Best Bang for Your Buck: Argos by Odyssey Review

[@LanceHedrick]

If you enjoy my content and work I put into all this, please take a moment to like the video. If not subscribed, I'd love the support! And finally, for those wanting to go the extra mile, simply "copying link" of the video actually helps boost. Loads of thanks and check out my patreon! About to post a competition for a grinder and, eventually, this Argos!

[@peterszabo1291]

Done, done and done. Cheers

[@josephsebastian8499]

Finally waiting for this review for a very long time. Thankyou.

[@EricPetersen2922]

Happy for you 250k, never a doubt

[@huguespautre7772]

Excellent video! So much information: your channel is the best bang for my buck! Thank you so much for the work you put into these videos Lance!

[@tonnet1992]

B😂 po

[@odysseyespresso]

Enjoyed hearing your thoughts! We'll get a new LED lens out in the mail to you. Yours is only the 3rd one that's come out but something we'll have to test for in QC.

[@xx0samey0xx]

Hi, do you have any plans to release a 100-240volt power supply version for easier travelling?

[@odysseyespresso]

@@xx0samey0xx no, heating elements used in these types of machines are usually resistive elements which require different sizing for 120 and 240V in order to hit the same 1000W power. That's really the only difference between the two machines.

[@PaleAle29]

It's finally happening, congrats Ross!

[@KanielD]

I’ve had a few great espresso machines, however idk if I’ve ever been more excited about a machine. It’s awesome to finally see these making it to trusted reviewers. Great job fellas!

[@peterhaas2503]

​@@odysseyespresso Why not split your 1000 W heating element into two 120 V /500 W elements, add a switch to connect them in parallel for 120 Volts and in series for 240 Volts

[@softbeak8333]

I almost never think to leave a review for the videos I watch. What a highly professional, thorough, highly scientific and entertaining review. You inspire while educating. I have high respect for the quality of your work.Thank you.👏

[@brentroman]

I was so happy for this review. Luckily I've been playing with my Argos for a few months now. I was wondering myself about that whole drop in pressure after the first shot. I'd often get shorter yields, and the pre-infussion always baffled me. Thanks for explaining this in the video. I'm gonna start trying out the mini-Fellinnis now. Great little hack I didn't think about. Nice to mention the turning on the steam as soon as you fill your chamber - as it does speed things along. The other thing I noticed on this machine (saved my butt), was that if you accidentally leave it on, it will go into a (emergency power off mode) and will flash its LEDs at you. This is to prevent you from burning out your element. Its happened to me more than once (embarrassed to admit) - but I'm glad it is there. Also, the machine is so darn quiet. (compared to others). I'm super happy with mine. Now, I'm off to watch your more in-depth video on your other channel. Cheers man! Love your content as always.

[@gpapa31]

That’s what you get when a mechanical engineer with aviation background gets involved behind your espresso machine. Can’t wait to try one!

[@joecarney9482]

I was so pumped for this lever machine. I ended up with something different because I couldn't handle the wait, but I'm glad they're getting their moment in the sun.

[@mallowpuff2649]

I actually have machine #006, and it's my first actual espresso machine. It's been a bit of an adventure but I absolutely love it! I think the video hit on all the major points and covered all of the quirks I've noticed myself.

[@KNURKonesur]

Finally the ARGOS!

[@LanceHedrick]

just a few years late haha!

[@antonc81]

It’s been a real… Odyssey. 🥁

[@petercaddy]

Been waiting for this

[@bigfil1981]

Hope she finds good winds.

[@tatemazer]

I'm so curious about this algorithm they use for the temperature controller. Cool to see a machine that seems electrically simple on the surface, actually has some really powerful software features 🔥🔥

[@LanceHedrick]

Absolutely! I'm sure if you ask in enough fora, you'll find what you're looking for...covertly.

[@10jsfvideo44]

Great review. One of an early Argos owner. Love my machine and pulling both spring and direct lever shots. The experience and taste I get from my Argos has been terrific. Since this is a new company making this machine I have been impressed with the support and modifications Ross and William have made to improve performance.

