The 9Barista Espresso Machine Review

[@9Barista]

James, Thank you for taking the time to make this impressive, thorough review. It's great to hear you have good words to say about our machine! One small thing - the ideal brew time is between 3 and 6 minutes. Any time in this window is ideal. Not just 6 minutes as you mention. Also - if you're careful, you can grind and tamp your coffee whilst the boiler is warming up. That allows you to get the cycle time to ~4 mins. Will & the 9Barista team

[@TheFBalint98]

​@@BlueHen123 Is this comment a joke? It's not quite appropriate for a joke, but it might be even worse if you're serious.

[@Grotomode]

@@BlueHen123 I think we have a case of a troll that wants to mock the BLM movement. Try harder.

[@brianbuday8639]

Nick Nicholson you appear to be another person who wakes up daily looking for to be offended . Seems like a pro tour for some. Definitely NOT chill 💥

[@Grotomode]

@@brianbuday8639 Are you sure you are replying to the right person? Would you care to explain how Nick Nicholson's comment is them looking to feel offended?

[@SantiagogranadosR]

Sooo out of place....!!!!! Enough already!!! Have a coffee and let us be!!!

[@springheeledjacques]

A steam-driven espresso maker, moderated entirely by a mechanical pressure valve and heat exchanger, in which the coolant is boiling water. The design absolutely stole my heart. What a beautiful piece of engineering.

[@MelindaGreen]

Very steampunk

[@jeffreywilkinson2679]

Heh Melinda, yes absolutely! Steam punk! You nailed it. Well done you. Classic.

[@iaido01]

It cost 500 bucks. Fuck that. They can engineer what they want but i will stick to my 50 bucks moka pot

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

I'm a recently retired mechanical engineer. My major at University was thermodynamics and compressible fluid flow. Lots of thermodynamics here and the steam certainly qualifies as a compressible fluid. I got on the website and studies the cross-section view. I'm impressed. As always one tends to think "why didn't I think of that?" Kudos.

[@mndlessdrwer]

One of the best compliments to give another engineer is to say that you wish you had been the one to think of that. Because it really shows that you value the accomplishment they've made with their design.

[@9Barista]

Thanks Wilhelm. What a lovely complement. That'll keep us smiling for a while!

[@horseshoe_nc]

As a machinist, I'm impressed with the workmanship and engineering involved with this brewer.

[@rishikaushik8307]

"compressible fluid", isnt that just gas?

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

@@rishikaushik8307 → Steam is the vapor form of water, i.e., a gas.

[@sushiburps]

3 years later and I'm still in love with this machine. James nailed it when he said the 9barista is for *you*, it's such a personal device.

[@makatron]

That's the kind of design you get when you let an engineer make it functional first instead of a marketing team. That's just gorgeous!

[@papo1515]

correction: this is what happens when you let an engineer make you a cup of coffee.

[@400cabal]

@@papo1515 a jet engineer nonetheless

[@slipperyavocado9457]

@@400cabal more chemical that aero, god knows how they'd deal with a 2 phase system ;p

[@boygenius538_8]

Form follows function

[@razgvozd]

Musk found dead.

[@Steril707]

Had mine since yesterday, and had my perfect espresso with shit loads of crema on around third try. I have to admit that I watched a lot of videos in before on how to operate this thing, so no problem on my side. I just love everything about this little device. It's compact size, the fact it doesn't have any shitty electronics you can't repair yourself, it's sturdiness, and off course the amazing espresso it creates. Certainly not for everybody, but for me personally it fits like a glove. 5/5

[@9Barista]

Pleased to hear it! May your machine provide decades of solid service.

[@glacialimpala]

I see in the video that it makes a double, which is watered down for my taste. I expected this to be an actual espresso maker. Can you just put 0,5x water or will that produce inadequate pressure? I guess so... Dang it.

[@mafiacat88]

@@glacialimpala I don't have one, so I'm guessing; but I assume you could just pull it early and pour when you've got the amount of espresso you want. Though this obviously won't be a case where you can get a 18 in, 36 out; more of a 18 in, 30-45ish out.

