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Around 2002, the NY Times interviewed me about coffee and espresso gear. I told them I could make better espresso with a $400 grinder and a $250 espresso machine, than I could with a $5,000 espresso machine and a $100 grinder. The reporter didn't believe me, but did print it.

A year later, Canada's Globe and Mail did a similar feature on me. This time the reporter visited to write the story. I made the same claim. He didn't believe me.

So I did exactly that - brewed two shots from those setups. He preferred the coffee from a Mazzer Mini / Krups 4000 series espresso machine, than he did from a Krups pressed burr grinder and a La Marzocco GS3 Prototype.

Bam.

#espresso

cc @espresso

#espresso

in reply to CoffeeGeek

bubbajet 🥥🌴

in reply to CoffeeGeek • 6 months ago • •

Your opinion, please. I’m currently using a DF64 for espresso, and a Timemore Chestnut Slim Plus for Aeropress. Love ‘em both. But, could I meaningfully improve my espresso grinding with a manual grinder under, say, $200? Thank you!

in reply to bubbajet 🥥🌴

CoffeeGeek

in reply to bubbajet 🥥🌴 • 6 months ago • •

@bubbajet Which DF64 do you have? Gen 2?

Probably the best grinder under $500 for espresso is the 1zpresso J Max (or other J line units). But the DF64 Gen 2 is killer and close. Things are a point of diminishing returns at this level.

@bubbajet 🥥🌴

in reply to CoffeeGeek

bubbajet 🥥🌴

in reply to CoffeeGeek • 6 months ago • •

I’ve got Gen 1 with stock burrs and a better declumper. I’m actually quite happy with it, I’m looking down line when it’s time to replace the Barista Touch that my partner uses. Would also be nice to have something quiet for mornings when I get up super early. I’m so impressed with the Timemore Slim for Aeropress I thought I’d add manual to the search.

Thanks!

in reply to CoffeeGeek

bubbajet 🥥🌴

in reply to CoffeeGeek • 6 months ago • •

Upon further review, a J-Ultra is on the way. I’ve been told that if I wake up early, the DF64 wakes my partner up. This, along with my Cafelat Robot will mean near-silent espresso. Now, if I could just silence the dang toaster oven beeper.

I do NOT have a coffee problem. No! Doesn’t everyone have four grinders, two espresso machines, an Aeropress, and a Hario?