u/Glittering-Reveal941

This is probably a very silly question, so bear with me 😅

I recently bought a Breville Oracle Dual Boiler. Hasn’t arrived yet. It’s on order. Yes, I know, quite the splurge for someone who doesn’t really know much about coffee yet 😂

My husband and I have been buying a café coffee every morning for years. Usually it’s from Maccas — and before anyone comes for me, our local Maccas is ridiculously busy in the mornings and actually has some very good baristas! My husband will also usually have another coffee or two throughout the day from different cafés.
Now that I’ve bought a proper machine, I’m realising I actually have no idea what type of coffee I like.

How do you work out what flavour profile you prefer when choosing beans? Dark vs medium roast, chocolatey/nutty/caramel vs fruity, acidity, strength, etc.?

I know what I like when I taste it, but I wouldn’t have a clue how to describe why I like it or what I should be looking for on a bag of beans.

For reference, I generally enjoy the Maccas blend and your typical Sydney café-style coffee. I’m not necessarily trying to replicate Maccas exactly — I just want to figure out what my preferences actually are so I can start buying good beans and make the most of the machine.

How did you guys figure out what kind of coffee you actually like? Is it just a matter of buying different beans and experimenting, or is there a better way to narrow it down?

If you’re in Sydney what are some local coffee roasters you recommend? I’ve just bought a Breville oracle dual boiler.
I know I shouldn’t buy in bulk but if I’m making 2 coffees daily - minimum.. how much beans should I keep on hand? Previously buying cafe coffee daily so new to cafe coffee at home.

I’m a bit of a coffee snob.. only drink barista made coffees. This year I’ve had a baby and finding it difficult to go out and get a coffee. Both hubby and I are coffee drinkers. Looking to have a home set up that makes cafe quality coffees. I’m new to this so nervous about dialing and dosing and don’t get started on micro foam and silky milk texture 🫠🫠 so give me your recommendations.. as a newbie have been thinking about Breville, eventually want to get myself a La Marzocco 😅😅 granted I master the art of making coffee.. this is me jumping the gun.

What should I be looking at?
What should I avoid?
I know that a lot of people say you need to get freshly roasted beans but have also seen people swear by the Aldi beans. Experiences here?