The best machine under $400
Written: Dec 19 '02 (Updated Dec 20 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use, consistently great espresso, plenty of steam
Cons: expensive when not on sale, but worth full price anyway
The Bottom Line: If you want a great machine without spending a lot of money, get the Barista when it goes on sale for $249.
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| spaced's Full Review: Estro Barista |
Before You Begin
There's no reason to spring for the stainless steel or copper Barista espresso machines unless you are very concerned about your kitchen's aesthetics. Mine is black and looks great. All of the Barista machines are well made, with completely metal bodies. The only plastic parts are the buttons, drip tray, and water reservoir.
I highly recommend a PUR faucet-mount water filter for the best coffee, even if your tap water tastes pretty good. You can get these at Target for $34.99. Since espresso is 98% water, even slightly strange smelling or tasting tap water can negatively affect your espresso shots.
If you want to grind your own beans, which is one of the most important steps in your quest for a great shot of espresso, don't skimp on the grinder. Only go with a burr or conical grinder, since blade grinders simply cannot grind the beans fine enough for espresso. I highly recommend the Starbucks Barista Burr Grinder (if you want a matching set) or the slightly better Solis Maestro which costs a bit more, although you may have a harder time finding this one. The Starbucks Burr Grinder is just a rebranded older Solis model (the 166).
During Starbucks' twice-yearly sale, you can get this machine and the burr grinder for $348 total, which is a great deal.
Getting Everything Together
When I first went out to purchase this machine, I bought the Barista, Burr Grinder, Espresso Accessory Kit, and a pound of Starbucks Espresso Roast, so that I could start by perfecting "control" shots and then experimenting from there. All of the Starbucks equipment is very high quality, and by standardizing you can get the best possible use out of the toll-free number (explained below) if you need help perfecting your shots. Total cost: $396 (plus tax and shipping if you buy online) for EVERYTHING you need to get started.
About that accessory kit: you don't necessarily need the Starbucks kit, but the items are essential for those new to home espresso. It comes with a stainless steel milk steaming pitcher, thermometer, combination single-shot (7g) grind scoop and tamp, spoon, and 1oz shot glass. If you can find these cheaper elsewhere (and I'm sure you can), then go for it. I sprang for the Starbucks kit because I'm impatient and wanted to get started as soon as I got home!
Anyhow, this machine couldn't be simpler to use. It comes with a plain-english manual and instructional video complete with a cheesy barista guy narrator. It also comes with the privilege of a toll-free number if you have any questions or need help using/understanding your new machine. If you're deciding between two similar machines (like the Rancillio Silvia), go with this one if not for the fantastic customer support and extra year of warranty (most machines have 1 year, this machine has 2). If you call them because you're having trouble getting good shots out of the machine, more often than not they will offer to send you free coffee to replace the coffee you use as they walk you through it.
An Abridged Guide to Brewing
Step 1) Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water. Ensure that you have enough to complete your task, as letting the water run dry may damage the pump.
Step 2) Prime the steam wand to flush out old water, as explained in video and manual. Steam your milk to 160 degrees F (careful, milk scalds at 172F). Foaming your milk takes practice but is explained in the video. Set aside but be careful as the sides of your milk steaming pitcher will be hot.
Step 3) Prime your portafilter (to flush out old water in the system, again explained in video and manual). Add one 7g scoop of finely ground espresso beans to the portafilter. I find that the most fine setting on the Starbucks Burr Grinder works very well. TAMP the coffee with about 30lbs of pressure. If you don't tamp, you'll end up with a 10 second shot which will make your espresso sour and underflavored. Some people say it doesn't matter if you tamp or not, but these people obviously don't know what good espresso tastes like! :) Lock your portafilter into place, press the brew button to start and press it again to turn it off when your shot reaches the 1oz line on your shot glass.
Step 4) Immediately pour your espresso shot into a mug and add your milk, foam, chocolate syrup (if you're making a mocha) or other ingredients. Peppermint latte, anyone? :) Enjoy!
With this machine and just a little bit of practice you'll be pulling great shots in no time. Don't get discouraged if your first few shots aren't as good as you'd like them to be. This machine is fully capable of brewing the same shots that a $750 machine can if you take a little bit of care in your preparation. Brewing espresso is a science, and requires that you follow a proven method to get the best results.
The target time (get a watch with a second hand when you brew) for a 1oz shot is 18 to 20 seconds. A 2oz shot should brew between 26 and 29 seconds. Time this from the moment you press the brew button to the moment your glass has 1 or 2oz of espresso in it and you press the brew button again to turn it off. Too fast and your coffee is sour and underextracted. Too slow and your coffee will be bitter.
Ever since my very first shot using this machine, I have gotten good espresso with excellent crema! And before this I had never touched an espresso machine before in my life. The most important thing to remember is that you WILL get the hang of it, but it requires practice. Eventually you will develop a ritual that you'll be able to fly through in a matter of minutes (including clean up), but expect to spend about 10 to 15 minutes on your first drink. Just remember not to get frustrated. I got the hang of this machine in a matter of days and am now able to pull a mocha or latte in 3 or 4 minutes.
After you achieve consistently good shots (trust me, it won't take long), try playing around with the machine. You might even find a way to make your shots even better suited to your personal taste!
Still unsure?
If after reading the reviews here you're still unsure about this machine, go to your local Starbucks store and have them give you a demonstration. You won't believe the fantastic drinks you can make at home with only a minimal (comparatively) equipment investment!!
Recommended:
Yes
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