pourer, tamper)? 10x
Hi! Sure :) - Machine: Ascaso Steel Duo PID V2 - Grinder: DF64 Gen 2 - Tamper: MHW3-Bomber 2.0 Tamper (amzn.to/4eNRBsK) - Milk Pourer: I use the Motta Milk Pourer (350ml) and more often the Ikape Milk Pourer without handle (amzn.to/4g4STRw) - Distributor: I mostly use a classic MHW3-Bomber distributor (amzn.to/412sJdD) I hope that answers most of your question - if you want to know anything else, let me know! :)
I totally get it, but it’s such a rewarding obsession. Sure, there might be moments of regret (usually when the bank account takes a hit 😅), but think of all the amazing coffee you’ve enjoyed!
Haha, totally get that! Espresso machines can definitely be a bit of a commitment-not just the machine itself but also the beans, accessories, and all the stuff that comes with it. If you’re ready to dive into the rabbit hole, it’s super rewarding, but it’s also good to think it through. Maybe take a moment to weigh whether you’re up for the time and effort, or if a simpler brewing method might fit your lifestyle better. Either way, coffee’s all about the joy of the journey and I LOVE to use my espresso machine! :)
You know what is worse? My espresso machine's steam boiler stopped working. Its heating element went out... i had to get it fixed. In the meantime, i can't make coffee, so i dropped some good money on a pourover setup, and down yet another rabbit hole i went... needed another grinder bc mine was not coarse enough, then omg it doesn't taste right, so another burr set i bought... it's a mess 😅. Then i figured out a mobile pourover set up, so i only drink what i make, which is tailored to my taste. The beginner machine (BBE) was just the beginning. What comes after that is something i would never have expected in a thousand year 😂
Oh no, that sounds like a real nightmare! Losing your espresso machine’s steam boiler is bad enough, but I can see how that got you into the rabbit hole of pourover experimentation. It’s wild how one small change-like shifting brew methods-can lead to needing all-new gear: grinders, burr sets, scales… the list never ends, does it? 😂😂
@LukeMakesCoffee it never ever ends 😂. I already have an entire water filtration and re-mineralizing system. I haven't even started experimenting with different filter paper yet, let alone different dripper 💀💀. It will get expensive real soon 😂
@LukeMakesCoffee Got zero water to demineralize, then follow BH to add minerals back. This allows me to do maintenance even less on my machine since i no longer have to worry about scaling, and I also have an on demand water if i have guests over. I tried Third Wave Water, but their minerals need to desolve overnight, so it's not an on-demand solution. Plus, it is cheaper to just mix your own, and you can control the mineral ratio yourself if you wish to. That helps you fine tune your coffee even further. Biggest advantage is that once you buy the ingredients, those are your lifetime supply.
@@DejaVuCoffeeThis is the way. For filter I am usually at 25GH/10KH nowadays - super nice water for most ultralights. And two grinders just makes sense.
All too true. But 5 doesn’t apply to me here because I roast at home too ;D but now I want to replace my $300 roaster with a $2000 one 😬 but I’ve saved massive $$$ roasting at home
Home roasting is VERY interesting! Which roaster do you use, where do you buy the fresh coffee beans and which ones do you buy? Are you able to roast as good as a local roaster? I would love to try it out in the future!
I've often made the comment that my espresso machine did *not* save me money, but my home roaster did. Green beans are so much cheaper than specialty roasted beans, which are the only beans you'd buy for your machine. Definitely takes more work, and is a whole other rabbit hole to go down, but you'll make up the cost of the roaster relatively quickly on the cost of beans.. whereas if I didn't have a machine, I just wouldn't drink as much coffee.. I personally use a Kaffelogic Nano currently.
@@LukeMakesCoffee right now I use the BocaBoca250. Great roaster, but it comes from Korea so if something breaks I have to buy off eBay and wait lol. I used a FreshRoast before this. Great roaster. I buy my beans from Burman Coffee and Sweet Maria’s. It took a while to make as good of coffee. Roasting is like a science that underlies the science of espresso ha. It’s a fun path to take. I like smaller batches for myself bc I get bored with 12oz bags and sometimes my coffee may start to stale by the last couple days. I like rotating the coffee I drink every week. Plus my coffee bill is CHEAP now, and I have a couple friends buying coffee from me so I’m basically spending $0/year on coffee. But now I want a larger roaster with friends buying beans. 200g batches means I have to roast more than I want to have coffee for them
@@fsalucardThe problem is that it is near impossible to get access to the truly great green coffees as a private person. Minimum quantities are an issue as well. The idea is nice but the reality is that your results in the cup will never be as nice as with better coffees roasted by good professionals.
I have been there. Now i just don't care anymore. I'm happy with my budget machine. Use normal grade beans. I stop chasing the perfect shot. I just make my espresso in 3 mins and go to work. The biggest problem is the teeth got darker thou. Sry for my english.
Surely the reason you even go down this route is you already realise how shit the coffee is out there, There must be something better - and there is. How far you take it comes down to how good is good enough and how important the subtleties are. It's easy to disappear into the land of diminishing returns. You can draw the line wherever you want if you remain in the land of context
That’s awesome to hear! I’ll admit, I’m not as familiar with pourover yet (I’ve been so focused on espresso) but I’ve heard amazing things about the clarity and flavor it brings out. What kind of coffee beans do you use for your pourover? Any favorite roasts or origins?