[@Houndzee]

After watching these videos I don’t think I’ve ever had a decent coffee...ever.

[@bigkamran]

Gaskets need to be replaced regularly which is not available

[@stevoblevo]

@@bigkamran they send you a replacement for both gaskets. seems as though they expect you to burn em while learning/dialing it in. also, I have yet to make a good one. still working on it. and i have no idea how to tell if the gaskets are spent.

[@level420]

Quality is subjective

[@CoreanShorts]

@@bigkamran i went through through my first gasket the first month but only because I forced open w/o pressing the pressure release valve. On my second gasket now for 5 months with no issue - Just need to make sure to cool and release pressure right away after each use.

[@JurisJurisPrudence]

I know

[@christianwilliams1690]

As a physicist, this is both something I absolutely need and something I cannot afford

[@spaceforce0]

on the physicist part what is it that interests you about it?

[@christianwilliams1690]

@@spaceforce0 it's a really interesting application of thermodynamics- I don't think any other home devices use liquid water over 100 degrees C

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

@@christianwilliams1690 Pressure cookers have been around for a couple years now 🤷‍♂️

[@drvanon]

Another physicists here: the combination of pressure and heat i think is what it does for me. Regular pressure cookers only go up to 2 bars while this goes to 9 which is just mad.

[@power50001562]

@@drvanon I don't understand how the pressure goes to the grounds because my intuition tells me the chimney will be shooting like a water gun if the chamber it's connected to is way above 1 bar.

[@andreismithnow]

"They say 20g of coffee but I prefer 19g" God I love this man.

[@jacekostrowski7044]

I believe I heard something like 18.5...

[@richardsondaniels9968]

Coffee grammage differs with type of coffee brewing methods and customers preference though James is dope on description

[@nittygrittytalks5999]

My scales be like: 18g or 20g - it doesn’t matter. Who do you care so much?

[@leeroy6481]

Hahaha I mostly stick to 18,6 grams. I know much about coffee, but not if ,1 gram makes a big difference. Coffee is also a very bounded to personal traditions which makes the entire coffee community such a neat place!

[@munjee2]

I mean if your salary was 3000 and one time you received 2850, you'd have some questions ...

[@GunSheppard]

My impression is that having the water move from bottom-to-top is probably beneficial for evenness of extraction. In my discipline of soil physics we often pass water through small, coffee puck-sized samples of soil as part of measuring their "hydraulic properties", before we do this we always saturate the cores from bottom to top - this allows for an even saturation of the soil sample and reduces the possibility of air entrapment. If there is gas within the sample it will essentially cause channeling. In theory (emphasis on theory!) this method of brewing coffee would allow for air and CO2 to escape more easily from the coffee and allow for a more even extraction through the puck.

[@thunderofgr]

What I’m reading from this is that we need to come up with an inverted Aeropress that pushes the coffee straight up into a similar chamber. Maybe a boil chamber on the bottom so it can be for stove use.

[@DanielMaidment]

Interesting

[@harijaja]

I imagine it can also greatly help with fines migration, though i don't like the whole idea of the espresso sitting on top of that hot metal until it's done.

[@Charliemaygne]

Matthew Storms Please tell me you know an engineer

[@iurgiu]

We have Aeropress from an aerodynamic engineer, 9Barista from a jet engineer, now I am waiting for one from geotechnical engineer.

[@cujotwentysix7519]

Papa Hoffmann has blessed us today

[@Jmax2018]

PAPA HOFFMAN😂😭😂😭😂

[@johanneslaudi6184]

Poffman

[@samuel_excels]

Papa Hoffmann makes James sound like a sinister voodoo witchdoctor. I'm imagining James wearing a top hat laughing maniacally whilst reading the future in spent coffee grounds.

[@LumiLunar]

Papa Hoffman, that's a weird way of saying Hoff Daddy.

