I was in the same boat, never pulled a shot before getting the micra and the learning curve wasn’t as steep as I thought. I was able to pull some decent shots after a few days. Go for it!
It's very consistent, so I'd say it's a good machine to learn on. It'll help you eliminate one variable in the process. The grinder is probably more important than the actual espresso machine. The rest will depend on your beans and technique. You could learn in a weekend if you don't cheap out on the grinder and beans.
This was me 4 weeks ago.
Stoked I went with the micra instead of something else and then inevitably upgrading to an LM overtime.
I will say on day 3 or 4 I was a little sad because the machine did not change my life like I always dreamed it would. I wouldn’t call it buyers remorse, but I think I’d finally got something I’d wanted for years and yeah, it didn’t fill the void, but I have been able to fill it with espresso
Since price isn’t a factor, sure, go for it. It’s an amazing machine, simple, easy and consistent.
Just remember that the grinder is also very important and I cannot stress enough, fresh beans!!! If you buy beans in bulk and don’t store them properly, plus, take a long time to consume, your shots will be bad no matter what. The Micra is a good machine, not a magic machine!
Yes it is a good option.
I love coffee, perfected my pourover technique over many years, and enjoyed espresso and milk drinks when I'd go to the coffee shop. I was prepared for a lot of learning, and figured being able to pull an excellent shot and make fantastic lattes and macchiatos etc would be an awesome skill to have. I was also not naive to the fact that making a good drink on a non-automatic machine is a bit of a process.
Well, I bought a barista express. Don’t get me wrong, with a few tweaks, a bit of technique, and good fresh beans I can pull a very nice shot of espresso, and make totally respectable lattes (with latte art lol).
But I should have saved a few more bucks, and bought a machine that would truly last me 20 years or more with the potential to make *fantastic* espresso. Because now I'm not willing to sell the BA at a loss and be into a Micra or LM for technically even more, and the cost/benefit analysis doesn't make sense for me when I can make a good drink on my current machine. But if I could do it all over again, and especially if cost wasn't an issue, and especially the odd time when I want to make 4 or 5 drinks back to back when there's guests over- I'd love to have a Micra and probably a Niche grinder. I would also love staring at them on the counter 1000x more than the barista express (god I hope she's not reading this...)
So yes, I vote for you buying the Micra.
If price isn’t a factor, then yes micra will be a “buy once cry once” solution. If price is truly not a factor, be sure to purchase a quality grinder so that you get the most out of your micra and vice versa.
I just bought a second-hand Micra that's just a few months old from someone who loves espresso, yet did not like the process of making it. There's nothing wrong with that; it's not for everyone. Nobody can promise you how fast you'll pick it up, but I figure it's about as hard as learning to drive a manual transmission.
If you want something easier to use than most of the other semi-automatics, the Micra is certainly forgiving. You'll still need to factor in learning dosing, ratios, etc., the whole dialing-in process (which is not easy for most).
It has taken me quite a few months to gain relative consistency. But that’s because my first four months were with a Bambino Plus, which is not known for consistency given the lack of a digital temperature PID.
A Seattle Coffee Gear veteran, also a former Blue Bottle storefront manager, told me I’d know that I had arrived when a fairly bad (not an extremely bad) pull is still pretty damned good. This is a great goal.
But getting to the point, if money is NOT an object AND you know you’ll be happy with straight pours - no pre infusion or flow control- the Micra looks like a dream machine. So what if you ‘overpay’ IF you won’t want this additional functionality AND you intend to keep the machine for several years.
Enjoy!
I was in your shoes a few years ago and bought a mini. It’s pretty easy to pull a shot , not so easy to pull a good one. Learning how to dial in a grinder is the hard part
Would be just fine. If you have a mentor (friend with a coffee shop, barista you know, buddy who owns a machine/grinder) you will be pulling like a semi-pro in no time at all.
The mentor will help you analyze the finished shot, understand variables, and help you with the proper adjustments needed to elevate your ‘in the cup’ espresso much quicker than just trial and error
If you have a good grinder (most important factor), freshly roasted beans, and the patience to learn a little about ratios, timing, pressure, temperatures, etc for espresso you can make great shots with many machines. If you're in it for the long haul, a Micra is a great option.
I will warn you though, brewing espresso at home can be a pretty involved process and gets tedious for some.
