Yeah, that's why 90+% of the time I'm just brewing coffee and not making espresso.
There's been a lot more quality hand grinders and portable espresso makers put out in the last few years that can make it more reasonable to get started, but sometimes if you know you want to go there "buy once, cry once" is the way to go in the long run. It's actually harder to make espresso on some of the entry level machines because of temperature inconsistencies, you can make a good shot, but maybe not every time.
A good grinder, a pour-over kettle (I use a repurposed stainless steel oil can with a gooseneck pouring spout) and a pour over device goes a long way.
@OmgFrigginMike said:
Hmmm.. obviously I haven't looked into this much we have just talked about it at home a little. Would $400 be more reasonable? I'll take a look at the grinder when I get home tonight and send you a picture. It honestly might be this one.
Ditch this and get a burr grinder and it will be a huge improvement to your ground consistency. Digital scale (essential) and a goose neck kettle helps.
@edz the Obama thing is just silly. He WAS and IS a smart man, whether or not you agree with his politics.
I'm an English teacher and I teach argumentation. Discourse is a skill that young adults need. I let them choose their own topics (minus my banned topic list) and sides. Then I make them also argue the other side 🙈
Seriously you're right. There is no swaying of the minds. There is no indoctrination into Fringe socialistic principles. Kids think adults don't know anything. They will soon own the world and we will soon not be able to do a damn thing about it.
Every field, even science and mathematics, is chock full of opposing viewpoints, all of which should be explored. Education is the enemy of oppression, and fearing or banning topics threatens the American way of life. I'm sure the fringe on both sides would disagree with this. Fuçk the fringe.
Exposing young minds to multiple viewpoints is essential to learning and preserving freedom.