MediumRoastSteam I would not even comtemplate going into espresso with that sort of budget. It’s a slippery slope.
I agree with this. Typically I usually say to people I wouldn’t get into espresso with less than £1000.
Technically it’s entirely possible to make good espresso for that budget, but it’s inconsistent, involved and often frustrating enough to put people off. I don’t have the fondest memories of my first few machines and I think I only really started properly enjoying home espresso from when I got my first ‘decent’ grinder and dual boiler, which was probably closer to £2k all-in.
When you consider the quality of coffee you can get with a V60 and a half-decent hand grinder I always think that’s a better route into coffee.
If I was starting over or woke up with no espresso equipment I’d get a V60 and filters, and a Commandante C40 or Knock Aergrind.
You could argue that’s an endgame filter setup really and I tend to think pourover coffee is a much more accessible way to start experiencing the nuances of coffee than espresso.
Controversially, if someone’s just keen to have the convenience and efficiency of fast, strong coffee I’d probably just recommend a pod machine. Quite a few good roasters offer pods now.