I moved to Tokyo from Europe, where I used a Breville/Sage Barista Express espresso machine 3 times a day and I want to create a similar experience in my Tokyo apartment.
I’ve been researching affordable espresso machine made for Japan/Tokyo market (100V/50-60Hz) and I didn’t find any good option.
Originally I wanted to get a Breville Bambino Plus, but didn’t find it in a 100V version. That level of price/value would be the optimal for my case.
The only entry-level real espresso machine I found available for the Japanese market is the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, which I seriously considered, but the infamous ‘boilergate’ issue made me cancel that idea.
Another idea was the Flair, but I need milk drinks and foaming capability, so that’s not a valid option either.
Fellow espresso lovers in Japan, please help me which machine should I get, with a max budget around 100k JPY for the machine. Planning to get a Baratza Encore ESP grinder next to it.
I’m OK with both buying used or new.
by szopatrik