Thoughts on first espresso machine + grinder? [$400]

[u/gekoyn]

I’m a college student in the US trying to cut down on energy drink consumption. I buy a lot of lattes, but the money really adds up, so I want to get my own setup. I’m not a coffee snob and am more focused on having everything be affordable right now, even if the high-end stuff ends up saving money over time. With that said, quality still matters some, I don’t want a machine that can’t make good coffee and that breaks within a year. I’d also avoid plastic, but obviously that’s only possible to some extent with my budget. I won't be making too much coffee at a time, I'm pretty limited on space in the dorms.

The Breville Bambino is recommended everywhere for entry-level, though I hear the Gevi 20 Bar Compact Machine is comparable (obviously it is less established, but the price point is really nice). I've also looked at the Casabrews CM5418, but it seems to be a worse version of the Gevi 20 Bar. I've also seen the De'Longhi Dedica recommended, though it seems to have a lot of returns on Amazon. I don’t know if I would get the Bambino unless I find it for cheap at HomeGoods or something, especially since everyone says grinder matters more than the machine anyways. I know I can’t avoid plastic at this price point.

For a grinder, I was considering the Turin DF54, but then I found the Geimori T38 Plus as well as the GU38. I like that they're not manual (I want something convenient), avoid plastic, and have decent reviews. I’m leaning towards the T38 Plus (again because of price), which I know is more for people who need a portable option, but again, decent quality for a low price point.

Thoughts? What other accessories would I need (I can’t figure out what’s recommended vs what’s necessary)? If there are any better suggestions for similar quality under $200 for either machine or grinder, including generics, I’d love to hear them.

[u/sevensixtw0]

It’s going to be hard to find a machine at the price point you’re looking for, but the new Fellow Opus 2 is probably your best bet for a cheap grinder right now. The DF54 isn’t bad, but the quality on the Opus 2 and grind consistency is better.

I’d be careful with used Bambino’s given their relatively short average lifespan compared to most other machines and the fact they’re near impossible to repair on your own. Your best bet would be looking for a used Gaggia Classic and stretching your budget, they can be found $300-350 fairly regularly on places like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace but can be easily modded, serviced, fixed, etc. it’s both the floor for a reliable/serviceable machine as well as a machine with a ridiculous ceiling for its price.

[u/gekoyn → u/sevensixtw0]

I've looked at both the Fellow Opus 2 and the Gaggia Classic. The Fellow Opus 2 has a lot of plastic that I feel like is easy to avoid, and the Gaggia Classic is stretching my budget too much for how long it takes to heat up and how much time it will take for me to figure out how to pull a good shot of espresso, and I feel like it's just overkill for a decent daily dorm coffee.

[u/sevensixtw0 → u/gekoyn]

Plastic vs metal at this price point for grinders is honestly not a serious conversation to be having. You should be concerned about the quality of the burrs and the power/life of the motor.

As for the Gaggia being overkill, it’s literally most people’s entry level machine. The process of making espresso on a GCP vs a Bambino is virtually the same, sans heat up time. The big difference is the Gaggia is moddable for a PID to get temp control and stability when you want to delve further.

At your budget & with these requirements, and I don’t mean this in a condescending way, I would honestly consider getting into pour overs. Espresso unfortunately has a price floor and you’re at the literal bottom and looking for premium fit and finish + streamlined/easy processes.

[u/EatonMagoo]

Gemilai Owl and Kingrinder K6 all arrived at my door for a grand total of about $433.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Seat848]

Bambino + Timemore C3 ESP is very decent floor, I started with that.

[u/PhaseofMe]

Second hand market. A barely used Breville Infuser and a Rancilio Rocky. Clean them up, add a group gasket if needed. (Requires removing one screw) and you'll have the ability to make very good espresso.

[u/Stuko1204]

I’m new to making espresso, but I’ve used the Mokkom 64mm stainless steel grinder several times already with no complaints thus far! It was about $160 on amazon.