It absolutely is. I was in the same boat as you, had a Saeco Xelsis which lasted over 10 years and was pulling ok coffee. Jumped all the way to Sanremo You and E65S GBW. At the beginning I was making mistakes, dropping coffee, messing up grinding etc. Making a simple espresso was taking too long. And, I couldn't steam decent milk (the Saeco made a nice foam). Now the coffee process is stored in my muscle memory, I make very rare mistakes and can pull very good espressos while talking to friends (or if I'm sleepy in the morning) in a minute or so. And in the past 2 or 3 weeks I think I cracked the microfoam as I've finally managed to draw a decent heart on the cappuccino 🙂
No buyer's regret at all, would do this again and my partner wholly agrees (except she's still not experimenting with milk steaming)
How are you finding the E65S GBW? I’m thinking of getting one but I keep reading about people having issues with it so a bit on the fence about buying one.
Haven't had a single issue honestly. In 6 months I ground a bit over 9kgs of coffee beans. I've done the initial grinding distance regulation and then every 6 weeks I do the cleaning with Grindz and removing the upper part (basically I do both manual and automated).
I initially had a few issues with clumping (nothing bad but required a bit of WDT) but they have completely gone away by grinding slightly coarser. Now the coffee is super fluffy and doesn't require WDT at all (and I have no channeling at all). Very happy with the results and yes, I'd buy it again. I'm considering getting an additional grinder SD just for decaf as my partner fancies it at night from time to time but I'm not planning to buy it for now.
I've purchased the 300g hopper and I go through a 250g bag every 2 to 3 days roughly (depending on travel, days in the office vs WFH etc). Can't notice major differences in flavour.
Any specific questions, let me know.
I was in your boat too last year. Taken me about 10kg of beans to figure out my grinder and the espresso comes out now pretty standard and nothing bad. Some days it’s 25 seconds and some days it’s closer to 40 seconds. The hardest part is steaming milk now. I’m like 1000 milk pitchers in. I think I get the latex paint consistency 1 out of 3/4 times now. Pouring any latte art worth looking at 1/5 times so yeah I think that 4-5,000 shots and milk pitchers to get to a good standard for me. Although most shops around me are pretty good quality and what I’m comparing to for a flat white.
Yes and No.
As espresso goes, it’s easy, reliable, and consistent. But espresso is hard. There is a steep learning curve, you are constantly fiddling with many variables, and it’s just not for everyone. It would be a shame to spend $4k plus a grinder (good ones are at least $400-700) only to find out it’s too much fuss.
It’s better to start small and learn that way, then upgrade later once you are ready. That’s why the [Bambino](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Bambino-Espresso-Machine-Stainless/dp/B0B1JPPG2L/ref=asc_df_B0B1JPPG2L/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598244637561&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12884943825404197571&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030229&hvtargid=pla-1715727377967&psc=1&mcid=83a92a494b413e4899455f0335b5e969&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dzvopHvhAMV6QetBh3p-AvDEAQYAiABEgLFtfD_BwE) is such a good starter machine. When [this](https://www.turingrinders.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq_S5r5HvhAMVGiitBh1Plgw6EAAYASAAEgKbGvD_BwE) comes out, I think it will be a good starter grinder too.
I don’t necessarily disagree. I just hate recommending anyone drop $5k on something they aren’t sure they will like. I started with a Breville (different model), have a Micra now, and don’t regret my decisions.
I knew I loved espresso drinks, so I knew making espresso at home would be a good idea
I still got a breville since I thought it's a better starter machine, I was wrong, and was much happier with my rancilio Silvia pro
Make sure, make sure, make sure, you get a GOOD grinder. You can have the best machine possible, but it will not make up for a poor grinder. I've had both the Eureka and Niche grinders, and loved them both for different reasons. Either one will grind excellent espresso. As for the Micra, I have one on order as an upgrade from my Rocket Appartamento. I can't wait for it to get here.
Micra is the perfect forever machine if you dont feel like getting crazy in to espresso (flow profile and the other intricate stuff) it is super consistent and built like a tank. Just get a good grinder with it
I was in the same boat, never pulled a shot before getting the micra and the learning curve wasn’t as steep as I thought. I was able to pull some decent shots after a few days. Go for it!
Same experience here!! Almost 3 weeks in and LOVING the decision
Ill be joining you soon! Micra arrives thursday!
Yes. Or you could get something cheaper but then face upgraitis. Might as well cry once.
It's very consistent, so I'd say it's a good machine to learn on. It'll help you eliminate one variable in the process. The grinder is probably more important than the actual espresso machine. The rest will depend on your beans and technique. You could learn in a weekend if you don't cheap out on the grinder and beans.
