I'm a little confused. Do non-thermoblocks take that long to heat up for a home espresso pull? I only have a Delonghi 3630 but even my time to hit boil temps (gauged by the built in LED, not measuring it independently) is <2 mins.
Go to Facebook Marketplace and try to buy a DeLonghi ECP (ideally a 3630), a DeLonghi Stilosa, or a DeLonghi Dedica for about 50 dollars. Be patient and you will find one and don't be afraid to offer that price if they're listed higher.
Then, use your savings to buy a Starseeker E55 from AliExpress, or continue grinding at your store but buy yourself an unpressurized basket and a bottomless portafilter as well as a WDT tool. Plenty of budget options for those.
Oh it absolutely can. Definitely look at the advanced mode video by Tom's Coffee Corner and in the future even try to wand swap to a Rancilio when time and money permits.
Any model ECP but the 3630 is the best. All metal exterior.
The Delonghi stilosa and ECP line are great for the cost. I have the ECP3630. You're likely to find a used one in good condition for cheap, just be sure to clean and descale thoroughly.
You can also look at casabrews, Amazon has one on sale for $100 USD new.
It depends on how easy/automatic you want the work flow.
I have a Delonghi Ecp3630, $200 new but thrifted for $20, and it's fully manual. The Bambino Plus, $500, has automatic frothing and you can program brewing times.
I started with a cheap hand grinder and then bought a Mokkom, ~$170, for home use.
Eta: I did have to buy a portafilter and tamper, $40 & $20 respectively.
Same suggestions that have already been made. The Delonghi ECP or Stilosa machines. I have the ECP3630 and it's a solid machine.
In my area they're usually $75 & under, but I got lucky and found one for $20 at a thrift store, also found a stilosa for $24.
If you can get it cheap enough spend the rest on a hand grinder and a cheap drill to save you from the hand cramps caused by grinding for espresso.
Anything with a pressurized basket will work regardless of your local roasters ability to grind beans.
Things with less plastic will unfortunately cost more. I have the Delonghi Ecp3630, metal outside, water runs through silicone tubes. The pressurized basket it comes with does have a plastic liner, which I think can be removed.
I second this I love my ride as well. Funny enough I also had your espresso machine before I purchased the ride. I host often and the ride can knock out 7-10 drinks with ease. For day to day I’m pulling 2-3 espressos for lattes and cortados with an early morning straight double. My only complaint is if you drink a lot you’re going to have to fill the water tank more. Other than that it’s a great machine and working from the Pro 600 platform it should last at least a decade giving it’s properly maintained.
Yes one thing I noticed immediately and even now at times. My espresso is hotter for far longer than with previous machine. Shot consistency is also better, I was pretty proficient with the Dilonghi and it served its purpose. However the ride is so much machine more than any of us home users need. The ability to control temp is a game changer, pre infusion can take shots to another level. My ride has built in flow control and I love that for the ability to tinker just a bit more.
I have it set with settings I like but it’s not enabled. Correct I don’t use the Pre Infusion settings. You can toggle it on/off by long pressing the far right button. When I want to use I I use that and when I don’t I use the lever if I’m wanting to pre infuse. It’s a great machine I love using it.
For a budget of $250, the De'Longhi ECP3630 or the Breville Bambino are both reliable and userfriendly options, and checking local classifieds or thrift stores for lightly used machines can help you maximize your budget.
DroppedAxes
