As with most people I’ve encountered on the web in my quest to understand the perfect espresso, I’ve done more research than I did for my college thesis.  I ended up with what many agree is the best sub $100 machine around, the Delonghi EC155.  I’ve taken it to work twice and made morning drinks for my team with excellent results, but this last time I really noticed the poor little machine really couldn’t keep up.  I only had one thought.

I need a bigger machine.

So, now I’m left in a quandary.   I get really great results with the little Delonghi.  I can consistently pull a 7.5/10 quality shot (as rated by others.)  But, I do like to make drinks for friends, and this machine does lack capacity.  So, what do I do?  I would really love to pick up a Rocket Cellini, but at $1500, that’s a big chunk of cash.  For $500 less, I could get a Nuova Simonelli Oscar.

I need a bigger machine.

June 2014, Update:  Original article below for reference, but here’s my current settings.  I am now using Revolution Roasters Smooth Operator blend.  My grind setting is 8D AFTER calibrating my Preciso to use the second finest calibration.  I pull a double by grinding for 10 sec, tapping the portafilter down twice, then grinding for an additional 8 seconds, distributing, then tamping.

To brew, I turn the brew switch for 6 sec, then off for 10 sec, then on for 26 sec.  The shots are uniformly smooth, rich and wonderful.

So, I’ve been messing with my De’Longhi EC155
for 2 months now, and I’m to the point where I’m really happy and am consistently pulling a good espresso shot.  So, I thought I’d share with you all.  Here’s a little video I recorded of how I do it.  You can flame me all you want for the way I’m temp surfing, or that I’m using Lavazza Tierra!
beans, or whatever.  But, I’m producing a consistently good espresso shot this way.  So, if you don’t like it, go make your own video.

Oh, and if your wondering, this is the tamper I use.

Yes it’s anemic.  Yes, it’s barely there.  Yes, it’s amateur latte art at best.  But, I made it!  I almost have the milk consistency down with the steam arm mod I put on my Delonghi EC-155.  I think my main problem now is that the cups I have are too tall for latte art.

Yes, I know all you coffee snobs already know this, but I’m now totally on board. I never really liked Starbucks. But, after now going around and tasting single shots at various places, it’s very clear that Starbucks is mostly snowing the American public. There may be *some* stores with competent baristas that can pull a good shot, but, most stores now have fully automatic grinder/doser/tamper machines and automatic volumetric espresso machines. There’s not much for the barista to do but push buttons. So, that leaves the beans to be up to the challenge, and the machines to be perfectly calibrated. Mostly, the beans are over roasted, and the product really just isn’t that good.

OK, so maybe I’m just a geek.  Maybe I’m just in a phase.  Maybe I’ve truly developed a coffee addiction.  But, now I can’t stop looking at espresso videos and machine reviews.  Do I really need a La Marzocco machine at home?  No…but that doesn’t stop me from constantly looking at this thing.  Yes, $7000 is obscene for a coffee machine at home.  But, look at it!  I guess what separates me from a true addict is the self control to NOT buy this.

My little De’Longhi EC-155 has been holding string for a month now.  I even took it to work the other day and made drinks for my team.  But, that’s when I was really left thinking, “man…I wish I had something with more volume and power.”  Of course, I really have zero need for this.  All my co-workers were very happy and complimentary of the quality of the drinks I produced.  But, still…look at that La Marzocco!

I also find myself drooling over espresso porn like this:

Is there such thing as a health addiction?  I think psychologists say yes.  So, I’m gonna hold on to that while I go browse pictures of espresso machines.