I’m currently brewing in an Aeropress, and considering one of the lower end espresso machines.
But based on a few comments from James Hoffmann about him drinking filter coffee at home, I’m wondering if an espresso machine is something that people end up using every day, or if people are brewing with simpler methods and just making espressos when they’ve got time on the weekend or people over?
What’s your experience, did you buy a machine and it mostly just takes up counter space, or is it a daily source of joy?
I’ve got the manual Flair Pro, and I go through phases of using it, or going back to a moka pot. As it comes with a case, I can pack the gubbins away, leaving just the rather pleasing-looking frame, and I have a plan to make a little shelf with a drawer so that the whole affair can be tidied away quickly if I want. I’ve also taken it camping with me, and occasionally if I’m working somewhere remote, I’ve had excellent espresso on a job site far out in the woods.
It’s slightly more involved than an automatic machine, but if you’re only making one or two cups (I have two of the portafilter parts) it’s pretty quick and easy. I only have a hand grinder, so have to do that whether I’m using the Flair, a moka pot, or a cafetière.
The Flair allows so much adjustment that it can make some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, but it allows you to screw it’s right up too, and there’s a bigger learning curve than most machines. It’s definitely more of a hobby than just a part of a morning routine.