@ Only light roast coffee usually naturals. My fav ive tried so far is pink bourbon washed coffee from rogue wave but i did just buy september buttercream coffee and it smells NEXT level. Im super excited to try dak and more september coffee
That’s incredible! Having an intermediate certification in specialty coffee and sensory training is really cool. So I guess for you, buying great coffee is even more important then!
I think the true downside is that you will realize espresso drinks at most stores aren't that good "anymore." That being said, i think everything in this video is true at the same time not truly true. Almost everything you do can escalate into a rabbit hole scenario where you can't stop. The problem is people in nature appear to have a spending problem, they're willing to spend more to satisfy their curiosity, but most aren't willing to do the same when it comes to effort and work. Some people constantly buy new equipment (some truly better) to meet their curiosity just as some people always buy computer parts or car parts themselves. human nature at play.
I completely agree! Once you start making great espresso at home, most café drinks just don’t cut it anymore. It’s a blessing and a curse... you save money and get better coffee, but those casual café visits lose their charm. As for the rabbit hole, you’re spot on. Coffee is just one example of how hobbies can spiral into endless spending because curiosity often outweighs effort.
Haha, fair point! Calling it an "investment" might be a stretch if we're talking financial returns - coffee gear doesn’t exactly appreciate in value 😅 The "interest rate" here is more about the joy, satisfaction, and amazing coffee you get every day, which, for many of us, is priceless.
In my opinion the upgrade mania is not true as far as youre intelligent person who buys good items firstly and then looking for exuses to buy cheaper stuff. The best "Coffee Eq" is espresso machine and V60 and Aeropress then you can literally do anything with that equipement. And "normal" instant coffee is disgusting so buy espresso machine. Life is to short to drink shitty coffee which taste like rubber and asphalt.
Well said! Investing in quality gear upfront is definitely the smarter move - it saves you from the constant “upgrade itch” later on. And you’re absolutely right, with an espresso machine, V60, and Aeropress, you’ve got all the versatility you need to explore almost every coffee style! :)
Upgrade mania is reserved for those hobbyists who like their gear more than coffee itself. This is exactly the same thing as the audiophile who likes his gear more than the music that he plays out of it. Their all middle of the experience curve hobbyists who think they need a better guitar to shred when they can barely shred on their already decent one. Same with watches, coffee, audio, keyboards, tvs, gaming etc etc. Being satisfied is a thing they need to learn after.. I dunno... Plopping half their net worth on gear or something. A fine Patek philippe watch does not occlude my ability to appreciate or wear a decent seiko or even a well done quartz watch. That's a mindset issue and exposes a deep lack of humility masking some other issue, imo
Thanks for the suggestion, but I actually enjoy the complexity of making espresso-it’s part of the fun for me! The process, the tinkering, and the endless learning are what make it so rewarding. This video was really aimed at people who are unsure about diving into the world of espresso, giving them a bit of insight into what they might be getting into ☺️
It's not that bad! A double shot of espresso is less than 60 cents (even with really good coffee beans) - and also it’s a healthier (and tastier!) habit than a pack of cigarettes, right? :)
The biggest downside is, most other places you go taste like sh*t now
Yes, I agree! You really have to pick very niche cafés to go to. I really don't like "normal" or "traditional" places that serve coffee.
Especially hotel coffee.
Because of this, I now have an energy drink problem 😂. If I don’t have time to make coffee at home or go to a specialty coffee cafe, my only option is energy drinks for caffeine 😭.
@winelover77578 awful!
I have convinced most people I know that coffee doesn't suck and at least 3 of my closest friends had never had coffee they appreciated... we are all in our thirties, btw
Good coffee is more important than money 😎
that is true! 😁
I could not have said it better.
And good coffee will help you eliminating that money. Do that's kind of perfect.
At home, for the past year, we all start the day with a delicious latte. I don't regret at all having started this hobby, and I am already planning to buy a new coffee maker with a double boiler, rotary pump, etc. Indeed, you always want to upgrade.
There is nothing better than a delicious latte at home! No regrets is the best mindset to have in this hobby, and it’s true that once you’re hooked, the urge to upgrade is almost inevitable. A double boiler with a rotary pump is also very interesting to me (especially the LM Linea Micra ;) )
I bought mine and till this day haven’t regretted it and absolutely love it
That’s amazing to hear! 😊
Reason 2: you hit the nail on the head. I can’t drink coffee anywhere but my home.
There should definitely be specialty shops in your area that you can go, they /should/ give a shot at least as good and possibly better than what you can produce at home, as their setup is even better than what you have.
Upgrade mania is a real thing haha 😂 i need to try so many tools and other stuff
I know that feeling, haha! It's so hard to resist
I admit upgrading cab be a problem i bought a 2006 Gaggia classic and I have upgraded and modified the machine numerous times, when they release brass boiler next year I will buy that and upgrade it to that. But yeah you end up watching so many TH-cam videos that you end up watching.
Haha, I totally understand you. The gaggia classic is a great machine!
Once you go down this rabbit hole you can't escape. I purchased as my first machine a Flair 58 and an Option 0 mini. A year later I upgraded to a Londinium R24 and an Option 0 P64 grinder. I love it. Went with the R24 since I live alone and don't drink any milk drinks, but if I have company and they want something with milk the option is there.
Wow, a Flair 58 and Option-O Mini was already nice, but upgrading to a Londinium R24 and the P64 grinder? That’s next-level! How do you like the Londinium R24??
I’m on the fence or have been : for many, many years now I relied on my trusty Bialetti : cheap, simple and makes great coffee. (I grind my beans myself). I almost bought a second hand espresso machine but the deal went sour. Now I’m kinda glad I’m still using my Bialetti. I really like the simplicity of the thing.
