Reddit reviews Bialetti 07008 Brikka Espresso Machine, 2 Cups
We found 5 Reddit comments about Bialetti 07008 Brikka Espresso Machine, 2 Cups. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Makes 1.5 ounce espresso cups. Please refer the troubleshooting steps under Product Description and the Product Videos before UseReady in 4-5 minutesDual-chamber design and pressurizing process for fast brewingOpening in lid allows air to circulate creating the perfect cremaMade in Europe
I hate to say it, but I don't think you can get a setup you'll be satisfied with for your budget. Espresso is a very unforgiving brew method, and after drinking it for a while, you'll be able to pick out a flawed shot immediately.
I built a cheap setup (Breville 800esxl machine, and Breville Smart Grinder) against the recommendations of the coffee community at large, and regret it immensely. A cheap setup can produce the occasional great shot of espresso, but trying to recreate it is an exercise in frustration, because a lot of the variables are not under your control (brew temperature, pressure, grind consistency and fineness) with that level of equipment.
Here is what I would do with your budget, keeping in mind that you like a strong coffee:
Brewer - I haven't used a Moka pot, but both of these methods can produce a coffee concentrate that you can then dilute to your taste
> AeroPress - ~$25
>
> OR
>
> Moka Pot (stovetop) - ~$40-70 depending on size
>
> OR
>
> Moka Pot (electric) - ~$100
Grinder - Both are solid entry level grinders, Baratza has an excellent warranty and is very well regarded by the community, but the Capresso Infinity would serve you very well too.
> Capresso Infinity - ~$90
>
> OR
>
> Baratza Encore - ~$130
in my opinion the cheapest way to get something that somehow resembles espresso is the Bialetti Brikka: https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-07008-Brikka-Espresso-Machine/dp/B008G48DW4?keywords=bialetti%2Bbrikka&qid=1540714944&sr=8-3&ref=sr_1_3&th=1
the 2 cup version works better than the 4 cup one (I have both)... I am an espresso enthusiast and this I use for camping holidays... you should also get a hand grinder and very good and fresh beans. Maybe not everybody will share my opinion, but in terms of beans for (italian) espresso you need at least a 15% Robusta part.
unfortunately I dont think its possible. Espresso remains the most expensive coffee method due to the pressure and complexity of the machines. I suggest starting out small with a Bialetti Moka Pot. They are a more ristretto coffee that has a very "espresso" like taste. Save a bit and moving forward keep in mind to get into espresso you need a machine with a grinder. Those two together you could probably get both with a budget of around $350-400 (bare minimum)
Here is the best model Moka Pot around
https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-07008-Brikka-Espresso-Machine/dp/B008G48DW4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1527690412&sr=8-9&keywords=bialetti+moka
Bro. We are the same. This is the brikka - it's just a type of moka also made by Bialetti.
I haven't plunged fully into espresso yet - mainly because I'm still in school - but I'm 100% drowning in manual brewing equipment. How do you like your superauto? I like the semi-auto machines, because I like to whole process of grind, tamp, pull but the convenience of a superauto must be incredible.
imo the Bialetti Brikka models are the one to get (they have a weighted cap that works as a pressure valve). For the extra money you save, you can get a decent burr grinder. I've been using one since 2009 and have had to replace the gaskets & safety valve but it still functions perfectly.
FYI these things are not really espresso makers, they're moka pots & don't achieve the same pressures & temperatures that a real espresso machine will, however they create coffee that is a pretty good stand-in for real espresso.
https://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-06835-Brikka-Stovetop-Espresso/dp/B008G48DW4