[Advice Needed] Taking the plunge from Breville Barista Pro to prosumer gear (machines considered: Profitec Go, Eureka Oro Mignon SD Pro, Mahlkönig X64 SD, Varia VS4, and Breville Bambino Plus)
Hey everyone,
I've been a home barista for 6 years. My Breville Barista Pro has a malfunctioning thermoblock, so I intend to plunge into prosumer gear. I’ve settled on the Profitec Go for the espresso machine so I can finally play with temperature and pressure, but I’m stuck on the grinder pairing. With some budget concerns I am also thinking if I should go big on the grinder but budget on the espresso machine.
My household dilemma:
- Wife likes medium/dark roasts and prefers avoiding acidity but also doesn't like very dark roasts (she finds it boring).
- I like exploring different flavours, not a fan of dark roasts either.
- In terms of workflow, we both prefer single dosing.
- I like to prep my espresso properly and keep variables controlled as much as practical. Wife likes to keep things simple, doesn't like to fiddle with controls, but she absolutely tastes the difference in the coffee I make for her!
I was originally looking at the Eureka Oro Mignon SD Pro, but I'm worried those big 65mm flat burrs will strip the body out of the medium roasts and make them taste thin, sharp or acidic. Unfortunately in NZ where I live, no one stocks the cheaper alternative which is the Mignon Zero.
Pathways I am considering now:
- Profitec Go and Eureka Oro Mignon SD Pro
- Profitec Go and Mahlkönig X64 SD (will this preserve a more heavy bodied, syrupy profile compared to the Eureka?)
- Profitec Go and Varia VS4 (could this be a cheaper alternative that can actually deliver the best outcome for our household?)
- Eureka Oro Mignon SD Pro with Breville Bambino Plus (high end grinder, budget espresso machine)
I would love to hear your thoughts, knowledge and experience on which pairing is the better fit in terms of my household dilemma. I am open to alternative suggestions too.
Thanks in advance!