The Bialetti is such a classic, and it’s hard to beat its simplicity! It’s reliable, affordable, and makes coffee with an unique richness! Cheers
lol I just got back into it after 15 years of having great espresso and the new coffees now are much better than then.
And I have brought so much gear ya would have thought I would have learnt after the first time.
It’s the same with drip coffee tho I tried it thinking I wouldn’t like it much and it’s amazing. I usually finish the day with a CoffeeSnobs Decaf Wow that I roasted myself and it tastes like warm melon flavoured butter when I get it right. I am using a Hario switch.
One thing I have learnt to do is if I screw something up with making the coffee or roasting it. I will always try it because sometimes it is AMAZING. It’s usually not but hey sometimes…….
I also just got back into home espresso after a decade. A lot has changed! It’s been fun…and expensive.
Wow, what an incredible coffee journey you've had! Getting back into espresso after 15 years must feel like stepping into a whole new world - haha!
It’s awesome that you’re exploring drip coffee too - it’s such a versatile method. That decaf you roasted yourself sounds absolutely heavenly-“warm melon-flavored butter”? I'll take that!
The Hario Switch looks like such a fun tool to experiment with - I also thought about buying it.
What roaster do you use to roast your own coffee at home?
@ yup it’s expensive and fun. We have been getting stuff of Temu and AliExpress. Haven’t gotten anything that’s a dud yet. My hand grinder is so well built and can easily do espresso. Tho the adjustment is a tad course so I have the top of the line version coming so it’s should be better. I did nail the grind with the Grinder I have and it was one of the best offers is have ever made.
I've also ordered stuff of AliExpress and was impressed so far. There are some cheap tools that are totally ok quality-wise!
And just two months ago, I upgraded my “on machine” grinder to the same one you have, the D64, flat grinder (because my current machine, the Barista Express, has one on it). The only problem I have now is deciding which machine to upgrade to… which has lead to information overload! Do I want/need a dual boiler, rotary pump, etc? The reality is that the subject of this video is pretty accurate and you did a great job covering it… good choice on your new machine decisions. The grinder is super and the Ascaso has great reviews from the videos I’ve watched so far.
Thank you so much! 😊 It sounds like you’re making some fantastic upgrades-switching to the DF64 is already a big leap forward, especially compared to built-in grinders. As for the machine, I completely get the information overload!
In the end, it all comes down to what you value most: consistency, ease of use, or maybe future-proofing. The Ascaso Steel Duo PID has been a great fit for me - simple, reliable, FAST and solid performance without being overkill. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you’re well on your way to building a dream setup. Happy brewing, and thanks for watching! If you have any questions about the machine or anything else - make sure to ask me :)
@ i absolutely have a question for you. What was your criteria for choosing your Ascaso and how did you finally make that decision?
The Ascaso is one of the ones I was contemplating. I especially like the dual boiler with a PID. Only thing is it has a vibratory pump and tbh, I want something much quieter and the rotary pumps are seemingly the better choice.
For me, it was mostly time-efficiency, features and the looks. I don't want to wait 20-25 minutes until I can pull a shot of espresso - and that is the case with most dual boilers.
I love that you can play around with pre-infusion and I really love the way it looks in my kitchen.
Yeah, the vibratory pump is slightly annoying as it moves the cups that are standing on the top of the machine and if you use a small espresso cup it can happen that it moves and the coffee is running out next to it. So I would prefer a rotary pump in the future (and I have a crazy upgrade coming in around 2 months ;) )
@ TBH, it is almost the same price point as the new Profitec Move and watching the videos, I’m leaning towards the Move. Although I want to get a dual boiler with a rotary pump, the price increases substantially just to get the rotary pump… thoughts? Have you heard of Profitec and/or the Move?
So true. Many points are valid for pour-over as well.
I love my espresso machine. It's ironic that even to this day, my most expensive coffees always end up in my cheapest setup, a plastic v60 😂
That’s such a classic irony of coffee nerd life! 😂 I love a good v60 as well
Filter will always be the most essential expression of any coffee imho
Try ESE pad machines and ESE pads from Italy! Perfect delicious Espresso quality - affordable, clean and quick
🇮🇹👍🏼
That's true - I've had amazing espresso coming out of ESE pad machines!
Manual coffee 10years(Hand grind& manual press espresso) -> Full Auto(Philips, taste never satisfied) -> Semi Auto(Taste good but still tired) -> Full Auto(Delonghi Dinamica Plus at max dose with "doppio+" function, it is decent taste & very very convenient).
That’s quite a coffee journey! Especially when convenience becomes a key factor, a fully automatic machine can make sense - I was never satisfied with the taste of the coffee they make though! I haven't tried the Delonghi Dinamica Plus though
So true and indeed no other coffee is good enough anymore. It is just brown water that has nothing to do with real coffee.
Exactly! Once you’ve experienced the complexity of properly brewed coffee, there’s no going back!
The obsession and upgrade parts are so true. I find myself obsessing with every minor detail and the constant feeling of wanting to upgrade. It gets exhausting at times and sometimes I will take a few days off. The coffee nerd part of me really gets into my head! Great video.
Thank you so much for sharing! The obsession is so relatable-it’s part of the journey for us coffee nerds, haha. Trying to make the perfect cup can sometimes feel like a rabbit hole, but it’s also what makes this hobby so interesting for me. Glad you enjoyed the video!