[@blueboots-san]

🙏🙏🙏

[@HitoriGnocchi]

im in absolute awe of how this is engineered. it did exactly what it was designed to do. theres something really cool about "analog" manual brewers. its "low-tech" but in an ingenious way.

[@rabidbasher]

This is the reason why I'm so enamored with / fascinated by the original moka pot. It's a really clever yet simple design, and it turns 100 years old this year.

[@rastislavstanik]

love my portaspresso for that exact reason :)

[@christianb1358]

James' voice and general demeanor makes me think he could convince me to do some truly terrible things because, coming from him, they would sound reasonable. Don't start a cult James.

[@ScoffMathews]

I, for one, would welcome a weird coffee person cult.

[@Ramingo1983]

Well... i think he kinda have already done that...

[@marssambo7759]

Too late, this IS a cult.

[@andrewfitton9426]

I’ve recently bought his book and some of his coffee, his powers of subliminal persuasion are immense!

[@moorejl57]

I already drank the kool aid, I mean coffee

[@bassline29]

That thing is one kyber crystal away from being a lightsaber. Elegant.

[@patavinity1262]

It would be a fat, chodey kind of lightsaber

[@petercerdenia4880]

an elegant way of brewing, for a more....civilized age.

[@PSspecialist]

Ι can't unsee it now.

[@leonardodigirolamo96]

The 9barista looks like the coffee-ish maker of the StarWars Universe! The Jedi’s coffee maker maybe

[@vardhan4594]

You're breaking mah balls here Matt

[@ryenschimerman2127]

I invested in this as my first espresso machine because of this review.. thank you James. The consistency of this machine has allowed me to really understand the variables in grind, coffee, and all the other variables of the magic bean. Without ever getting anywhere near mastery of course. You really are a blessing. To anyone that buys the 9Barista though, watch this review x3 before you pull the trigger and really listen to what Hoffman is saying here. Then, read the instructions x3 before brewing, then follow along on your second or third brew. It's a fantastic machine, that can only do what it's promised to do.

[@oleksiishekhovtsov1564]

I swear for a second I thought this was in my price range...

[@brightbluesummer3981]

Same. Everything is so expensive

[@evilontoast7266]

Every time

[@orangepeals7210]

Right? Every time something's in my price ranger on this channel, James trounces it (deservedly), but the neat little gadgets that he recommends are always well expensive.

[@brightbluesummer3981]

Lol, so basically if you’re broke you are not seeing good coffee anytime soon. That’s basically it I guess.

[@TheScords]

i Hoped for around 150-200€ that is what i would pay I guess. When you think about that they cant really use standardized parts ( and also produce in such low volumes) I think the price is not unreasonable.

[@kowabungo]

I have one of these and it has proved a great thing to experiment with. It is a lot of fun for an avid home-brewer and, as you say, requires an iota of patience. However when it goes well, the feeling is wonderful as it does have capacity to deliver some quality home espresso. My dad did the photography for them so we ended up with 2 early units (including unit 0001 - still boxed!) and a slightly later unit too. The later unit (0207) seemed to perform more consistently, however I don't know whether that was partly down to me getting more of a handle on how to use it! I am glad to see this on the channel as Will and the team have done an amazing job and made an immensely beautiful item.

[@jameshoffmann]

Compliments to your dad! Those photos look great!

[@kniveznor1]

a fun "400$" experiment ok. lol

[@darendroid]

@@kniveznor1 They got a complimentary unit, read the whole comment before responding.

[@naycnay]

​@@kniveznor1 Just pointing out, lots of hobbies have expensive products for niche reasons. A $400, highly engineered stovetop espresso maker is just that. A luxury item that is not at all necessary and arguably a lot of their customers will be people who own espresso machines (and lots of coffee paraphernalia) simply because it's quite cool and fun to play with. Overall, short of high-end espresso, coffee's quite a cheap hobby...

[@artofguitar]

Dude, put it in your own comment if you must but stop being negative in everyone else's. It's pretty annoying.