[@Thetache]

Every time I watch a piece on a different way of brewing coffee I see how after budget considerations workflow is the key to choosing your daily machine to brew espresso based coffee. If the quirks of the machine for your daily "ceremony" are annoying then that machine will kill your enjoyment but if they are a delight in the process then they will enhance it, watching this content can tell you what the right match is for you.

[@LanceHedrick]

That's a great observation and one I tend to agree with

[@petes_CE]

In regard to gauging the water level in the boiler for refill, they can design a filler tube that is as deep as it needs and indicate full when the water level reaches the bottom of the tube.

[@bruceharlick3322]

I cannot wait to get mine! A couple of more months, I think. Thanks for the review; it was great.

[@LanceHedrick]

Heck yeah! I think you'll love it

[@idopeso]

What order number are you?

[@bruceharlick3322]

@@idopeso 717, so we're getting close!

[@idopeso]

@@bruceharlick3322 my preorder is number 650... We're getting there!!

[@MacawAviculture]

Another great video thanks! I switched from a Rancilio Classe 5 to a Profitec Pro 800 lever machine a year ago. Very simple to use, can plum water directly into the machine, and makes the best espresso I have ever tasted.

[@gotjazz84]

Thanks for turning me on to this machine. WIll probably end up being the upgrade from my dedica at some point...

[@TsvetanVR]

I love it! ❤ The boiler cap experience looks like refuelling a classic bike or even some classic cars. As a petrolhead with attention to detail that truly excites me! Seems like a solid package, this machine - there wasn't a moment in this review where I thought to myself "Ah, but this here sucks and it's a deal breaker for me".

[@smeat91]

New to the world of espresso machines and finally starting my deep dive into the process of making great coffee at home. This review was so exciting, stoked to learn more about this machine and levers in general! Seems like an endless deep-dive.

[@nehok]

Really sweet machine that seems to nail it regarding temp managment compared to a La Pav. I have to say though with the LP, the "Bong" Isolator really makes temp management much much easier. I have a isoloator and cranked my boiler pstat to about 1.25 bar. I use the really thin puck screen that coffee sensor sells, with a digital temp guage my lp has gone from a very frustrating experience to daily driver excellent coffee. You can also get a bleed valve its called the Air Buster, but with my current setup I get output of 37-40g as is. Also Lance your looking super buff! Good on ya :)

[@infinitenwar]

I was going to post basically the same comment, hah. Now I'm curious about your pstat setting... I also have a bong isolator (and a puck screen), but left my pressure at just over 1 bar. Do you notice a big difference with the higher boiler pressure?

[@nehok]

@@infinitenwar Definitly, the higher boiler pressure is really useful for a few reasons: you get more effective preinfusion, better steaming power and with the isolator I find I get better yeilds with it too. I wouldnt do it withought a islolator as it causes the group head to idle at a higher temp, but ofcourse that isnt an issue with the isolator. It could also disturb the puck a little more, but again if you have the puck screen that solves that issue. I've seen some people set theres to 1.5bar with the isolator but bong recomends 1.2. I settled on 1.25 for now and pull shots when my GH thermometer reads about 85c for medium/light roasts. All that being said previoulsy I had my pstat at 0.8bar which is what a lot of people say is the right boiler pressure for a LP, so if yours is already closer to 1 bar you may see less of a difference than I did.

[@infinitenwar]

@@nehok awesome, thanks. I raised it up from 0.8 when I got the isolator a year or two ago, and then never thought much about it again. Just opened it up and set the pressure up to around 1.25. pulling a shot, the preinfusion seemed quite a bit stronger - though I didn't adjust my grind for the decaf - it's evening here!. Curious how it'll be in the morning with my normal beans

[@nehok]

@@infinitenwar Nice one! Always love to talk shop about LPs. Will be interesting how you find it. Good luck!

[@reiniermensink8706]

I just received my machine and now have a better understanding of your review. Great review, great machine. I do have issues with single pull, shot volume and understand that that is normal. Without a fellini it is not possible to get 38-42 grams (BR2).

[@JimSlaughterOC]

Thank you! I may have to watch this again to absorb all that you said, but very interesting! Much appreciated.