When you become a little more experienced, you'll quickly realize that your grinder is really the most important part and even then, $500-700 is probably as much as you'd ever need to spend.
@bluemystic7501 That is true!
Experimenting is the best part! I look forward to making what I hope will be a beautiful espresso every morning, and the challenge of that is what makes this hobby retain It’s allure. 👍🏻 cheers!
Hi Tom - I absolutely love your videos! I've subbed to your channel years ago with my private YT-account. Thanks for stopping by and cheers - congrats to 100k subscribers (soon ;-) )
@ Thank you so much for your support, and great job on the video - you make some great points! Cheers, Tom
Yeah, been there, done that, and still being at it ^.^'
Started with a Delonghi Dedica. Upgraded to a Rancilio Silvia. Got said Silvia upgraded with PID Control, Display, Shot timer etc.
Then I got fed up with steaming milk on that one (even if it makes really tasty shots) and got myself a Rancilio Silvia Pro X Dual Boiler.
Which eventually will get modded.
Same with the grinder. Some Graef grinder, Eureka Silenzio, now a DF64 and Fellow Ode Gen2... and I am itching to upgrade to a Timemore Sculptor 64s.
And that is barely midlevel.
( I still enjoy a nice "normal coffee", tho. Some nice speciality coffe. From a V60, a Hario Switch, Aeropress, Bialetti, Cold Dripper, Phin... No I don't have a problem 😅)
Haha, I feel this so much! welcome to the endless cycle of coffee upgrades! The Timemore Sculptor 64S looks awesome (haven't tried it before, but watched many reviews)!
It's not a problem; it’s passion (at least that's what I tell myself)
@@LukeMakesCoffee It really is! And I really felt that the upgrades actually improved things (so it's not just mindlessly pouring money into something).
Since I came to like espresso-based milk drinks like a Flat White or Latte or a Cortado, steaming milk with a dual boiler is so much more convenient, compared to the single boiler way.
And the DF64 and Ode Gen2 just fit my taste profile and my wish for single dosing. The Eureka was by no means a bad grinder, it's actually quite decent. But it's a terrible single dose grinder, especially with that tiny fiddly dial.
The Timemore Sculptor 64s would be a great next step, because it will improve my workflow. The Turin/G-Iota DF64 is a fantastic grinder for the money (and I would actually still recommend the Gen2 or the DF54 to anybody looking for a solid first grinder). Covers the whole range from espresso to Mokka, to pour-over, to french press. Particle distribution is good, you also have the whole range of 64mm flat burrs available. Italmill, Gorilla gear, SSP, you name it.
But it has it's quirks and it is a bit fiddly and messy. Also cleaning the grind chamber is a bit of a chore, as you always have to zero it afterwards.
The Timemore would take away almost all of those issues and still offer me the same variety of burrs available.
@@Ghostbear2k thanks for sharing your knowledge - awesome!
Reason 1 isn't an issue if you just go for a dual boiler e61 machine in the first place. If I still had my brewtus IV I'd still be using that, but I moved country and left it to a family member. Will buy the Synchronika II pretty soon.
You’re absolutely right! The Brewtus IV is a classic workhorse and the Synchronika II is an incredible choice!
Perfect timing. My DF54 and lelit bianca arrived just this morning 😀
Welcome to the team, fellow coffee nerd! The DF54 and Lelit Bianca is an amazing combo - congrats on the new gear!
A fellow german ascaso user.
But i agree with everything you said 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Oh nice - hello neighbour! I'm from Austria :)
@LukeMakesCoffee Love Austria. Ihr second home is in Tirol im Zillertal ❤️
Tirol is really beautiful! 🫶🏼
I get great strong flavored coffee from a Bialetti Brikka, from a Turkish Ibrik, and from a Nyugen Phin coffee maker; all 3 of those makers are cheaper than the sales tax you paid on just one of those perfection espresso makers.
That’s a great point! Those brewing methods are incredible at delivering strong, flavorful coffee without breaking the bank. Plus, the simplicity and affordability of those methods are hard to beat.
1:10 when you started typing "How to..." I was waiting for "...sell your kidney on the black market"
I'm currently at the beginning of the path, bought a Dedica 885 a couple of months ago together with a kingrinder k6. Works for me but I start to feel why a handgrinder is maybe not the best for daily coffee making :D Altough at least I don't have to purge and waste coffee.
Also, I used to love the flavoured coffee of a local chain here, in Hungary. Now I bought the whole-bean version and now it smells and tastes like acetone... So yea... I've ruined my perception of good coffee.
Haha, selling a kidney might not be that far off once you start upgrading! 😅 It sounds like you’ve made a solid start with the Dedica 885 and the Kingrinder K6. but daily handgrinding can be a real workout!
And oh man, I hear you on the flavored coffee! Once you try freshly roasted whole beans, there’s no going back.
Hahaha nice video! Luckily i was able to resist the need and urge for perfection but one thing is so true - when you reached the point of making "your" perfect espresso or latte/mocha etc. - going out to pay money for a coffee, doesn't make sense anymore 😂
Haha, thank you! 😊 Once you’ve mastered your perfect espresso or latte at home, it really does make buying coffee out feel TOTALLY unnecessary. Unless it's a reeeeally awesome place that serves great specialty coffee, but sometimes that's hard to find..
