I’m currently brewing in an Aeropress, and considering one of the lower end espresso machines.
But based on a few comments from James Hoffmann about him drinking filter coffee at home, I’m wondering if an espresso machine is something that people end up using every day, or if people are brewing with simpler methods and just making espressos when they’ve got time on the weekend or people over?
What’s your experience, did you buy a machine and it mostly just takes up counter space, or is it a daily source of joy?
It really depends on your lifestyle. Most machines will need some heat up time and if you’re not sure you won’t be pulling another shot for the rest of the day, it’ll sit there, consuming like 1000+ watt of power, at least when the heater is on.
I got myself VBM Domobar (HX) more than a decade ago, and still going strong. I don’t regret it. It was especially useful during covid lockdown.
Again, it really depends on your lifestyle. It is higher maintenance than any filter brewer. Demands higher end grinder, although those are much more affordable these days.
I hand grind for the Aeropress with a Timemore C2, which I gather would be good enough to get me started with espresso.