I have changed. I am a coffee man.
Ok, I’m not going to define myself as a “coffee man”.
I have tried numerous beans and learned a lot about the process. I am no barista, but I can at least make an acceptable latte.
I spent a lot of time researching espresso machines. Since then I have been religiously making a daily espresso for my wife and myself.
The Cost
I still have only a single (double-shot) espresso drink each day. I also make a daily drink for my wife. She has 200ml of Califia Farms Oat Milk. I have 160ml of either Milkademia Macademia Milk or Tache Pistachio Nut Milk. I try to get them on sale from Thrive Market. This means we are very close to $1 per serving for milk alone.
We usually get beans from our local roaster, Goshen Coffee Roasters. A 12 oz bag general yields 19 servings, or right about $1 per pour.
We also have to pay for distilled water and Third Wave mineral packets for our water. That cost is pretty minimal as distilled water is $1.50/gal and the packets are about $1.50/gal, so $3 for a gallon that lasts maybe a week, or around $0.20 per shot.
Finally, the paper filters, to help reduce the risk of raised cholesterol.
That is $2.25 per drink. Not as cheap as you may initially guess. But, we are on the high range of espresso set-ups. You could probably use generic whole milk, cheap coffee beans, regular water and no filters for as little as $0.60 per drink.
A Profitec Go will cost you $1200. A DF64 Grinder is $400. Add in some tools and supplies, and I would say our setup is right around $2000.
A 16 oz oatmilk latte (minimum double shot size) from Starbucks costs $4.95. So, yes we are “saving” maybe $3 per drink, $42/wk, or $2184/year. Within a year we have paid off the setup.
Also, I have had the chance to have drinks at other coffee shops and was reminded of why I never liked coffee in the first place. I think not only are we saving money on each cup, but I am making a better drink than most coffee shops.
As someone who has the 20 minutes a day to do the work, I am glad to have started this espresso hobby. I hope to one day make acceptable latte art.