This video was amazing! If I may ask you a question please. I bought a Flair Neo Flex last year to learn the basics and love it. Now I’m thinking about moving to an electrical machine, but I’m not ready to go all in and spend thousands just yet. I have my eye on one similar to the “all in one” Sage you showed at the beginning of the video 0:45. it’s basically the same thing but different brands and models in my country. Would you recommend starting like that to learn, or just buy a more expensive one with a separate grinder right away? Thanks!!
You didn't ask me, but if I may, I'd advise keeping the grinder and the machine separate, because you can buy a better grinder that'll work accross different brew methods, or one that you could swap out the burrs, and you could also upgrade it later. Same with the machine, you could start with the breville/sage bambino, it's basically the same thing, minus the grinder.
I would go for a cheap espresso machine (e.g. breville bambino) and a good grinder! Then you can always upgrade the machine if you feel like you want something fancier / better. The built in grinder of the Sage Barista Pro was not BAD but very inconsistent - it varied +- 1-2 grams per grind and that is a lot. Especially when you are trying to get better results 😁
High upfront cost but it does save money in the long run compared to regularly going to a cafe to buy espresso drinks.
True!
i really like this video of yours! its so authentic 😊
Thank you so much! Glad you like it :)
I never drank more than maybe 3 espressi a day since i wanted to sokewhatlimit my caffeine dependence.
Got a BFC junior plus, 64mm GBW cafè-grade grinder, roast my own coffee, controlled water filters for coffee+tea. I got everything for a decent shot of espresso, yet I still find myself not drinking any for a few days just to get off the caffeine
It really helped my sleep quality and quantity
Still, making and roastong coffee will probably always stay a huge passion of mine
Wow, it sounds like you’ve built an incredible setup! Taking breaks to manage caffeine dependence is a smart move, and it’s great that you’ve found a balance that works for your health and sleep. I try to drink a maximum of 4 espressi (mostly it's 1-2 flat whites a day)
The fact that your passion for coffee goes beyond just drinking it - into roasting - shows how much of a passion it is to you. I would also love to roast my own coffee. What roaster do you use?
You just described my life for the last 3 years!
Very true. I’m having all these symptoms.
Haha, I feel you!
If you are willing to put some (a lot lol) time into making coffee you will enjoy amazing coffee every day - much better than most cafés
100% true!
cafelat robot + breville "the Milk Cafe" + one of the budget 54 mm grinders that came out recently
Nice choice!
Love good coffee. Still waiting to have a good espresso. The stuff I make on my 20yo Krups tastes just like the stuff I’ve had at high end roasters. I keep thinking ok I must be missing something. And yeah it’s a massive rabbit hole. Reminds me of astrophotography.
Haha, coffee and astrophotography - two hobbies with endless rabbit holes, for sure! It’s interesting that your 20-year-old Krups is producing espresso comparable to what you’ve had at high-end roasters. It just goes to show that sometimes, it’s less about the gear and much more about the beans, grind, and technique. What I find crazy is the fact, that some Cafés have amazing espresso machines but they are still not able to pull a good shot of espresso.
Moka in the morning for both of us. Espresso shot in the early afternoon. Then with another Moka in the evening with chocolate.
You will "waste" whole beans when dialing in a new bag! When you spend USD $15.00 for 4 oz/114 gr!
That sounds like an amazing daily coffee ritual! But I totally feel you on the “waste” when dialing in a new bag, especially when you’re working with premium beans at $15 for 4 oz. It can sting a bit, but it’s all part of the journey to a perfect cup 😅😅
I am a touring musician and the coffee tastes horrible in hotels.
Bought a nice handgrinder and a kompresso espresso maker. ❤ Wonderful Investment
Perfect choice!
Thanks for the awesome video! Question: Do you make your own water? If yes, would you please share your recipe? If not, which water do you use for your machine?
Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words! I don’t make my own water, but I use filtered tap water for my machine. Making my own water for coffee has always been an interesting topic for me - do you make your own water and if so, how? :)
@@LukeMakesCoffee Thanks for your reply, truly appreciated!
I’m considering getting my first espresso machine soon, but one thing that has held me back is water. Espresso machines can be sensitive to water quality due to scale buildup in the pipes and boiler. To extend their lifespan, many home baristas suggest making your own water.
I plan to use food-grade distilled water (still searching for a source in Germany), along with potassium bicarbonate and Epsom salt to create a no-scale water formula (free of calcium and chloride ions). Since coffee is mostly water, this should also help ensure great, consistent shots.
@@GreenMamba555 sounds very interesting! Please let me know when you have managed to find all the ingredients to make perfect coffee water - I am from Austria, so I should be able to buy the same ingredients as you 😁
@@LukeMakesCoffee I will keep you in mind once I manage everything :)
Great video! Btw, what machine and grinder are you using in the video?
Thank you so much! 😊 In this video, I’m using the Ascaso Steel Duo PID V2 and the DF64 Gen 2 grinder. Both have been fantastic for me so far! Let me know if you have any questions about them :)
No, I’m not ready to take the plunge. I’m fairly obsessive about my coffee from brewers that cost a 10th the price, such as aero press, moka pot, and French press, but despite considering an espresso machine for well over a decade, it’s still a road that I’m not willing to go down.
Fair enough! Honestly, sticking with methods like these is a fantastic choice. they’re affordable, versatile, and can produce truly amazing coffee. I still love my espresso machine though :)
@ I have respect for anyone that’s willing to go for it! To me the biggest factor is that I don’t drink straight espresso. I like lattes and americanos, but those can be made (or at least simulated) using cheaper brewers.