[@Steril707]

After having this for three months now, I have to say I have nothing but love for this thing. It's definitely not for everyone, but for me it's simply perfect. Today I had my safety ring blown after I forgot to put water into it (I am sick and dazzled, didn't get much sleep last night, so forgive me ;) ), and I was able to repair it in like 5 minutes myself. And the rest of the machine looks like you can do most of the repair yourself as well. In these times where stuff breaks never to be repaired again, and then polluting the environment, this is simply amazing. I can see this staying with me the rest of my life.

[@anime-tiddies]

Is it easy to clean?

[@9Barista]

Please to hear you like your machine. Yes, it's designed to be customer serviceable and reparable - but for those of a less practical nature, we'll happily service your machine for you.

[@Steril707]

@@9Barista After over a year of using a 9Barista, I am still super happy with it. Thanks once more for this amazing piece of kit.

[@LadyTigerLily]

This is the kind of beautiful, simple, genius engineering that I love and appreciate and clearly was made by someone who gets coffee. What a cool thing, and the materials look nice and sturdy. Definitely something I'll share with my coffee friends to talk about, and maybe one day get and play with. "I might be a little bit rough sometimes." Oh, James... same... Thanks for another great and thorough video!

[@dlxmarks]

Elegant engineering but the complexity makes me concerned for its longer term reliability. I'm going to watch owner feedback for the next year or so to see how it does.

[@carrhj]

The fix for the water bubbling out if the chimney by roughing the inner surface with sand paper is a really lovely fix. It reminds me of how the inside walls of the chambers of the heart are not smooth for this exact same reason. Smooth heart chambers cause increased blood turbulence and hence increased risk of clots as well as poor cardiac output. Beautiful examples of nature’s engineering and human engineering!

[@BeyondSorrowYYY]

carrhj that is amazing! I didn’t know that, thank you for sharing. Much love from Germany.

[@SnaykEyes77]

Well that's a random fact I never thought I wanted to know......cheers for that.

[@M3gaDom]

Wouldn't you get more laminar flow with smooth chambers?

[@yolo_burrito]

Same reason golf balls are dimpled. Actually turbulence along the surface creates less friction in the flow.

[@lucysmith594]

You sound like an anaesthetist! Most of the ones I work with appreciate all things coffee 😊

[@andrewboyle3589]

I’ve had mine for over a year now, and it is by far the best home coffee equipment investment I’ve made so far. It produces phenomenal espresso shots, beautiful crema, and consistency every time. For those that are hesitant on the cleanup and maintenance, it’s really not all that bad. I literally just enjoy my coffee in the morning while it’s cooling down and then knock out the puck, rinse out the porta-filter/chamber for a few seconds, and use the pressure valve to release the pressure in the bottom boiler-and I’m done. I use it every day and it is truly amazing quality and I’ve had no issues a year and 3 months into it. For the price, you really cannot get better quality unless you’re going to spend in the realm of $1000+ on a new Breville. I don’t even have an espresso grinder (which saves me upwards of $200-$500) I use a Baratza Virtuoso and it works perfectly. Plus, it’s portable and I’ve taken this out camping, weekend getaways, traveling for work, etc. I’m immensely satisfied with it and can’t wait to see what additions they add (hoping for an exposed porta-filter in the near future 🤞)

[@9Barista]

Thanks for the kind words Andrew. Pleased to hear you're getting on well with your 9B.

[@NevynsLab]

As an engineer I absolutely love this. I want one just for appreciation of the engineering that’s gone into it even if I never got a good coffee out of it. Is that weird?

[@Tolmech]

I work in Aerospace and all of my colleagues are asking me to bring mine in.

[@OSMADO]

As fellow Design Engineer I agree, but the Price is rediculous.

[@hishamaboulyazed7487]

I hear you bro!

[@notavailable.000]

why dont you guys design one? im not challenging you, you will challenge yourselves.

