In this blog, I’ll write about how to modify a cheap second-hand espresso machine, which you can buy on eBay for around $200-300, and with less than $100, modify it to achieve the performance of a prosumer that costs more than $2,000.
I’ll start with the why’s, but in the next posts, I’ll cover:
- How can you mod it to perform very close to a prosumer?
- What are the tools, components and consumables needed?
- What else you need to make an excellent espresso at home.
So, let’s start with why you would do this?
I can tell you why I did: espresso doesn’t need to be bitter. And it can be tasty, with very different and complex flavors.
I always liked espressos, and I could notice that some were better than others. But, one day, I went to a place where I could have an espresso without sugar and still like it. It wasn’t bitter like a regular espresso. And after that, I started going to places where I could have a similar experience, but I didn’t know by that time that I was consuming specialty coffee.
COVID came, I was locked in my apartment, consuming only Nespresso pods and missing those great cups. I discovered the world of specialty coffee, and realized that I needed at least a good grinder and espresso machine. But the prices were scaring for a newbie in the hobby.
I started to look for the cheapest entry level machine and I bought a Saeco Poemia for the equivalent to circa USD 70. The intermediary level was priced at USD 500 – 1,000 and the top ones more than USD 2,500.
As a good nerd, I did a lot of research and understood how espresso could be complex and why those machines were so expensive: the secret for a good espresso lies on even distribution of water through a specialty coffee correctly grinded, distributed and compacted, with water passing through at the right and stable temperature, pressure and flow rate.
However, with industrial components available on Aliexpress it was possible to modify my cheap domestic machine and control those variables. And so I added a dimmer, pressure gauge and PID to my dear Poemia.
Saeco Poemia Modded
And why I’m starting this blog?
My journey started a few years ago, and I still answer the same questions from new people in the hobby, some of them afraid of modifying their domestic machines; others confident but totally lost; and a few others causing short circuits at home.
Then, I decided to consolidate here all the information that is spread in my posts in forums, WhatsApp groups and YouTube videos.
After the first and most important mods in espresso machines, I may write about other hacks, equipment, accessories, 3D printed stuff (that is another hobby), but time will tell…
Just remember that if you do the mods, it’s at your own risk. I take no responsibility for your implementations, I’m only helping with more informed decisions.