Coffee enthusiasts seeking to elevate their home brewing received expert guidance this week from The Guardian’s resident coffee expert, Sasha Muller, in a live Q&A session. Muller fielded questions ranging from the best bean-to-cup machines for those alternating between caffeinated and decaffeinated brews, to budget-friendly options and the nuances of decaf espresso.
One reader, “Crodd,” inquired about a bean-to-cup machine capable of seamlessly switching between caffeinated and decaffeinated beans without breaking the bank. Muller recommended the De’Longhi Rivelia, noting that while dual-hopper machines typically carry a premium price tag, the Rivelia offers a more affordable entry point. The basic model with a manual steam wand is currently priced at £575, with a fully automatic version available for £675. A key feature of the Rivelia, Muller explained, is its swappable bean hoppers, allowing for effortless transitions between bean types. The machine also includes a touchscreen function to purge remaining beans from the grinder during hopper changes. Additional bean hoppers are available for purchase at £18 each.
For those seeking more affordable options, Muller acknowledged the difficulty in finding truly exceptional value. While supermarket own-brand beans from Aldi and Lidl are “fine,” he noted they often lack the distinctive qualities of freshly roasted coffee. He suggested keeping an eye out for limited-time deals, but cautioned that without roast dates, the coffee’s freshness is uncertain. A budget-conscious option, Muller admitted, is a 1kg bag of Lavazza Rossa beans, which can occasionally be found for around £10 to £12, offering a strong, Italian-style espresso.
Muller also highlighted the benefits of coffee subscription services from UK roasters like Craft House Coffee and Clifton Coffee, which can offer discounts bringing the price down to approximately £5-£6 per 250g when purchasing in larger quantities.
Responding to a question about decaffeinated espresso, “Yhoughes” sought recommendations for a jitter-free experience. Muller emphasized the growing quality of decaf options from independent UK roasters, suggesting readers explore local roasters’ house decafs. He specifically recommended Square Mile’s Decaf Coffee (£17.25/350g), Climpson & Sons The Decaf (£12.50/250g), and Craft House Coffee Decaf Colombia Tumbaga (£9.75/250g).
The Q&A also addressed the topic of machine modification. “Badboy8” questioned whether upgrading a heavily modified 2012 Gaggia Classic espresso machine was worthwhile, or if investing in a newer model would be more sensible. Muller acknowledged the potential for improvement with modifications like the Gaggiuino, which adds touchscreen control for around £200, but cautioned that installation can be complex and may require professional assistance.
Muller also weighed in on the quality difference between high street coffee chains, responding to “StanEthel’s” query about the price disparity between Greggs/McDonald’s (£2 cappuccino) and Caffè Nero (£4 cappuccino). He attributed the difference to the type of machines used – commercial bean-to-cup machines at the former versus traditional espresso machines at the latter – and jokingly attributed a preference for Greggs’ bacon rolls to enhancing the coffee’s enjoyment.
Addressing a pointed question from “JosephFrady” – “What in the world possesses anyone to use a coffee pod, ever?” – Muller acknowledged the convenience and consistency of pod machines, noting the appeal of brands like Lavazza and Nespresso, and even third-party capsules from UK roasters. He referenced a James Hoffman video detailing the precision engineering behind Nespresso Vertuo pods, suggesting that some pods can deliver surprisingly good results.
For those seeking a quick and affordable brewing method beyond a stove-top pot, Muller recommended a cafetiere, emphasizing the importance of using coarsely ground coffee and allowing sufficient brewing time. Regarding coffee storage, Muller stated he typically uses resealable bags for beans, and sealed containers for pre-ground coffee, prioritizing freshness and minimizing exposure to air.
Finally, Muller addressed the question of “coffee nerd obsession,” advising readers to prioritize enjoyment. He suggested that a simple setup – a Hario V60 or Clever Dripper paired with a quality hand grinder like the KingGrinder K6 – can produce excellent results without excessive complexity. He also highlighted the surprisingly good espresso achievable with an affordable De’Longhi Stilosa machine.