[@mikepaul136]

I’ve been loving my Argos. I really wanted to get into a lever machine and this one has made it so simple with very little learning curve and the coffee has been incredible. I love that I can go from a cold machine to brewing coffee in about 5min!

[@sonorguy1]

Great video! I've had my Argos since January and haven't pulled a shot on my breville dual boiler since. The argos is such a fun machine to use and the robust build quality only adds the experience.

[@LanceHedrick]

Absolutely. Hard to go back tbh

[@WTFA54]

My argos also replaced my BDB 😂 I was hoping to run both on my bar but just ended up selling the Breville

[@andrewdevall4438]

​@@LanceHedrickhow does the steaming compare to your bdb?

[@sonorguy1]

​@@andrewdevall4438while I'm not Lance, I can say that the Argos is about 1.5x more powerful than my BDB at steaming.

[@idopeso]

I've pre-ordered one back in 2022 and i think I'm close to get my order. I know that Ross maybe will refine the quirks of the machine in an V2 (heck he is doing that already), but as it is, it already seems to meet all my demands. On top of that, i love the fact that the Argos is made mostly of stainless steel. I also loved the cork insulation it had shown at some point, maybe this is because i live near Portugal. Great vid on this machine!!

[@ehail]

I've been so excited for this review to come out. Thanks so much Lance!

[@TheIggyTech]

Patiently waiting for my Argos here! Based on current rates I'm hoping I'll get mine sometime later this summer. Great review, I appreciate how you explained some of the unique techniques Odyssey put into this machine, I always kinda understood what they were doing but this explanation was really easy to follow along with.

[@Avatar711Wizard]

Wow Lance. So detailed. Impeccably covering everything. Thank you. I would need to be retired to have the time to learn and use this machine. No matter your topic, I'm always watching. Your thoroughness and multidimensionalised approach means I'm always learning about extraction, equipment and coffee in general. So grateful Lance. Thank you

[@bopsap.gammazape]

Thank you so much for this! I got my shopping notification today after the few year wait - so excited!

[@WTFA54]

Great review and insight! I know a lot of people have been eagerly waiting for your thoughts on the Argos! I bought one of the first ones sent out from someone on the HB forums and may have had the shortest wait time out of anyone who's ordered an Argos 😅. It's been a blast to play with a spring lever and switching between spring and direct is so simple. Even in a shorter video I think you hit on the most important quirks of the machine and I hope Ross and the team are ready for the influx of new orders after this review!

[@call_me_ping]

Lance! I saw you pop up on my business insider feed that I play during my morning work! I was ecstatic and showed my coworkers. Glad to hear ya!

[@jonathanhenderson3493]

Dang I was just thinking the other day that a lever machine might be the type of espresso machine I would want to start with but lamenting all the limitations… this looks like the answer! Great review.

[@MrDistill]

Definitely should there’s nothing like hearing only the sound of coffee squishing in your cup then the coffee aroma hits your nose. Get your head in the moment and in the right grove for the day.

[@ash10754]

Thanks so much Lance for the review! I have been looking forward to this one for a long time.

[@glholman1608]

Great video. Really like the split idea between this review style here and the indepth over on the other channel. Looking forward to the indepth on this Argos when it shows up there.

[@nicid54]

Love your videos! I've been following the Argos since the very beginning of the kickstarter and am so happy that you reviewed this and the Superkop! Thank you!

[@CoffeeXmusic]

Just gotten flair 58+ like 1-2 months ago and really enjoy using it. Now I see this one, really tempted!!!😅

[@MadScientist7]

How are you liking the Flair 58+….I am on the fence between it and the Argos

[@CoffeeXmusic]

@@MadScientist7I love the Flair 58+, no regret. The workflow is simple, preheat is super fast like 4-5 mins. If I’m just pulling a shot without milk frothing, I would not turn on my quickmill espresso machine. So most of them time I’m just using 58+. I haven’t try the Argos yet so can’t comment on that.

[@MadScientist7]

@@CoffeeXmusic I’m slightly concerned with fit and finish of Argos and volume of single shot it can pull….but on the Flair side of things, I own Acaia Pearl and just found out it won’t fit

[@CoffeeXmusic]

@@MadScientist7 why is there a concern about the volume? You can’t control it ? Yes, Pearl does not fit. I bought a MHW-3bomber Espresso Cube mini just for my flair. It fits perfectly and the price is good too.

