Had to pick between a fancy new grinder or fixing my old espresso machine...

My espresso machine started leaking last month, and the repair quote was about $300. At the same time, I'd been eyeing this new flat burr grinder that costs $350. I couldn't afford both, so I had to choose. I figured fresh beans ground well were the most important thing, so I bought the grinder. Big mistake. Now I'm stuck using a cheap pour-over setup because my espresso machine is just a fancy paperweight on the counter. The coffee is good, but it's not espresso, you know? I miss that morning ritual so much. Has anyone else made a choice like this and regretted it almost immediately?

2 comments

2 Comments

allen.oscar9d ago

That "fancy paperweight" feeling is the worst (I did the same thing with a bike and a kayak).

lopez.ivan9d ago

My old Gaggia Classic needed a new gasket and pump last year, the parts were only like $40 online. A lot of those $300 quotes are for labor. You can fix a lot of machine leaks yourself with a YouTube video and an afternoon. I wish I had known that before I replaced my first machine.