New Espresso Machine!

[azkid]

We almost didn't make it.

Shut in by coronavirus, isolated from civilization, every little set back seems like a huger deal to me. Spilled milk? Broken toilet? Internet router dies?



Days without my morning iced latte seem all wrong. Two Mondays ago, our old Gaggia Espresso Deluxe gave up the ghost for the third time since we bought it in 2004.



We decided an upgraded espresso machine was finally justified. Much research ensued and a machine stood out from the crowd. I placed an order, and impatiently waited for it's arrival.

At long last after 11 grueling days of hell, the big brown truck arrived and we were rescued!

Introducing our Lelit Elizabeth, a dual boiler espresso machine, made in Italy, with PID temperature control, fast warm up, programmable pre-infusion time, computerized control, programmable shot timer and more.



It only took five tries to dial things in enough to outdo our prior machine with store bought beans. Once I really get it locked in and use freshly home roasted beans this thing will probably blow our minds.

[guyy]

My 1980s la Pavoni is still going. Sometimes simplicity is a virtue.

[Chuck Naill]

Bialetti Moka Stovetop $!4.

[guyy]

Bialetti Moka Stovetop $!4.

Yup. Those are good, too.

[jar]

I have a bunch of espresso machines from back when I did reviews of such things but recently an acquaintance sent me a new Illy capsule machine for my birthday and so that's what I've been using.

[robert.bradley.5]

That is a lovely machine. It should give you the best espresso. I've gone through several machines myself, but now am content with an Vibiemme. It is an old style heat exchanger. I had a Breville double boiler, but it eventually just started having too many problems. The Vibiemme is built like a tank and I can probably fix what ever goes wrong with it myself. It is pretty industrial looking.

[grainweevil]

The old man and only coffee drinker decrees the use of a ceramic jug and a strainer when I pour. Very, very little to break.

On the other hand don't talk to me about routers dying - well the wireless booster/extension wotnot that has been happily going along for ten and more years without a hitch. And yes, we have a leaking toilet too. It's like they all wait until it's the most inconvenient moment. And I speak as someone who has experienced two oven failures just before Christmas - one on Christmas Eve. That was as fun as you might imagine.

But cool machine. Being an Elizabeth she is clearly a Queen among coffee... thingies.

[AzJon]

Right on!

I actually ordered an espresso machine (my first) right before everything hit. I've been real glad to have it at home with my favorite coffee shop all shut down.

I have a Gaggia Classic Pro. Sturdy little fella.

Definitely wish I had a dual boiler though.