[@barrict2]

I don't mean to be disrespectful. But yes that is weird. Engineering should solve problems. If you, especially as an engineer, can't make good coffee with the device, you should propose a redesign. Or you should trash it. You should not just accept it. To be clear I have never tried this machine and I don't know if it makes good coffee from my own experience. I'm simply answering the question, "Is that weird?" Yes it is weird.

[@schindlerific]

I’ve had my 9barista for a month. I love it. Super short learning curve. Makes great espresso and so elegant in the design!

[@9Barista]

Excellent!

[@LobbySeatWarmer]

A few questions ... Have you tried using it over a wood fire? And how heavy is it? It seems like it would pair greatly with a quality hand grinder "going off the grid," so to speak.

[@dwighthoward54321]

You must be rich.

[@schindlerific]

😂

[@cade5400]

As a student currently in thermodynamics, I’m absolutely in love with this thing

[@artim35gyn]

Se você obter um não vai arrepender, eu só comprei porque entendi o modo de fabricação e arrisquei que cumpriria o que promete pela inteligência engenhosa 😅

[@Arcsecant]

When a good Moka pot dies, it goes to heaven and becomes one of these.

[@SirBender]

And is THEN able to make real espresso...

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Sike there are no good Moka pots.

[@amirhoseinsari5417]

😂😂😂🤣😂😏🤣😏

[@alwayslearning7672]

It's a reincarnation of a Bialetti.

[@daviddulom8258]

😂😂🤧

[@johnfoster8226]

James, I think you are missing a second group of people this is for: mechanical engineers who are into coffee (of which I know quite a few). Personally, I have to have this, not because it fits my lifestyle, but because I just love the thermodynamic design so much.

[@NevynsLab]

I’m an engineer from an IT background but have a home machine shop (Lathe, mill, etc) so I absolutely love this thing !

[@M3gaDom]

Totally agree. I worked on heat exchangers for an internship in college and want to send one of these to my mentor who taught me a ton about steam.

[@alunparry8154]

Where do I buy thia?

[@alohajason]

I was gonna say this is for second level engineer hipsters. Are you gonna get one?

[@Shancyyy]

Ha I’m literally watching this as I do my fluid mechanics homework and it makes me wanna throw some equations at it

[@brianfreland9065]

i have an obsession with hand tools and no electricity needed tools and gadgets and this is absolutely genius and right up my ally! it the perfect espresso "Machine" for my cabin in the woods!!! thanks for sharing this!

[@emananay1]

My wife hears me watch a James Hoffman video and ask, “What are you going to buy now?”

[@neowy]

Haha!

[@bronxty]

Lmao 🤣

[@bobbyomari5500]

My fiancée constantly rolls her eyes at me 🤣

[@wanketta]

Not this, I’ll wager.

[@joeangeles308]

😂

[@zondaz]

I keep coming back to this video because of just how beautifully designed the product is, and James’ elegant description and review of it. It’s not something that would fit in with my lifestyle, but definitely a product worth admiring

[@rhubarbpie2027]

I work on F-15 aircraft, and looking at the 9barista I can see the aerospace influence. The orange o-rings remind me of the heat/ oil resistant gaskets, the sand marks on the nickel plated brass filter housing, the laser etching for water... it makes me happy. I NEED IT. Thanks, James ☕

[@TheoSmith249]

high temp silicone

[@rhubarbpie2027]

@@TheoSmith249 likely so!

[@chriswatts9227]

I think you're spot-on for those, like me, who love the process of using a Bialetti stovetop this is an exciting idea as a step up.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

I just start using the Bialetti. I'm a once a week Coffee Drinker. Moka Mondays. I found him when I searched for how to use a Bialetti about a month ago here on YT.

[@craigbunting9068]

I love my 9barista. Had a few issues like you mentioned with the boiling water and gaskets. Great brewing, I use it every morning, I find the process quite satisfying and relaxing. I own a number of coffee shops so I can grab espresso any time, but I still enjoy using this daily.

[@trdaniel37]

That's quite an endorsement.