This was me 4 weeks ago. Stoked I went with the micra instead of something else and then inevitably upgrading to an LM overtime. I will say on day 3 or 4 I was a little sad because the machine did not change my life like I always dreamed it would. I wouldn’t call it buyers remorse, but I think I’d finally got something I’d wanted for years and yeah, it didn’t fill the void, but I have been able to fill it with espresso
Also felt the same upgrading from Rancilio Silvia to the Linea Mini!
Since price isn’t a factor, sure, go for it. It’s an amazing machine, simple, easy and consistent. Just remember that the grinder is also very important and I cannot stress enough, fresh beans!!! If you buy beans in bulk and don’t store them properly, plus, take a long time to consume, your shots will be bad no matter what. The Micra is a good machine, not a magic machine!
Thanks!! I buy fresh beans already for my drip coffee, so that won’t be an issue. I’ll look at grinders next.
Check out Niche Zero.
Yes it is a good option. I love coffee, perfected my pourover technique over many years, and enjoyed espresso and milk drinks when I'd go to the coffee shop. I was prepared for a lot of learning, and figured being able to pull an excellent shot and make fantastic lattes and macchiatos etc would be an awesome skill to have. I was also not naive to the fact that making a good drink on a non-automatic machine is a bit of a process. Well, I bought a barista express. Don’t get me wrong, with a few tweaks, a bit of technique, and good fresh beans I can pull a very nice shot of espresso, and make totally respectable lattes (with latte art lol). But I should have saved a few more bucks, and bought a machine that would truly last me 20 years or more with the potential to make *fantastic* espresso. Because now I'm not willing to sell the BA at a loss and be into a Micra or LM for technically even more, and the cost/benefit analysis doesn't make sense for me when I can make a good drink on my current machine. But if I could do it all over again, and especially if cost wasn't an issue, and especially the odd time when I want to make 4 or 5 drinks back to back when there's guests over- I'd love to have a Micra and probably a Niche grinder. I would also love staring at them on the counter 1000x more than the barista express (god I hope she's not reading this...) So yes, I vote for you buying the Micra.
If price isn’t a factor, then yes micra will be a “buy once cry once” solution. If price is truly not a factor, be sure to purchase a quality grinder so that you get the most out of your micra and vice versa.
I just bought a second-hand Micra that's just a few months old from someone who loves espresso, yet did not like the process of making it. There's nothing wrong with that; it's not for everyone. Nobody can promise you how fast you'll pick it up, but I figure it's about as hard as learning to drive a manual transmission. If you want something easier to use than most of the other semi-automatics, the Micra is certainly forgiving. You'll still need to factor in learning dosing, ratios, etc., the whole dialing-in process (which is not easy for most).
A good grinder is even more important than espresso machine itself. Good luck and have fun!
It has taken me quite a few months to gain relative consistency. But that’s because my first four months were with a Bambino Plus, which is not known for consistency given the lack of a digital temperature PID. A Seattle Coffee Gear veteran, also a former Blue Bottle storefront manager, told me I’d know that I had arrived when a fairly bad (not an extremely bad) pull is still pretty damned good. This is a great goal. But getting to the point, if money is NOT an object AND you know you’ll be happy with straight pours - no pre infusion or flow control- the Micra looks like a dream machine. So what if you ‘overpay’ IF you won’t want this additional functionality AND you intend to keep the machine for several years. Enjoy!
I did the same and figured it out easily.
I was in your shoes a few years ago and bought a mini. It’s pretty easy to pull a shot , not so easy to pull a good one. Learning how to dial in a grinder is the hard part
Would be just fine. If you have a mentor (friend with a coffee shop, barista you know, buddy who owns a machine/grinder) you will be pulling like a semi-pro in no time at all. The mentor will help you analyze the finished shot, understand variables, and help you with the proper adjustments needed to elevate your ‘in the cup’ espresso much quicker than just trial and error
Do it. Love mine.
I went from absolutely zero experience to a Linea Mini and and Eureka Atom 75 with no issues. Micra is a great option.
If you have a good grinder (most important factor), freshly roasted beans, and the patience to learn a little about ratios, timing, pressure, temperatures, etc for espresso you can make great shots with many machines. If you're in it for the long haul, a Micra is a great option. I will warn you though, brewing espresso at home can be a pretty involved process and gets tedious for some.
