Coffee related oversaturation and confusion

Sham

These past few years it seems like the home espresso market has grown significantly. We’re seeing a lot more variety in grinders, espresso/coffee machines, and accessories, and each and every one seem to say “we’re better than the previous.” It’s honestly getting confusing and it’s hard to compare, just because of the sheer number of good options. Videos and reviews from influencers are also on the rise and it’s hard to tell what’s good or bad as they aren’t the most impartial reviewers.

We’re seeing a lot of crowd-funding type machines, and even the well established companies are starting to notice the innovation in the home espresso market and want to get in. But the keenness of coffee-people (mainly keenness to part with their money) has made it very lucrative to churn out crowd funded machines (often leading to very very long waits) with little risk, and soon I can see the quality of these crowdfunded machines going down as more people jump on the free cash bandwagon. Honestly, if I had some capital I would probably try to make a machine too as it seems far too easy to convince people to buy your idea in this market.

China also seems to be making coffee related gear so fast that it’s scary. For example, I recently bought a very nice looking wooden needle distribution tool with integrated lid for £2 from Aliexpress, this would have been around £20 a year ago, same with tampers and other quality coffee related gear. Copy-cat machines seem to be on the rise too, most likely from IP theft of manufacturing info when getting things made in China. This is good in a way that it keeps prices down, but it makes discerning quality difficult.

I was thinking of changing my grinder (Mazzer SJ) but it seems every month there’s a new announcement of a grinder which does not help me as I’m very picky and don’t want to regret a purchase (and I’m currently tight cash-wise..) I’ve also stuck with my La Pavoni because at the price I bought it, I’m unlikely to make better espresso with an alternative (without far too much research and at least 10-20x the cost).

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by the massive pick-up in the home coffee space, and if so what aspects?

Elcarajillo

Sham With all the innovation and ‘technical’ advances ,has the coffee produced improved that much 🤣.

Boys and toys comes to mind, I think if you have a reasonable set up you are better off being more selective with your beans.😀

Cuprajake

Massively mate,

I hate the whole social media polished video thing, as you say every new product is the next best, there’s no real longevity in the testing, they just move onto the next thing to stay relevant ,

It’s part of why I make my super hi tech vids 🤣, it gives an insight into the products I own, and I try to answer what I can.

Sham

Cuprajake I get that they make these reviews and videos primarily for entertainment, but a large proportion of watchers take the video as a proper review, which they aren’t… Some review also get sponsored by companies, and of course those reviews won’t be too negative (for example I think Lance Hedrick and Weber for the Unifilter) but watchers will end up buying it.

Elcarajillo Technology creep is an issue…I guess as something as simple as the La Pavoni is still relevant means that it’s really not that necessary? All that was needed previously was a tamp, but now people tell beginners to start off with a calibrated tamper, needle distribution tool, flat distribution tool, water spray bottle for grinding, puck screen, and the list goes on… Is it fun to acquire all these toys? Probably yes! But not really needed (and can get costly).

Ernie1

Yep, totally.

As long as people are willing to spend money chasing the perfect cup, someone will be making the machines to aid them on their (never ending) journey. Bit philosophical but it’s a reflection on life in general I reckon. We have this ‘grass is greener’ syndrome. Would that bigger house be better? Perhaps I should find a new job? Is this the right partner or should I get back on Tinder and start swiping again.

Same with guitars, hi-fi, other hobbies.

The only way off the train is to just find something you love and be content with it, flaws and all. Much like life I suppose.

I also have a Super Jolly and am frequently tempted by the latest and greatest but remind myself I thoroughly enjoy the process of making and drinking coffee with my setup.

There’s certainly a cathartic feeling of liberation when you just stop searching and enjoy what you have.

Dusk

I think the best thing is to be patient, plenty of new products and technologies will come along but time will tell whether they are a worthwhile improvement. Wait a few years and you will see what proves to be more than a fad or poor value for money.

whinmoor85

I don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s good that new information is easily available and the content creators that hype up every new product - I don’t take them that seriously.