Coffee machines

[onlyconnect]

We have a burr-type grinder and a Gaggia, all works well. However there is domestic pressure to reduce the space taken up by two separate machines. I'm wary of bean to cup machines as there seems to be more to go wrong. But perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily? Any recommendation?

Tim

 

[Bob McC]

Nescafé
A jar Saves loads of space.

 

[CraShWilliams]

Paper filter into one of those ceramic, sit on top of your mug thing - simple, and great coffee.

 

[Marchbanks]

A Mignon grinder can hide demurely in a Gaggia’s shadow. Or an MBK manual can sit in a draw when it is not dragged out for a photo op.

 

[Tony Lockhart]

I think I’ll get myself comfortable and open a large bag of popcorn

 

[gintonic]

We have a burr-type grinder

which one. If we know the model etc we might be able to recommend something that takes up less space.

Gaggia is pretty slim, so you might struggle to reduce the footprint with a B2C machine.

I should add B2C machines are built with many compromises.

What is your budget for footprint reduction, and are you grinding only for espresso?

 

[onlyconnect]

I'll do pics later. We make mainly Americano.

Tim

 

[gintonic]

We make mainly Americano.

if you prefer long drinks, have you considered pour over?

 

[Accuphaseman]

Tassimo

 

[TheDecameron]

A Mignon grinder can hide demurely in a Gaggia’s shadow. Or an MBK manual can sit in a draw when it is not dragged out for a photo op.

How do you find your Gaggia Classic? I’ve had two and they’re tricky to get the coffee right- maybe that’s the attraction, like double declutching?

 

[Marchbanks]

How do you find your Gaggia Classic? I’ve had two and they’re tricky to get the coffee right- maybe that’s the attraction, like double declutching?

It's possible that I simply don't know what a good coffee is, or it's possible that I was lucky enough to hit on a good second-hand machine (earlier Italian-made version, no corner-cutting plastic bits, one or two coffee-geek mods etc.) But once the grind is right it's pretty consistent.

 

[onlyconnect]

This is the current arrangement. The two machines are not in fact adjacent. The grinder is excellent, you just select how much you want and press the button.

Tim

 

[onlyconnect]

if you prefer long drinks, have you considered pour over?

Yes, do this sometimes (but with a filter). The coffee tastes different though and I prefer the diluted espresso by some margin.

Tim

 

[onlyconnect]

What is your budget for footprint reduction, and are you grinding only for espresso?

Budget would be whatever it takes, within reason. I know better than to get a £400 one.

Tim

 

[Seeker_UK]

Nescafé
A jar Saves loads of space.

Gold Blend if you want to go all in. Obvs.

 

[Bart]

I and my extended family like the coffee Nespresso machines, frothers and capsules make but we drink cappuccinos and suchlike so obviously haven't a clue. I even add a bit of instant to my cup to sharpen it up a little on occasion !

 

[Amber Audio]

Gold Blend if you want to go all in. Obvs.

Step it up a bit and go for the Alta Rica, it is pfm after all. I used to take this into work before getting the office a Nespresso machine.

 

[matthewr]

It's possible that I simply don't know what a good coffee is

Broadly speaking, if you can taste the sweetness in your coffee then you are making good coffee.

EDIT: I have just seen your picture, so apologies for if the egg sucking lesson

 

[cubastreet]

Maybe we can make your situation look good by posting our own setups. This is my compact American setup, I have a bigger grinder and much bigger machine at home in New Zealand.

 

[cj66]

If a pod machine I agree with Tassimo making the best coffee plus the advantage of having Americano as a thing, no staffing about.
I've also shyed away from B2C machines for the same reason as OP.
Here I just use a paper pod machine (no Tassimo here), job done. I made a point of reducing my coffee intake so just cannot be bothered anymore with getting "the best".