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Finally received all of my espresso equipment

JM Aggie08

JM Aggie08

Diamond Member
I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT, MY BROTHERS, AND IT IS GLORIOUS. PRAISE UNTO HIM.

But really, I don't know how I've gone this long without having my own espresso maker. For the last few years I'd spend 3.50+ a day on a cappuccino while headed into work. Now that I can make my own...I...I just need a moment...

Equipment:
Saeco Via Venezia
Non-pressurized replacement portafilter (machine comes standard with pressurized; think of the pressurized portafilter as training wheels)
Breville Smart Grinder (VERY important to have a good grind)

Of course I got a thermo, frothing pitcher, tamper, etc. So far my bean of choice has been Lavazza Super Crema. It came highly regarded and tastes absolutely fantastic. The next step is to stock-pile on syrups and other goodies to make the experience even better 🙂

10/10, would recommend.
 
DO0lmOh.jpg


shh6RW6.jpg


The machine itself was $55 off of eBay (regular $299 brand new). The only thing missing was the portafilter, which I purchased off of Seattle Coffee Gear (non-pressurized).

The grinder runs around $189 on Amazon, or BBB if you're impatient. You'll want a pretty decent burr grinder in order to get a fine enough and consistent grind.

Happy to answer any questions you may have!
 
nice, but can u make this?

best-latte-art-pacman.jpg


btw- whats the breakeven point between your machines/espresso beans and buying at starbucks?
how many grande latte's?

and $199 for a burr grinder?! whats wrong w/the $29.99 one at walmart?
 
Last edited:
JM Aggie08 said:
DO0lmOh.jpg


shh6RW6.jpg


The machine itself was $55 off of eBay (regular $299 brand new). The only thing missing was the portafilter, which I purchased off of Seattle Coffee Gear (non-pressurized).

The grinder runs around $189 on Amazon, or BBB if you're impatient. You'll want a pretty decent burr grinder in order to get a fine enough and consistent grind.

Happy to answer any questions you may have!
Click to expand...

What's the whole steamed milk thing about?

I want the option of making a small cup of espresso. No foofoo, mochachocolatte shit. Just a cup of espresso. I've bought like 3 different single cup machines and hated them all. I already have a very respectable burr grinder. I just don't know what to buy for the machine.
 
JEDI said:
nice, but can u make this?

best-latte-art-pacman.jpg


btw- whats the breakeven point between your machines/espresso beans and buying at starbucks?
how many grande latte's?

and $199 for a burr grinder?! whats wrong w/the $29.99 one at walmart?
Click to expand...

I estimate around .5oz of beans per double shot. Bag of beans is 2.5lbs @ $25 (you can obviously get cheaper beans locally). Definitely less than a dollar a drink, without the included cost of equipment, and if you consider that i always have milk on hand.

Lower end burr grinders such as the Wal-Mart version you mention most likely will not grind fine enough to pull a decent shot, but then again, maybe it could? All signs and reviews pointed towards a higher price point, and to be honest, $200 is on the low end according to most aficionados. I purchased my grinder knowing that it would perform exactly the way I wanted it to.
 
rudeguy said:
What's the whole steamed milk thing about?

I want the option of making a small cup of espresso. No foofoo, mochachocolatte shit. Just a cup of espresso. I've bought like 3 different single cup machines and hated them all. I already have a very respectable burr grinder. I just don't know what to buy for the machine.
Click to expand...

Steamed milk is personal preference. I enjoy cappuccinos and enjoy entertaining on the weekends.

I'd highly recommend this machine. You can find a number of used models on eBay for near the same price point. An added bonus, if doing it all yourself isn't your thing, is that the Via Venezia comes with a pressurized portafilter. Basically this means that you don't have to worry as much about your grind. Hell, just purchase pre-ground espresso, fill the cup to the brim, insert, and brew. No need to tamp with the pressurized portafilter, and it pulls a fairly consistent shot every time.
 
Oh you fancy.

My bialetti has never let me down! I should really get a grinder though - I've been buying bricks of cafe bustelo. I was recommended this grinder right here on ATOT. As far as the machine though I don't see myself making the fancy stuff - just straight espresso.
 
Nice, I like to fill a great big mug with espresso and then drink it. Since that is impractical, and can be costly, Ill stick with french press or Bunn drip...
 
a couple tips:

1) take it slowly. it's very easy for things to get out of hand when you just need to think "espresso" and you have one.
2) keep a bottle of some strong drink around the house, for when (not if), inevitably, you'll have WAY too many espressos.
 
DigDog said:
a couple tips:

1) take it slowly. it's very easy for things to get out of hand when you just need to think "espresso" and you have one.
2) keep a bottle of some strong drink around the house, for when (not if), inevitably, you'll have WAY too many espressos.
Click to expand...

everclear? 🙂

this is a manual machine right?
u don't just press a button and espresso fills a tiny cup?

you gotta scoop the grounded coffee into the machine, then pack it tight?
 
JEDI said:
everclear? 🙂

this is a manual machine right?
u don't just press a button and espresso fills a tiny cup?

you gotta scoop the grounded coffee into the machine, then pack it tight?
Click to expand...

Right, but still a very quick process once you get it down. Added bonus of the grinder I have is it has a bracket for the portafilter so you can grind straight into it with the correct portion size :thumbsup:
 
JM Aggie08 said:
I estimate around .5oz of beans per double shot. Bag of beans is 2.5lbs @ $25 (you can obviously get cheaper beans locally). Definitely less than a dollar a drink, without the included cost of equipment, and if you consider that i always have milk on hand.

Lower end burr grinders such as the Wal-Mart version you mention most likely will not grind fine enough to pull a decent shot, but then again, maybe it could? All signs and reviews pointed towards a higher price point, and to be honest, $200 is on the low end according to most aficionados. I purchased my grinder knowing that it would perform exactly the way I wanted it to.
Click to expand...

I don't think that it would be beneficial for me. I only drink a double shot of espresso and it costs me $1.90.

It's comparable to the 80-90 cent euros I was paying in Italy.
 
AznAnarchy99 said:
I don't think that it would be beneficial for me. I only drink a double shot of espresso and it costs me $1.90.

It's comparable to the 80-90 cent euros I was paying in Italy.
Click to expand...

Ya, it's definitely not for everyone. I won't lie, I love me some froofroo flavored drinks as well. Doing them at home will cut costs dramatically.
 
JM Aggie08 said:
Ya, it's definitely not for everyone. I won't lie, I love me some froofroo flavored drinks as well. Doing them at home will cut costs dramatically.
Click to expand...

it'll cost the same.
I predict you'll make more drinks than if you bought it at your local coffee shop
 
rudeguy said:
What's the whole steamed milk thing about?

I want the option of making a small cup of espresso. No foofoo, mochachocolatte shit. Just a cup of espresso. I've bought like 3 different single cup machines and hated them all. I already have a very respectable burr grinder. I just don't know what to buy for the machine.
Click to expand...

Get an Aeropress. I use mine all the time when I don't feel like messing with the espresso machine I have.
 
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