Coffee Appreciation

I don't even know where to begin!
Is 500 way off the mark?

That’ll get you a more than adequate setup, in my opinion. Milk drinks can tolerate a less than perfect espresso and still turn out a very good cappuccino or flat white. You’ll be impressed with just a Gaggia Classic and coffee ground by the roaster. If you choose a Classic, you’ll need to change the steam wand on it from the panarello type to a plain steam wand from a Rancilio Silvia (about £15) to do good milk.