Home Office Coffee: Making the Financial and Practical Case for an Espresso Machine
Remote work has shifted from temporary measure to permanent arrangement for many of us. The Irish government’s recent legislation encouraging it signals this isn’t reversing. But working from home brings unexpected costs, and if you’re like me, the local coffee shop became an expensive daily habit.
After tallying my spending, I made the switch to a home espresso machine. This isn’t a small investment, so here’s what I’ve learned about whether it makes sense and what actually matters when choosing one.
Does the Investment Make Sense?
I’ll start with the financial reality because that’s what drove my decision. Between my partner and me, we were buying coffee three or four times weekly. That adds up to roughly £1,000 annually, and some weeks pushed that higher. Even accounting for milk (I use oat) and decent coffee beans, a home setup pays for itself within the year if you’re a regular café visitor.
Beyond the numbers, there’s versatility. Most coffee drinks start with espresso as the base, whether that’s a flat white, cappuccino, or americano. Once you’ve mastered the espresso, you’ve unlocked the full range. Over Christmas, I used a friend’s machine to make Irish coffees, which highlighted how useful having one in the kitchen can be beyond your morning routine.
That said, this only makes sense if you genuinely drink coffee regularly. If you’re having one cup weekly, stick with your local café and support them properly.
What Actually Matters in a Machine
I spent considerable time researching before buying, and there’s a meaningful distinction between consumer appliances and commercial-grade equipment that goes beyond output volume.
I initially bought a £100 machine from Lidl. It worked fine for basic espresso, but I never achieved the cream layer I now consider essential. If you’re curious about whether you’ll care about coffee quality long-term, a budget machine from Argos or Lidl during sales makes sense as a trial. You’ll learn whether this is a passing interest or something you’ll pursue.
For those working from home who already know they appreciate quality coffee, the mid-range options offer better value. They provide room to develop your technique without the unforgiving nature of high-end commercial machines. The Sage Bambino Plus sits in this category, balancing ease of use with enough control to improve your results over time.
Pressurised vs Non-Pressurised Baskets
This technical detail matters more than you’d expect. The Bambino Plus includes both types. Pressurised baskets work with pre-ground supermarket coffee and handle the extraction process automatically. They’re forgiving and consistent, which is ideal when you’re starting or simply want coffee without fuss.
Non-pressurised baskets give you more control but require freshly ground beans and attention to grind size and tamping pressure. The advantage of having both is flexibility. You can start simple and experiment with whole beans later if you’re interested.
Milk Frothing: The Automated Advantage
Most espresso machines include frothing wands, but they’re genuinely difficult to master. Timing matters significantly. Too long and you burn the milk, too short and your coffee’s lukewarm. Cleaning the wand properly is another task you’ll dread.
The Bambino Plus has automated frothing, which is uncommon at this price point. Fill the included jug with milk, position it under the wand, press the button. The machine handles temperature and texture, then self-cleans. I’ve used this for hot chocolates and even baking applications, which makes it more versatile than a standard wand.
The Grinder Question
The Bambino Plus doesn’t include a built-in grinder, and I’d argue that’s actually preferable. All-in-one units create a single point of failure. If either component breaks, you’re left with a bulky, partially functional device taking up counter space.
I bought the Sage Smart Grinder Pro separately. When I get new beans, I spend a few minutes adjusting grind settings to dial in the perfect extraction. Once that’s done, you can fill the hopper and forget about it, even programming specific grind times. This separation means if one device fails, the other remains useful.
Why This Setup Works for Home Offices
The Bambino Plus strikes a practical balance. Commercial machines demand precision with grind size and tamping pressure. Get it wrong and you’re starting over, which is frustrating when you just want to begin your workday. Higher-end consumer machines can be similarly unforgiving.
This setup lets you maintain a simple morning routine whilst still producing genuinely good coffee. The pressurised baskets mean you can use supermarket ground coffee without compromising too much. The automated frothing removes a significant skill barrier. But if you want to explore whole beans and develop technique, the non-pressurised baskets and separate grinder provide that path.
The ritual of making coffee has become something I genuinely look forward to each morning. That matters when you’re working from home and creating structure in your day.
Honest Limitations
This isn’t cheap. The Bambino Plus and Smart Grinder Pro together represent a significant outlay. You’ll recoup costs if you’re a regular coffee buyer, but it’s still a barrier.
Quality beans make a substantial difference. Budget supermarket grounds will work, but you’re not getting the full benefit of the machine. I buy from Cloudpicker’s, but any reputable roaster will elevate your results noticeably.
Finally, this setup suits small to medium households. If you’re making coffee for four people regularly, you might want something with a larger water reservoir and faster recovery time between shots. Similarly, if you know you want to become serious about espresso technique, machines like the Gaggia Classic offer more manual control, though they’re less forgiving.
For remote workers who want reliable, quality coffee without becoming baristas, this combination delivers well.
Sage Bambino Plus
Excellent coffee. 3 buttons
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