[@MadScientist7]

@@CoffeeXmusic I guess some control with a fellini style shot. Did you order the Argos?

[@andrewskakun7041]

Thank you Lance for a thorough review. Looking forward to checking out the tips on your Unfiltered channel!

[@kaffeekommune]

Thanks a lot for your review! Originally I ordered one Argos because on the materials you can't usually find in lever machines. Your findings are really increasing my anticipation brewing coffee with it! (And it helps to forget the incredible long delivery time a little bit)

[@augustpendergast4478]

They can redesign and add a float to the funnel that will rise when the correct water level is achieved. No guessing and since it’s really important it makes sense.

[@caffeinated_slacker]

Great video Lance. Really nice overview of the machine. I’ve been waiting for my Argos for 18 months (still waiting), and spend time on Discord, but still found this video helpful. Well done!

[@PedroJohnston1]

THIS AND THE ZERNO MATCH VERY WELL IN LOOKS! JUST SAYING! I'M SHOUTING BECAUSE I'M TRYING TO SPEAK OVER MY WALLET!

[@Derkenblosh2]

Solution for the fill level as a mod. A fill funnel with a float bar so you have a visual aid.

[@coreycannon4511]

Congratulations on 250K and 3 years! I’ve been waiting for someone to do a review on this thing. This may (eventually) become my first espresso machine. I thought about the Flares, but wanted steam, so I thought about a Europicolla, but didn’t like the temperature control (or lack thereof) so when I first heard about the Argos a couple of years ago, I went, “Ooooohhh…”. Wonder how good it is…

[@dsiddiqui5111]

Very nice review. Liked how you patiently explained the working of the machine. I got mine recently and coming from a dual boiler to a lever is a short learning curve , but your review will hopefully help me get the shots even better. Thanks.

[@jo.comics]

I saw this machine several months ago and really liked the look of it and what it promised but I didn't have the money or expertise or understanding or anything to justify getting one. I have a Gaggia Classic but am now upgrading to a Breville Dual Boiler. This is beautiful, still, and it would've been great to get nowadays but I think I'm happy with going for the Dual Boiler, it gives me what I'm looking for in there. Also, I frankly forgot it existed until you brought it up in this video 😂 Glad to see it actually is as good as it promises to be, that's awesome to see! Subsequent versions will definitely just fine-tune it, which is fantastic! Looking forward to seeing where this machine goes

[@rebeccawalker5872]

i'm glad you are as excited about using it as I was when I first saw it! even without the temperature stability and powerful steaming, I'm pretty sure direct lever and spring lever in one machine doesn't exist anywhere else on the market, but *with* all those features and with how it looks, it's just an endgame espresso machine in a small package, and I'm looking forward to having it on my bar (when I save up for it 😅)

[@tudang8027]

waiting for so long for this video. thank you Lance!!!

[@ToddParker]

Amazing review Lance, thank you! Genius how you decide to hit steam pressure in the middle of your mini Fellini from a work flow standpoint. Counting the days until my order drops. Some day.

[@richardosborne8570]

22:54. You can extend it even more with a big Fellini in the middle of a pull....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Go Hance !

[@dangerouscool]

I’ve been waiting so long to see a real review on this!

[@mikni4069]

I actually considered it but, realised that I was happy with my f58, but it’s good to hear it delivered what I hoped it would… I think it look far more refined now then back when I withdrew from it…

[@markosgd]

I kinda like it. Few interesting options, temperature control and a small footprint. I would not choose it as my only machine, but a great second one to play with my Italian roasts.

[@tesilab994]

So how different is portafilter from a standard 58mm? (Why would you use that odd included tamper?) Everything about this machine seems brilliant, only requiring an oddball portafilter is offputting.

[@gltovar]

Picopresso is my daily driver, but I do like this footprint with steamwand so i'll keep it in mind for when I want to upgrade. Thanks!

[@jobleusink3297]

Can't wait to see the full unfiltered review!