[@zuumicoffee]

Same goes to me too.i love these craft

[@rvoisey]

I got mine for making espresso while camping at festivals, but I draw a shot every morning at home as it produces far better espresso than my beans to cup machine. It helps to be an engineering geek - it's a fantastic piece of casting and finishing.

[@yolo_burrito]

Me: KZbin what’s the best $50 electric moka pot. KZbin Algos: here’s a beautiful, amazingly complex, way to brew espresso for $400. Me: sold

[@azuraligthfeilt]

Kidney: *sold*

[@vanai2359]

This is exactly what happend to me now

[@CarcassGrater]

exact same here

[@dewrunning]

As an architect and product designer, it’s nice to see thoughtful design and esthetics combined so well !

[@petarcvijetic9256]

And then there is reallity called the price

[@-nomi.-]

Whether intentional or just a consequence of the stovetop design, the size makes this probably the best espresso machine for someone who has to move somewhat often, especially internationally. Pretty cool to see something fit that niche as well as this does.

[@thegingerpowerranger]

Omg it is amazing. Hats off to the engineers that dreamt this up. I truly can appreciate the complexity of what they have done in a very simple and elegant mechanical design.

[@listentodave]

Personally I don't appreciate it for coffee purposes but engineering that goes into the whole thing and the thought behind it is beautiful

[@chriss9634]

Hi James, just ordered my 9barista thanks to your review. Got great inside from you so thank you very much for your work!👍

[@Andophonic]

8:50 talking about the pressure declining towards the end of the shot. Having worked on steam boilers on steam locomotives, I would suggest experimenting with turning the heat up to high, possibly waiting until you actually start seeing coffee pool up into the top of the device. If you're using steam faster than your "boiler" is producing it, simply add more heat to keep your steam production and usage more in line with each other.

[@paulan.5104]

keep in mind there is a limited amount of water

[@Andophonic]

@@paulan.5104 Yes. And as you use that water up, you have a greater volume of space for steam, which would result in a drop in steam pressure unless you add more heat to increase steam production.

[@paulan.5104]

@@Andophonic ah, I get now. sorry, I'm slow

[@maximerioux6969]

I was gonna use this on the small stove of a diesel electric locomotive. Portable stove top espresso pot, hell yes!

[@Andophonic]

@@maximerioux6969 Wow. My engines never came with a damn stove.

[@prijaymistry9696]

"I'm at sea level" - James with the most relatable content

[@bernardoterreno9946]

This device takes care of the fundamentals. Simple, minimalist, great taste. And a good video to boot.

[@Sir_Redwood]

This is my kind of coffee purchase. Something beautiful that makes decent coffee. Support good engineering!

[@emiliefitzsimons821]

I have a 9barista and I absolutely love it. We use it every day, at least twice a day. The coffee is consistently delicious - and the brewing process is fun! I no longer use any of my other espresso machines. I highly recommend!

[@fuelbasti]

Hi, do I still need an extra plate for an induction or is the serial model been updated?

[@princedarwish1]

Could you share with us the make or the origin of that 9baista please

[@TerryManitoba]

So - are you still enjoying using and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@MyStolenAimbot]

Do you still enjoy it?

[@donnienlefty]

At £300 how does it compare with a domestic espresso machine for the same price? I get that it's a small company, r&d, that it's a niche product and just for 'you'. I no longer use a moka pot but do enjoy a decent espresso when out. The reviews I read a couple of years ago were not great, but this video has ignited my interest again.

[@josephshmoe1647]

As a machinist, when you consider the number of components, the cost of the materials, and the skilled labor involved in manufacturing and assembling them, it's not really surprising that it retails for $385. Especially considering what was very likely a low volume on the initial production run. The hardest part about starting a new company is getting consumers to justify the price of the initial units. The less educated ones will assume that greed is the motivating factor without recognizing that 80% of the asking price went into making the thing.

[@Adam-vx6to]

Lots of people not in the speciality coffee/espresso world simply don't understand how low volume and high production cost these things are. Many espresso machines cost waaaay more than this. Its just an expensive hobby.

