Steve Mishos

Based on my $200/month Starbucks habit, the economics of a home espresso machine seems to make sense, but there are lifestyle problems which stop me from pulling the trigger on a purchase. Here's my situation ...

• I drink coffee in the morning, but since it's always a challenge for me to get my butt out of bed, making my own coffee on a week-day morning is highly unlikely.
• I drink coffee in the afternoon, but I work and I don't go home for lunch.
• I don't drink coffee at night and I'd like to keep it that way (favouring tea instead).
• I actually like going to my neighbourhood Starbucks ... it's a social thing.

So it looks like I'd only use the machine on the weekends, and even then ... maybe not.

In any case ... since I've been researching, here's what I've found:

• the Rancilio Silvia is widely regarded as the best machine under $1000 (review, review). The Breville Ikon is also pretty well respected for about half the price, and the Nuova Simonelli Oscar seems to be one worth reading up on too (review).
• most coffee snobs point out that a good grinder is more important than the espresso machine
• many people in the know dis' Starbucks vaccum packed espresso for being too old by the time it reaches the consumer and recommend other options
• pump-based machines are better than steam-based machines
• your shot should take 20 seconds to flow through the machine. If it takes less, the grind is too course.
• different beans taste better at different water temperatures so it's good to experiment

Update (2010/11/24)

A friend asked me about espresso machines and I was going to refer him to this entry, but I forgot ... back in 2008 I decided against making the purchase. Here's an update:

• After travelling to Europe for 2 summers, I refined my taste for espresso, and Starbucks no longer lived up to my expectations.
• I bought a Rancilio Silvia and after a little practice find that it makes really good espresso.
• The best place I found for this sort of gear is the Green Beanery in Toronto (they also sell great coffee beans).
• Finding good new beans is a constant pursuit, however I find Delta reminds me of Portugal, and Lavazza or Illy are good goto options (try Vincenzo's) when I've run out of more exotic options.
• When I'm out in my local neighbourhood, I tend to pick Matter of Taste over all other options.
• I no longer go to Starbucks unless I'm out of town and can't find another espresso bar to try.