[@ptarh404]

Cool tech and good review! The way I see it still requires a lot of fiddling and workflow adjustments, as with any other small lever machine. Filling in waters seems like it will be painful on a daily basis. What I can’t stop thinking about: with all the bluetooth, apps, microcontrollers and firmware updates - will it work after 5 years? What about 10? What about spare parts? I own a *dumb* and simple Strega and if I am ever to get a small lever it will be a simple Cremina since simplicity is what levers are about. If you are worried about thermal stability and pull a lot of shots - just get a lever with a bigger group.

[@petercollins1921]

This looks like a very well thought out machine. Given how early on it is in the production lifecycle, some questions come to mind. How will the design and compentry hold up over time? With the design relying on a mixture of 'hardware' and 'software' to operate efficiently, how will this hold up longevity wise. Is the company solid from a business perspective, thinking of the pre-order lead time etc. Just thoughts that come to mind, not meaning to start anything. Cheers mate for a great review and yhe more in-depth dive was great as well!

[@cascaderetriever7618]

Great Review! ❤ Ordered mine a few months ago!

[@abaseballer88]

This is finally what I’ve been looking for!!

[@dr1szy]

Another fantastic review!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much!

[@Victor-kh5rh]

Interesting review, I remember when my BDB crapped out and I was in the market for a new machine. This was in pre-order at the time and I thought about getting it. Breville burned me so bad that I didn’t want to take a chance in an up and coming disruptor again, and I ended up going with a safe e61 machine (Izzo Vivi) and so far it’s been a great time. Glad to see that they did deliver on their product, but I’d be curious to see how is long term reliability especially since the fit and finish look pretty rough.

[@Aspality]

I've had my Argos for about 2 months now and have been loving it, the small compact form factor, very quiet operation, its all what I wanted without having to sacrifice shot quality! My only gripe aesthetically, is I wish the pressure transducer could be more hidden. You're pretty much spot on with everything in the video, though I did notice your steam LED is missing its cover 🤣

[@LanceHedrick]

Is it? I wondered why it looked weird!!! Lol. Was curious

[@Aspality]

@@LanceHedrick yeah all three LEDs are supposed to be the same

[@Aspality]

@@LanceHedrick oh yeah, one thing I forgot to mention is that at the very beginning, the price was actually $850, not 950, so it was even more outrageously cheap!

[@TheHabadababa]

Really cool approach to temp stability

[@StarboardOar87]

I just started looking at lever machines. Partly because of interest and partly because I wanted something I could bring with me on car trips to see family or car camp (my daily driver is a Lelit Bianca). I wanted something that can do milk drinks, so I’ve been looking at the Olympia cremina and the la pavoni machines. I was ready to buy into one of those systems and then stumbled upon the Argos and your review. It honestly seems like a more compelling option. What do you think of it compared to those machines and the “portability”? Keep up the great work. I’ve really been enjoying your channel. I don’t think coffee KZbin is an easy space to be in, but you’ve really carved out a space for yourself. I have no doubts you’ll surpass 1mm subscribers soon enough.

[@RobertFHarrison]

I haven't wanted a new espresso machine for a while. I haven't needed one for even longer. Please explain why I now want one.

[@azza2575]

Thanks for the review Lance, all of them! Been considering this vs the Meticulous for some time now. Since you have experience with both, what woild you recommend out of the two?

[@davidgalbreath3477]

Really well engineered machine. Well done. Great review

[@freshbeerglass6189]

Been waiting a long time for this one. Thanks for doing the work. Looks like a good investment for espresso enthusiasts. Extra cool it’s made in the states and has an honest price point.

[@ableeawkward2917]

This machine looks ideal! All the considerations I could think of are addressed when it comes to lever machines. Clever people working on this one for sure. But hey, I'm super happy with my Silvia, been getting the most delicious cappuccino's lately.

[@LanceHedrick]

Exactly. Happy with your machine, no need to upgrade. Glad you watched, anyway!

[@zachb.6606]

Great video, thank you for sharing! I find lever espresso machines fascinating. Is the price point on the Argos around $1,100? I can't tell if the pre-order price is a deposit or the actual price.

[@Artaxo]

Being a control engineer it makes me happy to see a consumer that pays attention to the controller. If they really spent months on it, I don't expect it to be a PID controller, as it is a very limited 100-year technique. If they had that much trouble and still went with a PID... Well, that's just silly.