[@barryfoster453]

@@Adam-vx6to Then such a product doesn't deserve to be manufactured. I say that as an engineer who has designed a number of products that got to manufacture, and still sell today. If you are going to build a product whose final price will reflect your cost to get it to market (to a very large extent) then you should not make it. It's £325. I would expect my R&D costs to be no more than 5% of the retail cost. If it's more, then it shouldn't get made. Too many products are manufactured with a vanity built in. 'I'm going to make this, and you are going to pay me for all my research and failed prototypes'. That's just plain mad, and appeals to idiots with more money than brain cells.

[@Adam-vx6to]

@@barryfoster453 Congrats! An engineer who doesnt understand basic stuff! Please ask for a refund from whatever third rate school you went to

[@barryfoster453]

@@Adam-vx6to Oh, dear. What should I tell them about the products I've designed and have gone into manufacture...and are still manufactured today? What about the products I've got patents on? You see, it's you who cannot comprehend what I said. Some people, like you, cannot be educated.

[@Adam-vx6to]

@@barryfoster453 And yet you cant understand low volume high quality products. Some people, like you, cannot be educated.

[@matthewgreenfield8896]

I have one of these (machine #24) - it is awesome! Probably the best thing I've ever purchased. So consistent and perfect espresso. Couldn't ask for anything more. Yes, it took a few goes to get it perfect but now it is perfectly repeatable and perfectly delicious. Also, you can hugely speed up the process by starting the water heating on the stove in the bottom half whilst you grind and tamp the in the top half - easy. Worth every penny, for sure.

[@TerryManitoba]

So - are you still enjoying using and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@briankearns5040]

Have you tried using hot water like Hoffman Moka method?

[@matthewgreenfield8896]

@@briankearns5040 yes, but actually I find the time to grind, tamp, and connect the two parts together is about right starting with cold water. Still making multiple espressos every day with it!

[@clari57n]

I own one of these. I’m a patent attorney and was so excited by the idea/ingenuity of the thing when it came up on my LinkedIn (of all places) that I just ordered one. In fact, it kickstarted my love of coffee and espresso, and sent me down the rabbit hole of good hand grinders (got a C40 shortly afterwards), and even your channel!! I agree with just about everything you’ve said: niche, takes practice, but incredibly designed, almost a work of art, and makes amazing coffee.

[@TerryManitoba]

So - are you still enjoying using and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@majabook-owska4597]

I own one of those beautiful coffee machines, it is the best thing ever. I cannot imagine going back to having coffee done any other way. It is so worth the price!

[@9Barista]

Great! Thanks for the review Maja.

[@cfazio]

This is for me. I currently use a single Bialetti making two runs of 8 1/2 grams ea. With this I can get my 17 grams in one go. Price might seem high but not when you look at the engineering and build, and compared to the espresso makers I was looking at, it’s downright cheap. Thanks for the review.

[@yoyoiven]

Mind you, it's more expensive than your Bialetti and is a glorified Moka Pot.

[@awsumpchits]

dammit. I'm the dude that wishes his moka pot could do espresso. i'm also the dude who wishes he had €350 to spend on this wonderful contraption : )

[@SenselessUsername]

You have the time to wait? Either buy 3 or get rid of your partner/friends?

[@Wasabi5000]

Yes Nick I feel your pain. 😊

[@somedude-lc5dy]

the base-level Flair ($159) is actually quite great at making espresso. I dialed mine in before they had the pressure gauge available. I then bought the pressure gauge set for it, and I don't even use it because I've found that by taste alone I learned the right force to use on the handle. it's the cheapest path to top-quality espresso.

[@Gramayr]

You can do a sort of espresso in a Moka Pot. I think James does a video on this as well. Basically put less water in the bottom and grind a little finer. Also I'd add that adding a couple of AeroPress filter papers in the basket (one on the bottom and one on top of the coffee, to make a coffee sandwich in the basket) may help stop fines from migrating into the cup (and into the base). Try it and see how you go.

