As much as I love the idea of having a proper espresso machine Im too broke and also live on an off grid system that would cause our lights, irrigation, and water filtration to turn off if I were to use an electric espresso machine so I use this knock off "vintage" Moka pot esque design. Shockingly with proper prep it makes a decent cup out of the cheap Costco salt Spring coffee I use. I need to replace the top cap because the outer housing for the gasket seal was chipped and I currently am waiting on a length of aluminum tube to arrive to make a new one. I'm not making an incredible shot of espresso but considering everything here was bought at extremely low cost or picked up for free I think making something that has latte art on it is a miracle.
by banatnight
36 Comments
That moka pot does coffee, steam and preheats your cup as well??
Respect but that grinder is an absolute crime. A half decent, actual grinder would likely have you producing good shots without anything else changing.
so is ur coffee 😂
Get a grinder. Even the cheapest metal conical burr grinder will be 1000x times better than that thing. Look up the Kingrinder P2 or K2.
And some people ride the bus.
I found one of those espresso machines at a thrift shop and scooped it for only a couple bucks. Idk how to use it and tbh I’m kinda terrified of it lol. I should learn to use it but my power outage/travelling go to has been the French press.. but I want to learn to use this little thing someday, when I’m brave enough to put fire under it.
Buddy out here trying to shame us for frivolous spending 😤
Goddamn, I love that milk jug!
Honestly, I respect it
I dont think you need to wdt with a blade grinder.
Hey if you’re happy, that’s all that matters.
Forget grinders, burrs even
OMG your milk pitcher is the greatest I’ve seen. Congratulations!
Also, cost does not equal worth.
OTOH I agree that a grinder would instantly elevate your coffee experience. Kingrinder K6, generally available for about $99, is plenty good enough. IMHO that’s the left edge of the big plateau of “good enough,” the big space between too cheap and overdoing it lol.
If you don’t want to spend even 100 bucks, you can get a kingrinder P2 on AliExpress for neighborhood of 30 bucks, and it would be night and day better than what you have. The P2 is also tiny and featherweight, if that matters.
That milk “pitcher”….
Yes, I love additional bpa in my cappuccino!
I see no problems here, but the blade grinder. Kingrinder p0. Blade grinders heat up the beans and will turn most of the ground into powder before you get in the espresso range. The heat will bitter the flavor, and the powder will make it muddy.
Shockingly not that terrible. I agree with others that a proper, but somewhat economical hand grinder would literally change the game. Once you get that you can try fresh roasted coffee, again no need to go expensive specialty, but at least freshly roasted with a roast date. Find something you like, learn over time to brew it in a way that it turns out consistently to what you deem good.
Once you dial that into your setup, it’s going to be even more enjoyable.
Honestly I’m more impressed with this than any other set up. I’ve seen people climb the Alps with hundreds of thousands spent on gear that’s intended to be the warmest, lightest, strongest. Show me someone willing to do it in flip flops and a thong, then I’ll be impressed
That grinder is the biggest POS on the planet
Get a kingrinder k6 and you’ll be golden.
I would suggest buying precise metal sieve for that setup. Will make your brewing much more consistent 🙂 But why not buy just a cheap mug and bend it a little?
Online the Bellman costs more than I paid for my K4 grinder. £109 v £88
Love a budget build though. If you’re happy with what you’re drinking, who cares what the set up cost.
If you’re off-grid and on a tight budget, how about something like the Flair Flex or Classic for your next buy? As long as you can heat water, you’re good to go.
except for the grinder this could be endgame for most people.
Oh that looks yummy.
NGL that milk pitcher is a vibe and I love it. But my man, that grinders gotta go.
I find delta espresso gold or platinum is one of the best espresso beans.
Respect for the pour spout on the tin can
Some grinders are worth more than this setup including the stove hahah.
Based on the comments you’re getting here I’d just start to make those milk jugs you have and selling them and maybe you’ll be able to invest in a dope setup. It’s super fun.
Hold up, the can turned into a milk pitcher?? Amazing.
Just need a new grinder. Otherwise, looks good
STARESSO, modded with larger pump or use cheap portable air pump.
How does the Bellman handle? I’ve been looking into getting one of these for travel. How’s the espresso and how’s the steaming?
Nice job on the pitcher!
and is worth more than mine
I think its better if u buy ground coffee :)) i know i would if i was on a budget … moka pot and some decent ground coffee
My coffee is better than yours
Now that’s good, old-fashioned poverty!
Great setup! Would love to see a shot!