Same is true for French Press coffee. Found that out the hard way when my Baratza needed parts, and I resorted to one of those whirly things. I expected the coffee to be a bunch less good than usual, but it was awful.
Can't go wrong with a Robot. Love mine. Do you use the puck filters? I find they preserve the life of the gasket and make cleanup a lot less involved.
I'm lazy and no paper filters for me! A quick wipe down of the piston for me.
No way. That'd be a spice-y lesson to learn.
Spice grinders are cheap and don't need careful increments like coffee bean grinders! And once spice grinding you will never get rid of the taint!
I happen to have a spare Mazzer Super Jolly, and have thought about that....yes I would....but I also jave the Lyn pepper grinder...so in need of some spice I'd probably test that first but if in need for whol groecery bags full of ground spice I'd be fetching the Super Jolly!
Just thought the same logic should apply – burrs beat blades for coffee so why not for spices too?
having cleaned a few used commercial grinders that propably always had been used with a roast level akin to my 'black hole' roast I can vouch for the fact that it's perfectly possible to get rid of any smell...unless you try that with a plastic heavy grinder.
My first 'proper' espresso machine was a Rancilio Silvia. I believe it is still a contender but there are some new kids on the block. Check out this review for a few.
Rather avoid a separate grinder but might not be a better option.
This all in one is worth further investigation. It has a PID function which is definitely a plus. A little over the budget but a used one should be well below the $500.
This is the one I’ve been looking at mostly. Reviews seem mostly positive, just didn’t want to pull the trigger without hearing a few opinions
Having a grinder not nearby is not really an option. If you are using a non-pressurized portafilter (which is "true" espresso), you need to be able to adjust the grind precisely for a new bag of beans. Honestly would highly recommend just getting a Bambino/Bambino Plus + a separate grinder, like Baratza Encore ESP (ESP part is important). Grinder is more important for the quality of coffee than the machine. Together that’s 500. You’ll be satisfied with the all in one, but this will be better and you’ll have less frustration.
No chance I’m going dual boiler unless I find something used. I’m not really looking to dive down the rabbit hole too far and $1500+ isn’t an option right now
descale? Feed it destilled water with a few mg of Potassium Bicarb and never worry about scale or corrosion!
Same, except reverse osmosis water with Magnesium salts in addition to the Potassium.
That’s really interesting. I am in the UK and as I use the water tank and not a plumbed in filtered option, I was recommended to use one of a few specific mineral water brands to heavily reduce the limescale however they still recommend a 24 month descale as part of a full service.
