Getting your Espresso Shot or cappuccino fix

[qualin]

Hello everyone.

On occasion, when I want a nice strong cappuccino, I use my Bialetti Mukka Express. The only issue I have with it is that it can be a pain to clean. I have a 1 cup glass model which does the trick nicely.

Now, a friend of mine purchased a Tassimo. It makes good espresso but the milk disks for cappuccino or lattes really isn't to my liking. However, I do like how very fast it is and how easy it is to clean.

At the local Williams Sonoma (A fave place for a small kitchen gadget freak to hang out.) I had a demo of a Nespresso machine. The salesperson was kind enough to make me a cappuccino with it. I can certainly say that I was very impressed.

I like how the Nespresso pods are recyclable and how easy the machine is to use. It seems almost idiot proof.

However, after seeing a few videos of "real" espresso machine operation, it seems to me like as long as you get the grind right and tamp properly, they're just about as easy to use as a Nespresso machine and probably more environmentally friendly too.

For those of you who really want that kick and love a good cappuccino or espresso, what do you use?

I'll admit that the Breville Espresso machine with the built-in burr grinder has been catching my eye, but only because it's an "all-in-one" espresso/cappuccino station and it doesn't look too difficult or messy to use. The only problem is that it is considerably more expensive than a Nespresso machine!

Anyway, opinions? Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[mrb627]

Starbucks

Unfortunately, I have several coffeemakers in the house, but no Espresso machine. So, when I need that kick in the pants that only a double shot will give, I go to Starbucks to get it. It's cheap enough... If you buy another drink, the E-shot is only a buck.

Malcolm

 

[lordkenmore]

I've mostly used various lower end Krups machines. Purists may shudder, but, for me, they've worked well enough for cappuccino (my main espresso use). I'd like to try a higher end machine. On the other hand, I think a modest machine carefully used could possibly be better than a good machine in the hands of an indifferent barista.

Although in a way, there was something to be said for those days "before espresso machine." Espresso was more of treat when had only sometimes.

 

[miele_ge]

saecco rio vapore makes my daily espresso/cappuccino

saecco rio vapore makes my daily espresso/cappuccino

 

It is about 18 years old and still going strong.

 

I found a coffee company in Upstate NY that sells a wonderful Italian brand of Espresso beans - Cafe Bristot.  Works great for both espresso/cappuccino and french press.

 

Pretty much all we drink at home.

 

[firedome]

Strictly old school...

we haven't gone all fancy here... just fresh roasted Vermont Coffee Co. Sumatran coffee, ground fresh, brewed in a cheap $20 Proctor Silex drip machine, drunk strong & black... KISS.

 

[frigilux]

I have a DeLonghi espresso machine and a Technivorm Moccamaster drip coffee maker. I think the Moccamaster is the best drip machine you can buy.

In the espresso department, I'd love to have a Rancilio Silvia. They're the best machine you can get in the under $1,500 range. Haven't ponied up for one...yet.

I'm usually a sucker for convenience, but I can't wrap my head around using pre-ground coffee pods. I'm brainwashed that beans should be ground immediately before brewing.