Hey folks, I’m John. I remember lusting after an espresso machine 26 years back when I started the world of work… It was always going to be my reward to myself… “Now that I’m working, I’ll get myself an espresso machine!”. I have always loved coffee… it felt like the perfect celebration of adult working life!

Along the way there was a Krups 2 in 1 brew / espresso machine (which was a disaster - it didn’t make anything like a decent espresso, though the brew was decent. I knew nothing about machines, just assumed that a big name like Krups would be OK), and then around 7 years back I was introduced to the world of Aeropress and Porlex grinders.

I came very close to buying a used Rancilio late last year from a colleague at work… That actually rekindled the spark to have my own machine…

FINALLY in December 2021, I bought my Lelit Elizabeth and a Eureka Specialita. It’s early days, I am learning loads (and thank you to everyone who is so generous with their time and advice here).

I would add this - I LOVE COFFEE (see genetics PS below)! There have been moments already of rich, chocolatey cappuccinos where the taste lingers long after the drinking, utter bliss… I look forward to my daily coffees like you would not believe.

I’m based in Stockholm, Sweden, where there is a decent choice of roasters and retailers. Originally from the UK, I have also lived 10 years in Poland.

I hope my beginner’s questions will be ok! I am at the start of my journey and recognise that I have lots to learn.

PS - when I did a DNA report for amusement / family tree research, I learned that there are genetic predispositions to caffeine consumption (Copied - from 23andme.com - “Caffeine consumption and metabolism are influenced by genetic markers near the CYP1A2 and AHR genes … The AHR gene contains instructions for a protein that helps regulate how certain other proteins are made. One of the proteins that AHR regulates is CYP1A2, the enzyme involved in breaking down caffeine”). I have three variants associated with consuming more caffeine! (“based on your genetics, you are likely to drink more caffeine than average, if you drink caffeine at all”).

    jcb1973 Welcome to the forum! What a lovely first post.

    You have a good set up.

    You now have strong genetic reasons to truly get sucked into the addictive rabbit hole. 😁

      jcb1973 Along the way there was a Krups 2 in 1 brew / espresso machine (which was a disaster - it didn’t make anything like a decent espresso, though the brew was decent. I knew nothing about machines, just assumed that a big name like Krups would be OK),

      I started the same way…I think in Sweden there is a lot of light roasting?

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        Yes - lots of light roasting, you are right. I haven’t really started on that - maybe my pallette is still a bit basic, but I’m enjoying roasts that I would describe as chocolatey, rich, smooth, lingering aftertaste. At the moment Johan and Nyström “Verde” is working out very well for me

        Another escapee from “the other forum” here, heading over with a Rancilio Silvia Pro and Niche

        So settled with coffee gear for the moment, not noticed anything tempting me yet, not even the new variant of the Silvia Pro.

          Ad_G Welcome to the forum! Good set up. Hope you stay resisting the temptation of upgradeitis! We are happy to help you to spend your money! 😂

          Please feel free to log out and Giphy - scooby doo running GIF

          🤣

            Ad_G Welcome to the forum…..the Silvia pro is a pretty popular new dual boiler from them, so I don’t imagine @LMSC will get any chance to spend your money for a long time 🤣 How are you finding the Silvia Pro, another member here has just decided on one.

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                DavecUK Seems a long time ago since we made the upgrade from an early Silvia to the Silvia Pro probably about 15 months ago now.

                We’ve been very happy with the Silvia Pro, consistent good coffee, temperature control is good and you can see the difference if you change it to better suit a specific roast and on the steam side lots of good quality steam. The only two niggles have been the pump for the steam boiler is very loud and the water sensor is very basic, no last shot protection. Not seen anything that says if they have fixed that in the X version.

                On the steam side the one thing we’ve found that makes a big difference is the milk. We get semi-skimmed from a local farm and it is a joy to work on the Silvia Pro, if we get a top up from the supermarket getting the perfect micro-foam is a lot harder. I suspect this is down to the age of the milk, the farm processes and bottles it the same day any surplus is put into a tank that is then collected by Arla (that could be a few days later) and then processed onwards, so we’ve probably drank ours before the surplus reaches the shelf.

                I think Silvia was about 17 years old when I sold her, so the Pro has a while to go yet!

                  So just being brave and saying hello having been lurking for a month or 2.

                  I have ben down the coffee rabbit hole for a while, first with Gaggia and now with Lelit Elizabeth and a Niche Grinder. Along the way I might have a few V60’s, a Chemex, a Wave an AeroPress and a few others.

                  Just saying hello and thanks to all, such as DaveUK who freely over advice.

                    JoeW Welcome to the forum Joe, lots to chat about here, even if it’s not about coffee, but things you do when drinking a coffee…well most things.

                    Baking, Pizzas, Movies, Music, Other drinks (mostly booze), Down Memory Lane (for the old gits amongst us and the not so old) etc…Just get stuck in. 🙂

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                      Drinking coffee for many years.

                      After mediocre coffee, Nespresso and such, I have pulled the trigger on a Lelit Elizabeth and a Niche Zero. Right now they are scheduled to start/mid March - can’t wait.

                      In the meantime, I have used a minor fortune, getting ready for making espresso, I just need to setup my water supply, then I’m ready to fail and fail again, hopefully learing to make a decent espresso.

                        Thomas101 Welcome to the forum…you are getting some nice equipment, so you will not fail. The learning process will be quick on that setup.

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                          Thomas101 Welcome to the forum! You can’t go wrong with Liz and Niche. We are pleased you are going to sort the water before the machine arrives.

                          Where are you based ? What’s the plan for your water.

                              Well it has to be said that I think my Sourdough is better than my coffee, and then there is my whiskey ice cream……

                                Thomas101 I have no experience in those BWT systems. The best folks to advise you are @Rob1 and @MWJB. Most of us have RO, distilled or Zero I believe.

                                • Rob1 replied to this.

                                    LMSC I have almost 0 knowledge of filters to be honest.