I personally think a good pour over is better than an espresso, but i do have at least 2k spent on brewers, grinders, water,… so we’re getting in the same price range as some espresso setups here. A well brewed pour over takes just as much if not more from a (home) barista than a well pulled espresso shot.
hahahaha love this video, absolutely true!
Haha, thank you!! :)
Thanks for the Warning but if WLL discounts Gaggia E24 im on the Journey
Hahaha, I totally feel you!
Couldn’t agree more , but I actually made money from upgrading my machines , but also this month made the bravest decision… I decided to downgrade my coffee machine (made money in the process) and now I feel good and am ready to downgrade further and train my self to accept any coffee … it takes courage , but am free from the chains of (the next machine will be my last) 😂
That’s such an interesting perspective, props to you for breaking free from the upgrade cycle! Sometimes, simplifying the setup and focusing on the process itself can be so chill.
It’s amazing that you’ve even managed to make money while navigating the upgrade path - how did you manage to do that? 😅 Coffee is ultimately about enjoyment, not perfection, so finding that balance is key.
Flair58 plus +Comandante hand grinder. That's all you need, but I have Gaggia Classic Pro & Euerka MIignon Crono. Sind wir Doof?
Hahaha, nein, sind wir nicht! wir sind einfach Genießer ☕️
@@LukeMakesCoffee Das passt 😀
I see your points and to some degree I agree. However, I want to offer the opposite side. You may need the gear and the time to invest and it might be expensive and time consuming and in the process you may have to become a perfectionist. But all this is if you want to make the best espresso. Let me explain. You can get a Delonghi dedicated for less than €200, all rest gear for another €100 and a decent grinder for around €400-500. Start with medium to dark roast that you can find everywhere. Ok not optimal conditions, you won’t enjoy this light roast coffee (which by the way is harder to get right) you will not have precise PID control, but you will experience the making of good espresso. I did this as part of an experiment and noticed that my coffee was always better than in the cafes. If you drink milky drinks (cappuccino and the likes) probably you won’t be able to tell the difference.
So my conclusion is that you don’t need to break the bank for good espresso at home. By the way I don’t go to cafes just for the coffee but for the atmosphere and the friends. So don’t mind too much if espresso is not as good as at home.
This discussion reminds me the question about photography. What makes a great picture is not usually the gear although some of the best photographers have one and I have seen pictures taken with a laica or a hasseblad. What you need is a good lens a decent camera and a great eye. Back to coffee making you need a decent gear and patience.
This is such a thoughtful perspective - thanks for sharing! I completely agree that there are different ways to approach espresso-making, and it’s not always about having the top-tier gear. Starting with something like the DeLonghi Dedica and pairing it with a good grinder is an excellent entry point into the espresso world.
Your comparison to photography is spot on!
@@LukeMakesCoffeethank you
6) Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
Oh yes... can't forget repairs, cleaning equipment and so on!
I am okay with folks telling me that I am a coffee snob. I just cannot drink Starbucks or supermarket beans.
Once you’ve experienced truly great coffee, it’s hard to go back to Starbucks or supermarket beans! they just don’t cut it anymore.
Isn’t this any hobby? I’ve added coffee to: photography(gear), audio(headphones/amps/speakers etc), tools, car detailing stuff,
Absolutely! It’s the probably the same for any hobby - once you get hooked, it’s all about chasing that next level of perfection. But honestly, isn’t that part of the joy? Hobbies are where we get to geek out and invest in what makes us happy 😁
I’m in a serious dilemma about whether to upgrade my sage barista pro grinder to a single dose one or on the other hand a Eureka Libra which grinds by weight. I love the convenience of grinding by weight but it does have more retention
Anyway goodbye money
Either way, your wallet might take a hit, but the joy of upgrading your coffee game is priceless 😊
I also decided between the DF64 Gen (which I bought) and the Eureka Libra...
Single Dosing is amazing to experiment with different beans and grind settings and also it has basically zero retention BUT sometimes I wish I had the Eureka Libra as it's just sooo convenient.
joining the wonderful world of well made espressos at home is like driving a Lamborghini most of the days, but when you hang out with family, friends or need to go to a doctor, you can only get an old VW Beetle.
Haha, that’s such a perfect analogy! It’s drinkable, but it just doesn’t compare to the coffee made at home
$3000 for my grinder and espresso machine. $5 per latte at the store down the road. $17 for a bag of really great beans that makes 17 20g espressos. Milk is about $0.50 per. So $1.50 per vs $5 at starbucks every day, twice for 2 people. So saving $7 a day. $3000/(3.5*2), I broke even after 428 days and now I'm saving money every day and the coffee is much better. I have no desire to upgrade.
That’s some solid coffee math! 😄 Breaking even after just 428 days is amazing, especially when you factor in the massive quality upgrade compared to store-bought lattes.
Hilarious but so true ❤
Thanks ☺️
A bit of bs. I bought the cheapest SMEG 10 years ago and still have it. Perfect coffee, you learn and you live. 😊
That’s the beauty of coffee - you don’t need the fanciest machine to make amazing coffee! But still many people (me included) are always looking for a better/fancier way to make coffee :)
this video is soooo true😊
Your definition of normal coffee is perplexing.
I know what you mean - with "normal coffee" I mean cheap coffee from automatic machines. They tend to taste really really bad...
