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  • Coffee machine change needed

    Hi everyone
    Was not sure how to word the topic =)
    Over the last year both my wife and I enjoyed our daily coffee (or 2) using the Grinders/Caffitaly pod machine that was given to us for free.
    We are pretty happy with it in general, but a little bit tired of the same coffee taste every day.
    Also calculated the cost of capsules over the last year - probably $400 off dollars.
    So... probably time for a proper coffee machine. But, here is the question - our pod is 8g per shot. We are pretty happy with the strength we get. Now, if we go with a proper machine, I see that it's normal to use 18g of coffee. It's fine for 2 of us having at the same time, but if just one of us wants it, it will be too much... Are there smaller machines/baskets that allow for smaller coffee doses?
    We also wanted an easy to use machine (in terms of dialing in the espresso), that we can use fresh pre-ground coffee from the local coffee roasters (don't have much room to fit the grinder too). Is there such thing? Or have to go with like $1000+ machine and grinder setup to have a decent cup?
    This is what is stopping us from switching from pods =(

  • #2
    Have you looked into buying the reusable pods and filling them yourself with the fresh coffee from your local roaster?

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    • #3
      If you are happy with your pods, stick to them. like yourself, I suspect most of the tragics on this forum found themselves on the precipice of same rabbit hole you are now precariously peering into. Step back - if you fall in, pods just won't cut it anymore. Who knows where it will all end.

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      • #4
        To answer the first question, there are smaller baskets for standard 58mm portafilters - 7g, 10g for example.

        But as said above, the journey from here is a rabbit hole - the process of dialling in the grinder and dose, learning preparation of the puck (distribution & tamping) to get that perfect shot, and experimenting with different beans and roasts is all part of the hobby.

        If you are really itching, I'd recommend something like the Breville Barista Pro as a good starting point (the one with the in-built grinder). But patience and practice are really important. Once you taste the rewards, there's no going back.

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        • #5
          if they had better choice of pods, like Nespresso, I would probably not even be thinking about the change. Want a better variety. And once you start thinking about one thing, you weigh in plus and minuses =)

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          • #6
            Regarding your 18g shot issue, if you get a machine with a portafilter that has a double spout output you can extract the shot into two cups - which gives you 9g worth of coffee each cup

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            • #7
              Originally posted by sergeyau View Post
              if they had better choice of pods, like Nespresso, I would probably not even be thinking about the change. Want a better variety. And once you start thinking about one thing, you weigh in plus and minuses =)
              It does sound like you appreciate the convenience of pods and are mostly happy but just want a bit more variety. Buying even a basic espresso machine is the beginning of a new hobby. So if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort to practice to get the desired results then it’s worth considering, but if convenience is still the highest priority and that sounds like hard work then maybe an upgraded pod machine might be the way to go. I don’t know all the options but I believe that makers like Breville and Delonghi do pod machines that are Nespresso compatible and also have built in milk frothers or steam wands. They can also take the reusable pods so you could consider filling your own pods with freshly roasted and ground coffee from your local roaster. This would save money and improve your results at the same time.

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              • #8
                A DeLonghi Magnifica type machine might be more your style. Handles both beans and ground, as hands off as a pod machine. My wife refuses to make espresso, she has been present while I do thousands of times and while she likes espresso if I am away she will drink instant or nothing. So fully automatic serve a purpose.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by WarrenK View Post
                  A DeLonghi Magnifica type machine might be more your style. Handles both beans and ground, as hands off as a pod machine. My wife refuses to make espresso, she has been present while I do thousands of times and while she likes espresso if I am away she will drink instant or nothing. So fully automatic serve a purpose.
                  yeah... Looked at automatic but initial outlay is a lot and how do you dial it in? or just use as it gives and don't complain?

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                  • #10
                    You could always keep the pod machine for the wife and get a better machine for yourself. I upgraded from a Nespresso capsule machine 4 years ago to a Silvia and haven't looked back - the wife still uses her cafetiere and is happy to do that.

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