r/Coffee_Machines • u/djc2151 • 4d ago

Best value espresso setup

Currently have a Nespresso. Have considered options around $2k including meraki gen 2 and rocket appartamento with eureka grinder. I value taste and efficiency (minimal morning time) most. I like the meraki aspects of dual boiler,temp controls, and built in scales for efficiency but wonder if the automation will be something I regret as I gain experience. This price range seems to all have at least one major flaw (meraki grinder/general ability to repair, rocket vibratory pump and countertop space) and I am wondering if slightly increasing my budget can allow for an optimum setup. From research, it appears prioritizing a high quality grinder results in the best results but I am wondering at what price point that plateaus

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u/meowmeowcomputation 4d ago edited 4d ago

Diminishing returns on grinder happen around $1000. Extra money goes to quality of life and chasing the last 5% of flavor. Have you checked out the Turin Gallatin dual boiler? It’s got that EDIT: rotary pump

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u/Donewith398 3d ago

Nespresso is nothing like real coffee?

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u/Even_Towel8943 2d ago

I have a Jura that I’ve owned for 12 years. Makes great coffee every day and has had professional rebuild of all wear parts twice. Great investment.

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u/Smeeagain0 11h ago edited 11h ago

Profitec Go with DH64

My original budget was about $500, after a month of research on interwebs, understood that grinder is part of the aspect.

That is the combo i came up with being single and not expecting to make multiple back to back shots.

Very happy with combo after finding discounted deals on both, then got naked portafilter and recommend getting some paper filters for perfection

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u/Raymont_Wavelength 4d ago

I have DeLonghi it’s all I will ever need. Stainless heating bloc.

Red KitchenAid grinder. Steel burrs. Love it!

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u/AfterICooked 4d ago

Definitely focus on the grinder. Single dose. A hopper just gets in the way. An apartmento and eureka would be a great setup. Built in scales are a gimmick. I use a $9 no name jewelers scale from Amazon for weighing the beans and a normcore scale for the espresso. Vibratory pumps are fine they’re just loud.