For example, I’m sure the average joe doesn’t know just how expensive calligraphy pens can be, or how deep the rabbit hole goes on video game speedruns.
For example, I’m sure the average joe doesn’t know just how expensive calligraphy pens can be, or how deep the rabbit hole goes on video game speedruns.
Coffee, particularly espresso.
Meh, the coffee machinery is more of a show-off between people who can afford it.
You can get very decent espresso with a $150 portafilter. It’s the beans that make the difference. And even while good beans cost some money, they are totally affordable to normies.
Also the grinder is important, probably more so than the machine.
But even then it’s important to have a grinder, not some random scrambler. Is totally affordable.
150 bucks will get you a flair neo, which is more than fine, but no grinder. That takes another couple hundred bucks for something like a J Max. The taste will be great, even, but the workflow is so bad only a lunatic would make one daily.
That’s why espresso is so nuts, you often see people spending thousands on grinders and equipment without batting an eye.
Again, for the grinder you can, but don’t need to get poor. You should omit blenders that just cut the beans randomly down, but as soon as you get one with a proper grinder it’ll be fine.
I know what you’re saying, as I was following /r/coffee for q long time I’m doing it with my described setup for about 250€ total. And I am totally satisfied with my 2-3 espresso and espresso derivatives a day.
When going out even in high priced restaurants and coffee bars the espresso I get are mostly just en par. I get a wow effect elsewhere, but only rarely.
Getting into espresso was an expensive mistake, but I love it too much to stop.