[@ballentphoto]

Pretty cool setup. I like it has a built in steamer. Wonder if Flair will ever get something like that.

[@Caxel108]

They should add a window with markings where the water goes in.

[@Thomas-nk4uj]

Feel like I learn so much everyone of his videos

[@danielsinner4767]

Argos is where grace meets sophistication. So cool.

[@Hybridog]

Would like to see them do a "design" version of this someday. Maybe an enclosing case, no exposed tubing, other features. Hire a good industrial designer to finesse it up a bit so it doesn't look like a lab experiment.

[@26BloodKiller]

Why wouldn't they just have s built-in water level rather than have us play a guessing game.

[@jasonparrish5204]

Amazing work!

[@hamdanismail3668]

Lance, I have followed your channel from the start. Always able to present and explain very clearly. You will make a great physics professor.

[@pauldaplayfulpanda3042]

Great, i was between Meticulous and BDB, now i have yet another machine to consider

[@alexmontanus]

I love the levers. One day I will upgrade from my Cafelat Robot.

[@JoeWrabel]

Super cool, thanks!

[@vegoil]

Super cool machine!

[@LightZone9]

I too ended up getting a different machine due to the crazy long wait time. But if you think it was long before, wait til this review makes its rounds. Nine months to a year wait times will easily double. I still love this machine but it's clearly not in my future. Unfortunately.

[@itsxris]

ooh yes was waiting for this one

[@LanceHedrick]

Hope the wait was worth it!

[@AzhadiAsyrafMohamad]

Thanks Lance

[@brandonclodfelter4612]

I was torn between this and the gaggiuino moving from a flair. Ended up going with the gaggiuino.

[@44Bigs]

Man this thing looks like a load of fun, while being user friendly enough for my 2-3 daily espressos.

[@jdrummerdd]

I live in denver and everyday i want to drive to shop and beg them to let me skip the pre order line 😭😭😭😂

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha I was actually a super early backer. I just kept telling him to skip me until I had time to check it out.

[@zeropuckprep]

Cool review and lever learning experience

[@1982eyes]

@LanceHedrick where is the follow up video you mention uploading?

[@MarketingGuy]

Great machine! Amazing review!

[@ryanneville6508]

Awesome video!

[@Paul-bx5cb]

Would you recommend this machine over the Londinium Vectis and what grinder would you pair with it? Is the mazzer philos a good pair or is the Weber key better?

[@jnattress]

Great overview 👌

[@leelossi1257]

Great review video. I want one!!

[@TheBrokenEclipse]

This is a really interesting machine

[@LanceHedrick]

I agree. Pretty neat innovation

[@jeffjones6667]

Great video as always. I have commercial lever machine in use for my coffee buisness and enjoy it. Even though careful with it the chromed group heads and portafilters wear and expose brass and even some flaring. So im all about stainless groupheads. I wonder if plumbed version x2 on bar would work for small cafe( maybe bolted to tabletop) only other stainless leva group heads im aware of is LM leva and Kees van...( both super $$) odsy please make commercial friendly version 1group so you can do modular/tadem bar. Thanks

[@Valspartame_Maelstrom]

damn something else in the coffee world I really want but could never afford! #Preesh all the knowledge you’ve taught us.

[@jakesoltow6949]

Can't wait!

[@SC-ch3cb]

How would you compare it with Meticulous?Are they even comparable? If you add the prices of pressure transducer, and scale, argos is a bit more than Meticulous at the current pre-sale prices.

[@odysseyespresso]

I think you're missing the additional cost of the milk steamer with the Met. It's a very cool machine but still quite different with the workflow. Meticulous will be a higher end machine which is also reflected in the much higher production sale price

[@SC-ch3cb]

@@odysseyespresso You are right. I didn't consider the price of milk steamer. Moreover, Argos is already out in customers' hands, while Meticulous is still in the production stage.

[@Savings_and_Grift_Plan]

I think as long it remains sub $1.5K with the level of quality that we have seen so far, its very much competitive. More features than the La Pavoni and more widely available in the US makes it look very promising.