I love a great cup of coffee, actually several during the day. I’m definitely espresso obsessed. I’‘ve gone through 3 different systems at home:
1. Cheap Krupps machine (>$150) w/ Starbucks beans. Any machine that does not have a powerful pump might as well be a drip machine. Might be ok for a latte or something really watered down. VERY MESSY
2. Starbucks Barista ($350 for stainless steel) with Starbucks or Peet’s beans and a good burr ginder ($100). Makes a great shot, but is not consistent. It takes a good barista behind the helm of the controls to get good results. Also VERY MESSY…between the grinding and the tamping and the rinsing. Be prepared to man the machine for a half hour if you are having lots of guests over. You’ll need good beans to improve your consistency.
3. Heaven: Capresso C1500 fully automatic with Peets or even Trader Joes beans ($5 a can!). Burr grinds, tamps, and brews perfect shots everytime with adjustable grind coarseness, water per shot, temperature, and an excellent, easy to use frothing system. Anyone can make the perfect cup every time. Relatively clean, and party guests can easily make their own coffee. Also makes a damn fine Americano for people who insist on drip. Also remarkably inexpensive if you buy a refurbished one ( $680 @ http://www.wholelattelove.com ). Has to be emptied every 10 shots or so…but very easy to clean and care for. I can make cappucinos that remind people of sitting a cafe in Italy or a Latte that pleases the most hardcore Starbucks devotee with this machine.