Well expressed
Thank you so much! :)
can iu specify your geer? the machine i can tell but can you tell the grinder model? the other nice gear you have there in your setup (milk pourer, tamper)? 10x
Hi! Sure :)
- Machine: Ascaso Steel Duo PID V2
- Grinder: DF64 Gen 2
- Tamper: MHW3-Bomber 2.0 Tamper (amzn.to/4eNRBsK)
- Milk Pourer: I use the Motta Milk Pourer (350ml) and more often the Ikape Milk Pourer without handle (amzn.to/4g4STRw)
- Distributor: I mostly use a classic MHW3-Bomber distributor (amzn.to/412sJdD)
I hope that answers most of your question - if you want to know anything else, let me know! :)
me sipping on my cappucino whilst watching this.
Cheers! 😁
Sadly, everything you said is true. 😪 I'm sure one day I'll regret this obsession.
I totally get it, but it’s such a rewarding obsession. Sure, there might be moments of regret (usually when the bank account takes a hit 😅), but think of all the amazing coffee you’ve enjoyed!
I feel personally attacked by this video
Haha, sorry! 😂
I was gonna buy barista express tommorow.. i might have to rethink that haha
Haha, totally get that! Espresso machines can definitely be a bit of a commitment-not just the machine itself but also the beans, accessories, and all the stuff that comes with it. If you’re ready to dive into the rabbit hole, it’s super rewarding, but it’s also good to think it through. Maybe take a moment to weigh whether you’re up for the time and effort, or if a simpler brewing method might fit your lifestyle better. Either way, coffee’s all about the joy of the journey and I LOVE to use my espresso machine! :)
The only downside is the algorithm that decided to show this video on my home page. I love the deep rabbit hole the espresso machine has taken me.
Hahaha sorry 😂 i love the rabbit hole as well 👌🏻😎
All true but it's still good fun
100%! I love it
You know what is worse? My espresso machine's steam boiler stopped working. Its heating element went out... i had to get it fixed. In the meantime, i can't make coffee, so i dropped some good money on a pourover setup, and down yet another rabbit hole i went... needed another grinder bc mine was not coarse enough, then omg it doesn't taste right, so another burr set i bought... it's a mess 😅. Then i figured out a mobile pourover set up, so i only drink what i make, which is tailored to my taste. The beginner machine (BBE) was just the beginning. What comes after that is something i would never have expected in a thousand year 😂
Oh no, that sounds like a real nightmare! Losing your espresso machine’s steam boiler is bad enough, but I can see how that got you into the rabbit hole of pourover experimentation. It’s wild how one small change-like shifting brew methods-can lead to needing all-new gear: grinders, burr sets, scales… the list never ends, does it? 😂😂
@LukeMakesCoffee it never ever ends 😂. I already have an entire water filtration and re-mineralizing system. I haven't even started experimenting with different filter paper yet, let alone different dripper 💀💀. It will get expensive real soon 😂
Haha, you’re absolutely right-it really never ends! 😂 A full water filtration and re-mineralizing system? That’s next-level dedication haha
@LukeMakesCoffee Got zero water to demineralize, then follow BH to add minerals back. This allows me to do maintenance even less on my machine since i no longer have to worry about scaling, and I also have an on demand water if i have guests over.
I tried Third Wave Water, but their minerals need to desolve overnight, so it's not an on-demand solution. Plus, it is cheaper to just mix your own, and you can control the mineral ratio yourself if you wish to. That helps you fine tune your coffee even further. Biggest advantage is that once you buy the ingredients, those are your lifetime supply.
@@DejaVuCoffeeThis is the way. For filter I am usually at 25GH/10KH nowadays - super nice water for most ultralights. And two grinders just makes sense.
All too true. But 5 doesn’t apply to me here because I roast at home too ;D but now I want to replace my $300 roaster with a $2000 one 😬 but I’ve saved massive $$$ roasting at home
Home roasting is VERY interesting! Which roaster do you use, where do you buy the fresh coffee beans and which ones do you buy? Are you able to roast as good as a local roaster? I would love to try it out in the future!
I've often made the comment that my espresso machine did *not* save me money, but my home roaster did. Green beans are so much cheaper than specialty roasted beans, which are the only beans you'd buy for your machine. Definitely takes more work, and is a whole other rabbit hole to go down, but you'll make up the cost of the roaster relatively quickly on the cost of beans.. whereas if I didn't have a machine, I just wouldn't drink as much coffee.. I personally use a Kaffelogic Nano currently.
@@LukeMakesCoffee right now I use the BocaBoca250. Great roaster, but it comes from Korea so if something breaks I have to buy off eBay and wait lol. I used a FreshRoast before this. Great roaster. I buy my beans from Burman Coffee and Sweet Maria’s. It took a while to make as good of coffee. Roasting is like a science that underlies the science of espresso ha. It’s a fun path to take. I like smaller batches for myself bc I get bored with 12oz bags and sometimes my coffee may start to stale by the last couple days. I like rotating the coffee I drink every week. Plus my coffee bill is CHEAP now, and I have a couple friends buying coffee from me so I’m basically spending $0/year on coffee. But now I want a larger roaster with friends buying beans. 200g batches means I have to roast more than I want to have coffee for them
Damn, I love that! Thanks for the insights, I definitely want to try to roast at home one day!
@@fsalucardThe problem is that it is near impossible to get access to the truly great green coffees as a private person. Minimum quantities are an issue as well.
The idea is nice but the reality is that your results in the cup will never be as nice as with better coffees roasted by good professionals.
I have been there.
Now i just don't care anymore. I'm happy with my budget machine. Use normal grade beans. I stop chasing the perfect shot. I just make my espresso in 3 mins and go to work.
The biggest problem is the teeth got darker thou.
