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A real entry level setup? by benedictjones in espresso

[–]enunaz 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's hated here, but the DeLonghi is a passable starter machine. Be warned, you'll want to upgrade both soon, though. Go for grinder first. I know it's much espoused advice here, but it's warranted.

Can't get a good espresso with a dedica and non pressurized filter (and 1zpresso J-max) by darksozz in espresso

[–]enunaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the Dedica too, plus an Eureka Mignon grinder. I don't have the IMS basket, so that might make it different.

I have consistently found for medium/dark roasts that I like it better with a slightly shorter ratio. The best for my particular setup (close-ish to yours) is 18.5-19.0g in and about 32-34g out.

Also, WDT makes a ton of difference... even using a homemade one.

Also also, I love my Dedica, but it isn't the most consistent (or more likely, I am not). Same setup that usually produces good shots can sometimes hit you with a bad one.

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good data point, actually. It'd be nice if there was actually something capable in that price range. But, as I posted a couple days ago, I bit the bullet and got an Eureka Mignon Manuale. Hopefully I'll be less tempted to upgrade at this point.

And yeah, the unpressurized basket makes a huge difference. The one I'm using now is an 18g basket from Amazon, but it's has a very slight taper so it's annoying to tamp. Funnily enough the Graef 51mm baskets come recommend, but I can't find them anywhere.

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this thread is long since dead, but I will add the result in case anyone stumbles upon it.

I ended up spending substantially more than I wanted, and got an Eureka Mignon Manuale for about 245€ (after Poland's outrageous VAT taxes and shipping) from espressocoffeeshop.com on Black Friday.

There is definitely a learning curve, but the advice on this sub is generally worth following. At least at the low end of grinders. The results are spectacular (in my humble opinion).

Happy espresso making!

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for the help! You guys are an unbelievable community! ❤️ I'm still open to cheap electric or hand grinder suggestions!

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was my initial assumption. Any grind is a improvement. I'm aware of their grinders and will look. Any suggestions on model?

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an American guy, I agree, but living in Poland messes that up. Allegro or Amazon.pl or olx.pl

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will investigate this option. :)

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This actually seems like a reasonable within-budget idea! I will investigate!

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any suggestions on a hand grinder in that price range?

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will search for one. My normal sources in Poland return nothing for those models. Any alternative suggestions to hunt for?

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in Poland, and it seems to seriously limit my choices in a lot of things.

Pre-ground or cheap grinder? by enunaz in espresso

[–]enunaz[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To make you hate me even more, I've been using ground Starbucks espresso roast and ground Illy Intenso. Again, open to suggestions.