Even though I drink espresso every day, many of you have progressed far beyond me in terms of equipment and the knowledge of it. I finally am at the point in the roasting business where I might actually get to spend a little of the money I have made. One thing I want is to be able to produce a better shot of espresso, both for personal and professional reasons. However, I am beginning to question whether on not I really need to spend all that much money on one. In fact, the less I spend, the more I can spend on more important things, such as a new motorcycle (or maybe a bigger roaster)!
Of course the first purchase will be a new grinder. I have been using a Rocky paired with a Gaggia Coffee Deluxe for a couple years. The Rocky's limited adjustability has made itself obvious. So, knowing I will be upgrading the grinder, consider my machine needs. First, I am the only coffee drinker in my house...period! What a waste, huh? I make 1 to 2 double espressos each day. I rarely ever make a milk drink. Maybe once a month I will have a cappa, although if I had a better steamer, I might have more. I do not entertain, as I am an anti-social biker at heart, so I don't need the capability to produce a lot of drinks. That could change someday, but not likely in the near future.
I do not really have a price limit. I have always had the bad habit of buying what I wanted. But, I don't want to waste money on a machine I really don't need. With that in mind, if you were only pulling one or two shots of espresso a day with an occasional need to steam, what would you buy?
Shep
