'Some of you don’t enjoy espresso; you just enjoy expensive equipment’: I'm an ex-barista and I agree wholeheartedly with this Reddit take

I stumbled upon a Reddit post that stirred quite the debate, claiming that some espresso enthusiasts simply enjoy buying expensive equipment rather than appreciating the drink itself. As an ex-barista turned coffee machine tester and director of The Coffee Lab, I couldn't agree more with this viewpoint. Let me explain why.

While it's great to appreciate the journey of coffee-making, I firmly believe that a $2,000+ espresso machine doesn't automatically guarantee a great cup of coffee. In fact, a $299 Breville Bambino model can produce excellent results as well. One Redditor shared that once they realized making a delicious latte for themselves and a friend was their peak satisfaction, they no longer felt the need to upgrade their equipment.

It's true that spending exorbitant amounts of money on gear is a personal choice. However, many people can't afford top-of-the-line espresso machines like the Lelit Bianca, Rocket Espresso R Nine One, or La Marzocco Linea Mini. Even if I had the money, I doubt I'd spend $10k on a Lelit Bianca. My dream espresso setup, including a Breville Bambino Plus, Comandante C40 MK4, and a Wacaco Exagram Pro scale, fits comfortably within a $650 budget.

I've tested over fifty coffee makers at this point, ranging from AeroPress to drip machines to espresso machines and automated pour-overs. While some machines may not be ideal for espresso enthusiasts, they can still produce impressive results. The flat white in the article's main image was made using a $349 Casabrews Marenza, proving that you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a top-notch cup of coffee.

Ultimately, the most crucial factor in making a great espresso is you—the barista. You are the Don of your kitchen. With the right beans, grinder (not necessarily over $300), and technique, you can achieve perfect espresso and flawless microfoam. So, let's embrace our skills and create espresso that rivals even the most expensive machines.