Separate purchase and ownership costs
The machine is only one category. Include a capable grinder, accessories, water treatment where appropriate, cleaners, filters and coffee. Superautomatic owners should include proprietary care products.
Use three budget levels
Create a minimum workable setup, a preferred setup and a stretch setup. The stretch version should solve a real limitation rather than merely adding status.
- Minimum: machine, grinder, scale and essential cleaning items
- Preferred: improved steam workflow, quieter grinder or easier adjustment
- Stretch: simultaneous brew and steam, advanced control or premium build
Leave room for the grinder
For semi-automatic espresso, fine and repeatable grinder adjustment is central. A costly machine paired with a grinder that jumps between settings can be harder to use than a simpler balanced setup.
Advertisement