Sry for my english.
Totally understandable! Your English is very good btw. - I am from Austria so my English isn‘t perfect!
😄absolute truth
Surely the reason you even go down this route is you already realise how shit the coffee is out there, There must be something better - and there is. How far you take it comes down to how good is good enough and how important the subtleties are. It's easy to disappear into the land of diminishing returns. You can draw the line wherever you want if you remain in the land of context
100% true
I thought i loved espresso then I tried pourover and I cant go back
That’s awesome to hear! I’ll admit, I’m not as familiar with pourover yet (I’ve been so focused on espresso) but I’ve heard amazing things about the clarity and flavor it brings out. What kind of coffee beans do you use for your pourover? Any favorite roasts or origins?
@ Only light roast coffee usually naturals. My fav ive tried so far is pink bourbon washed coffee from rogue wave but i did just buy september buttercream coffee and it smells NEXT level. Im super excited to try dak and more september coffee
i Have ocd on coffee since i done my intermediate in speciality coffee plus some sensoring classe
That’s incredible! Having an intermediate certification in specialty coffee and sensory training is really cool. So I guess for you, buying great coffee is even more important then!
@@LukeMakesCoffee alot of them especially fermented beans, discovered yunnan china grow their own beans and its pretty good
@@Namazi_Traveller i have try and get my hands on it then 😁
Its funny because its true 😄
I think the true downside is that you will realize espresso drinks at most stores aren't that good "anymore." That being said, i think everything in this video is true at the same time not truly true. Almost everything you do can escalate into a rabbit hole scenario where you can't stop. The problem is people in nature appear to have a spending problem, they're willing to spend more to satisfy their curiosity, but most aren't willing to do the same when it comes to effort and work. Some people constantly buy new equipment (some truly better) to meet their curiosity just as some people always buy computer parts or car parts themselves. human nature at play.
I completely agree! Once you start making great espresso at home, most café drinks just don’t cut it anymore. It’s a blessing and a curse... you save money and get better coffee, but those casual café visits lose their charm.
As for the rabbit hole, you’re spot on. Coffee is just one example of how hobbies can spiral into endless spending because curiosity often outweighs effort.
Omg so true 😂
😁
Breville oracle
The Breville Oracle is a great machine, especially for those who want to combine convenience with quality - looks very user-friendly!
A Mokka pot is much cheaper too.
Absolutely! The Moka pot is a budget-friendly and awesome tool!
It is certainly not an investment!!! What is the interest rate of this investment? 0%.
Haha, fair point! Calling it an "investment" might be a stretch if we're talking financial returns - coffee gear doesn’t exactly appreciate in value 😅 The "interest rate" here is more about the joy, satisfaction, and amazing coffee you get every day, which, for many of us, is priceless.
In my opinion the upgrade mania is not true as far as youre intelligent person who buys good items firstly and then looking for exuses to buy cheaper stuff. The best "Coffee Eq" is espresso machine and V60 and Aeropress then you can literally do anything with that equipement. And "normal" instant coffee is disgusting so buy espresso machine. Life is to short to drink shitty coffee which taste like rubber and asphalt.
Well said! Investing in quality gear upfront is definitely the smarter move - it saves you from the constant “upgrade itch” later on. And you’re absolutely right, with an espresso machine, V60, and Aeropress, you’ve got all the versatility you need to explore almost every coffee style! :)
Upgrade mania is reserved for those hobbyists who like their gear more than coffee itself. This is exactly the same thing as the audiophile who likes his gear more than the music that he plays out of it.
Their all middle of the experience curve hobbyists who think they need a better guitar to shred when they can barely shred on their already decent one.
Same with watches, coffee, audio, keyboards, tvs, gaming etc etc. Being satisfied is a thing they need to learn after.. I dunno... Plopping half their net worth on gear or something. A fine Patek philippe watch does not occlude my ability to appreciate or wear a decent seiko or even a well done quartz watch. That's a mindset issue and exposes a deep lack of humility masking some other issue, imo
Haha, yes my friends think I am a snob, but thats ok 😂
Haha same, but they love my coffee so they are happy that I‘m a coffee snob! 😁
Get a Ninja Luxe instead to simplify making espressos.
Thanks for the suggestion, but I actually enjoy the complexity of making espresso-it’s part of the fun for me! The process, the tinkering, and the endless learning are what make it so rewarding. This video was really aimed at people who are unsure about diving into the world of espresso, giving them a bit of insight into what they might be getting into ☺️
@@LukeMakesCoffeemy comment is for people thinking of buying an espresso machine just like your video
Ok I get it! Yep, it's perfect for people who don't want to deal with all the extra stuff!
one cup of espresso would cost me one pack of cigarettes a day.
It's not that bad! A double shot of espresso is less than 60 cents (even with really good coffee beans) - and also it’s a healthier (and tastier!) habit than a pack of cigarettes, right? :)
Good thing I like pour over more 😅
Haha, fair enough! 😅 Pour-over has its own charm. What’s your favorite pour-over setup and which coffee do you use?
@LukeMakesCoffee Hario V60 paired with a Timemore Chestnut C2s 😊 cheap but i love em!
ps. Subbed to you!
Classic and still awesome setup! I have to try pour overs more often! Thanks a lot for the sub, means a lot to me :)
You posted this video a little too late bro damage is already done
Haha, enjoy your amazing coffee ;)
drip coffee?? yuuck 🤣
Haha, so you are not a fan? 🤣
@ once i discovered espresso i couldn’t get used to drip anymore