I've had a Nespresso machine for a while, and I don't use it too terribly much, but I like the idea of not having the tough-to-recycle pods and to learn a bit how to pull a proper shot. I'm thinking of getting a real espresso machine. Do people out there have one? I'm thinking of a Breville Bambino but I also like the Rancilio Silvia. Or something else? What do you think?

You may want to read the thread at Anyone with a SuperAutomatic Espresso Machine?

Yeah, thanks, I saw that but I don't want a super automatic, and the last post was a few years ago. Though the Breville Barista Pro looks like a contender...I'll revisit that thread.

The Brevile Barista Pro is a beautiful machine. If you're fond of good coffee a good coffee machine is a must. I bought a very basic espresso machine and its done close to 1000 coffees that are definitely superior to instant and as good as a coffee shop.

you�ll be much better served with a Silvia plus a decent grinder. I had one for years and it was a tank, but it�s a bit more finicky than a breville. Breville is easier to manage, but the grinder isn�t that great and shots are ok. Are you more focused on espresso or milk drinks?

fwiw I upgraded from my Silvia/Rocky a couple of years ago to a Rocket Mozzafiato R and Eureka Atom. Its awesome but I�m still considering a La Marzocco linea mini. It�s a rabbit hole you can keep going down

I have a Breville Barista Express and like it. I didn�t want to drop over $1k on a machine for just me (wife doesn�t do coffee). I also like the tamp and pull aspects, feels real even though it is still semi automatic.

My coffee nerd colleagues recommend it as a good entry level machine within the world of hard core coffee. The kind you run with for while before you really get serious and drop major coin.

YouTube has many fairly thorough reviews and �how to use� videos for whatever options you decide to evaluate

Thanks, I'll take a jaunt through Youtube. I don't think I'll ever spend north of $1k for an espresso maker. I probably couldn't tell the difference between a shot from a $3000 machine and my Nespresso maker. I mainly want it so I can learn to pull a proper shot and steam milk myself. Like you, my better half doesn't drink coffee either. And I often just want a cup of drip coffee.

I don�t disagree with you on the need to spend that much money, but I sincerely doubt that you couldn�t tell the difference between a Nespresso and a freshly ground espresso shot (Unless the beans are old or horribly cheap or you haven�t honed your technique). My wife had the same view when I replaced the Nespresso with a Jura (super automatic, but the same principles apply) and whilst we still use a Nespresso in a hotel room or when there isn�t choice, we would never go back.

Yeah, I'm thinking a Barista Pro or similar will be a nice upgrade without being crazily expensive.

I like the idea of the Silvia since it's been around so long and is so well regarded, but the recent reviews I have read of it lament that its design hasn't changed in 25 years and the competition are doing other things better now. I also like the Barista Pro can be ready to make a shot in a few seconds vs needing a 5-15 minute warmup for the Silvia. THat's probably the biggest thing. And the Barista Pro has a grinder built in, so I can reduce the number of devices on the counter.

I suppose I like both espresso and milk drinks. Honestly 95% of the time I just drink drip coffee but I go through phases where I like to make espresso or a latte. Now is one of those times.

Bed Bath and Beyond is doing 30% off your entire order if you're a member of their Beyond+ club before Thursday. I could get the Breville Barista Touch for $700 or the Pro for $500. It seems the Touch is more automatic and one-button capable. Is it worth it? I'm sure there will be lots of times I just want to press a button but I do want to learn to pull a proper shot and make good foam.

I get the desire to be a barista but I love just hitting a button in the morning when I am barely awake and getting a good cup of coffee. I had a Nespresso and with travel difficulties it was much more difficult to come back with a bag full of cheap pods from Europe, so I got a Phillips 4300 automatic maker and it is great. We love it.

The touch functionality is well worth it to me.

A semi automatic machine with dual boiler is generally the best performing followed by a heat exchanger single boiler (HX) machine if you�re regularly steaming milk and pulling shots together. If just pulling shots a single boiler dual function machine will do well, but is frustrating to use for milk + espresso drinks. I�ve had many machines over the years and am happy to answer questions. That said after a lot of years making espresso drinks at home I now prefer the simplicity and flavor of pour over coffee.

Update: I got a Barista Pro last week. There is definitely a part of me that liked the convenience of pushing a button more than I realized, but I have discovered that steaming milk is pretty easy and I get good microfoam almost every time. I just need to figure out how to control the amount of foam - I definitely want less than I'm getting.

I've been watching Youtube videos on how to dial in your espresso settings because my shots kept tasting sour (which I understand to mean they are underextracted). I realized it was partly that and partly the lousy Costco coffee I bought (Two Brothers brand...avoid). I didn't even like it as drip coffee, lesson learned. Now I"m using La Colombe Nizzo from the La Colombe store down the street, but I imagine I'll settle back onto my Major Dickason from Peet's or perhaps the Starbucks Pike Place. Those are both my go-tos for drip.

So far this morning I've had two double oat milk lattes (my favorite new thing). Unforeseen downside: machine is kind of a PITA to clean after using. But still fun, and I got a good deal on it so I'm not complaining.

Coffee thread? Now that's a topic to my liking.

My setup is a De Longhi Dedicate Deluxe (https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...achine/3327804) with a Baratza Encore grinder ( ). Absolutely love it. Get beans delivered once a month, freshly roasted, from drinktrade. The beans being fresh makes a huge difference, and this way I don't have to buy big bags or go out to buy fresh bags all the time.

(Not affiliated with any of the 3 brands )

I swore off Delonghi a while back, their stuff just seems overpriced and not well made.