Hi all,
Long time lurker, first time poster! I have myself a two soy latte per day habit and in an effort to save myself a few grand per year I recently purchased some coffee equipment, and might have been a little ambitious in what I could achieve. I purchased the infamous Anko K-Kmart machine (actually a Kogan clone but they look identical and i'm pretty sure they are re-badged globally for different department store chains), probably reading too many reviews from people who use the word 'expresso' instead of espresso, and also a Brazil Crushgrind manual burr grinder. The ratio varies wildly per shot even when I weigh in the same amount of beans and stop the timer at 23 seconds, anywhere from from 38g-50g (i've read 36g should be the double shot target for 18g espresso) - i'm thinking (feedback welcome!) the Kmart machine varies with temperature, plus the pressurised basket means its just going to always pull an inconsistent shot. I thought I was onto a winner by getting the manual burr grinder but if anyone thinks that's the weak link would love to hear some truth there too!
Assuming the machine is the issue, i'm looking at the Breville BES810BSS the Duo-Temp Pro, Breville Bambino Plus, or if the grinder I have is absolutely no good then a Breville Barista Express.
When it comes to the steaming wand, tbh I can get what I need from the el cheapo I currently have so i'm not too fussed about auto-frothing etc, I guess I just want a decent shot that's consistent and tastes good, and as idiot-proof as possible as i'm no expert. I'd prefer to stay away from second hand machines as I really don't know what i'm looking for in terms of cleaning/faults/issues etc that I might miss....
Many thanks for any advice anyone could offer me within the restraints of what I suggested or any other ideas too!
Thanks
Long time lurker, first time poster! I have myself a two soy latte per day habit and in an effort to save myself a few grand per year I recently purchased some coffee equipment, and might have been a little ambitious in what I could achieve. I purchased the infamous Anko K-Kmart machine (actually a Kogan clone but they look identical and i'm pretty sure they are re-badged globally for different department store chains), probably reading too many reviews from people who use the word 'expresso' instead of espresso, and also a Brazil Crushgrind manual burr grinder. The ratio varies wildly per shot even when I weigh in the same amount of beans and stop the timer at 23 seconds, anywhere from from 38g-50g (i've read 36g should be the double shot target for 18g espresso) - i'm thinking (feedback welcome!) the Kmart machine varies with temperature, plus the pressurised basket means its just going to always pull an inconsistent shot. I thought I was onto a winner by getting the manual burr grinder but if anyone thinks that's the weak link would love to hear some truth there too!
Assuming the machine is the issue, i'm looking at the Breville BES810BSS the Duo-Temp Pro, Breville Bambino Plus, or if the grinder I have is absolutely no good then a Breville Barista Express.
When it comes to the steaming wand, tbh I can get what I need from the el cheapo I currently have so i'm not too fussed about auto-frothing etc, I guess I just want a decent shot that's consistent and tastes good, and as idiot-proof as possible as i'm no expert. I'd prefer to stay away from second hand machines as I really don't know what i'm looking for in terms of cleaning/faults/issues etc that I might miss....
Many thanks for any advice anyone could offer me within the restraints of what I suggested or any other ideas too!
Thanks

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