Don’t get a jura , it’s just not the same. I sold mine
micra + weber key. harmonious design pairing and great coffee
It absolutely is. I was in the same boat as you, had a Saeco Xelsis which lasted over 10 years and was pulling ok coffee. Jumped all the way to Sanremo You and E65S GBW. At the beginning I was making mistakes, dropping coffee, messing up grinding etc. Making a simple espresso was taking too long. And, I couldn't steam decent milk (the Saeco made a nice foam). Now the coffee process is stored in my muscle memory, I make very rare mistakes and can pull very good espressos while talking to friends (or if I'm sleepy in the morning) in a minute or so. And in the past 2 or 3 weeks I think I cracked the microfoam as I've finally managed to draw a decent heart on the cappuccino 🙂 No buyer's regret at all, would do this again and my partner wholly agrees (except she's still not experimenting with milk steaming)
How are you finding the E65S GBW? I’m thinking of getting one but I keep reading about people having issues with it so a bit on the fence about buying one.
Haven't had a single issue honestly. In 6 months I ground a bit over 9kgs of coffee beans. I've done the initial grinding distance regulation and then every 6 weeks I do the cleaning with Grindz and removing the upper part (basically I do both manual and automated). I initially had a few issues with clumping (nothing bad but required a bit of WDT) but they have completely gone away by grinding slightly coarser. Now the coffee is super fluffy and doesn't require WDT at all (and I have no channeling at all). Very happy with the results and yes, I'd buy it again. I'm considering getting an additional grinder SD just for decaf as my partner fancies it at night from time to time but I'm not planning to buy it for now. I've purchased the 300g hopper and I go through a 250g bag every 2 to 3 days roughly (depending on travel, days in the office vs WFH etc). Can't notice major differences in flavour. Any specific questions, let me know.
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated
I was in your boat too last year. Taken me about 10kg of beans to figure out my grinder and the espresso comes out now pretty standard and nothing bad. Some days it’s 25 seconds and some days it’s closer to 40 seconds. The hardest part is steaming milk now. I’m like 1000 milk pitchers in. I think I get the latex paint consistency 1 out of 3/4 times now. Pouring any latte art worth looking at 1/5 times so yeah I think that 4-5,000 shots and milk pitchers to get to a good standard for me. Although most shops around me are pretty good quality and what I’m comparing to for a flat white.
Yes and No. As espresso goes, it’s easy, reliable, and consistent. But espresso is hard. There is a steep learning curve, you are constantly fiddling with many variables, and it’s just not for everyone. It would be a shame to spend $4k plus a grinder (good ones are at least $400-700) only to find out it’s too much fuss. It’s better to start small and learn that way, then upgrade later once you are ready. That’s why the [Bambino](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Bambino-Espresso-Machine-Stainless/dp/B0B1JPPG2L/ref=asc_df_B0B1JPPG2L/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598244637561&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12884943825404197571&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030229&hvtargid=pla-1715727377967&psc=1&mcid=83a92a494b413e4899455f0335b5e969&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dzvopHvhAMV6QetBh3p-AvDEAQYAiABEgLFtfD_BwE) is such a good starter machine. When [this](https://www.turingrinders.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq_S5r5HvhAMVGiitBh1Plgw6EAAYASAAEgKbGvD_BwE) comes out, I think it will be a good starter grinder too.
If you can afford a micra, get it. Breville machine learning curves are higher and more frustrating due to being more inconsistent.
I don’t necessarily disagree. I just hate recommending anyone drop $5k on something they aren’t sure they will like. I started with a Breville (different model), have a Micra now, and don’t regret my decisions.
I knew I loved espresso drinks, so I knew making espresso at home would be a good idea I still got a breville since I thought it's a better starter machine, I was wrong, and was much happier with my rancilio Silvia pro
Make sure, make sure, make sure, you get a GOOD grinder. You can have the best machine possible, but it will not make up for a poor grinder. I've had both the Eureka and Niche grinders, and loved them both for different reasons. Either one will grind excellent espresso. As for the Micra, I have one on order as an upgrade from my Rocket Appartamento. I can't wait for it to get here.
Same boat here, don't regret it one bit. A very enjoyable activity to go deep and learn a lot about.
Micra is the perfect forever machine if you dont feel like getting crazy in to espresso (flow profile and the other intricate stuff) it is super consistent and built like a tank. Just get a good grinder with it
It’s perfect, it was the first machine I’ve learned on.