{
  "id": 17560168,
  "title": "'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",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/some-of-you-dont-enjoy-espresso-you-just-enjoy-expensive-equipment-im",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-01T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/coffee-makers/some-of-you-dont-enjoy-espresso-you-just-enjoy-expensive-equipment-im-an-ex-barista-and-i-agree-wholeheartedly-with-this-reddit-take"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nWhile 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.\n\nIt'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.\n\nI'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.\n\nUltimately, 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.",
  "summary": "I stumbled upon a controversial Reddit take, and I completely agree. Some people care more about gear than espresso, and here's why you can get 10/10 for cheap.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ex-barista agrees Reddit post that some enjoy expensive equipment over espresso.",
    "$299 Breville Bambino can produce excellent results.",
    "$650 budget includes Breville Bambino Plus, Comandante C40 MK4, and Wacaco Exagram Pro scale."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing barista technique and affordable gear over high-end machinery challenges the consumerist notion that expensive equipment is a prerequisite for achieving a high-quality espresso experience at home.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}