[@thanks600]

Bellman is similar as it is stovetop & have a steam wand option.

[@Krumpina1029]

A good product when you don't take price into account. It currently sells for just under £400. £34 for a travel cup and £96 for a naked portafilter. They're really capitalising on the reputation for quality they have quickly built.

[@DeputatKaktus]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of engineering I have laid eyes on. It is absolutely gorgeous. Well done, Will & his team. Unfortunately it is way out of my price rage at this point.

[@mndlessdrwer]

If you're into cars and want to see some blokes in a rural part of the UK completely over-engineer the reconstruction of an ancient Austin Mini, check out Project Binky by Bad Obsession Motorsports. There is only a single panel that hasn't received the loving embrace of an angle grinder followed by copious welding.

[@bootstrapperwilson7687]

Price rage. Good one.

[@ArronMcKoy]

Loving the innovations engineers & product designers are bringing to grinders, brewers etc at the moment.

[@senortilla7239]

I’m super happy with 9Barista, excellent coffee, impressive build quality

[@Kefford666]

That lack of control actually sounds like a plus for me! I was gifted a moka pot and a V60 and I like making coffee with them even if it's with shop bought ground coffee (I don't own a grinder). Just looking at this thing makes me want to buy one!

[@emsfuentes6983]

I have one of these beautiful machines. It has become an integral part of our morning routine - I just love seeing the rich coffee crema ooze out to fill the cup- so special! It is always on display in the kitchen, and talked about whenever we have guests. The coffee is consistently delicious, and pre-heating the water whilst prepping the coffee means it usually only takes around four minutes to make a shot. Highly recommend!

[@9Barista]

Thank you Ems. Great to hear you're enjoying your machine!

[@TerryManitoba]

So - you still enjoy using the 9B and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@emsfuentes6983]

@@TerryManitoba Yes, absolutely, I still use it every single morning - once you've dialled in, the coffee never disappoints! I highly recommend it.

[@TerryManitoba]

@@emsfuentes6983 THX for the reply - I've been deep into brewing my own great coffee for years and only occasionally pick up an espresso. For all the right reasons - I just may have to step up my coffee game and get myself a 9Barista...

[@TerryManitoba]

@@emsfuentes6983 Would you care to share your favorite recipe/workflow with your 9B

[@tangofoxtrot40]

James is a very fair and level headed reviewer. He always tries to put reason in everything he says and reasons for things he is not too knowledgeable about. I like James.

[@rustymoran7484]

I love James’ attention to scientific accuracy: “boiling water at [slight pause] 100 degrees Celsius, or wherever you are, here at sea level, water boils at 100c”

[@Zraknul]

James wants people in Denver or Everest base camp to also have a good time.

[@WolfmanAndy]

Purity has an effect as well 😉

[@antonhelsgaun]

Although he should also mention that would also change the other temperature

[@syrus3k]

*sea level on earth

[@mleask]

It's 6:05am here in California. I'm sipping my coffee and starting my day with some James. Not a bad way to start.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

Up the coast from ya in Seattle... Doing the same my friend

[@EMSpdx]

Same!

[@RockinEnabled]

Sipping your joe in a company of James. Nice!

[@the3cl3ctic]

I could listen to this dude talk 24/7. I am confident it could catapult me into a zen state of being 🙏🏻

[@zacharywinter1273]

Spot on review, it's a cool machine! I've been making a bunch of espresso the last weeks with mine. It is VERY consistent, particularly in temperature and I have been able to consistently get consistent tasty espresso with a range of lighter roast to dark roast. So tasty!!! But as you say, it doesn't have the most power, it struggles with finer grind settings, even though it might have made theoretically tasty shots. Still, that being said there's a lot that can be changed with dose and it is a lot of fun. I am exactly in the market you mentioned, someone with a Mokka pot wishing they could pull a real shot on the stove-top, or maybe camping, and not a lot of space so you nailed that market review lol. I think the price is valid for the build quality and consistency and I enjoy supporting clever startups. I disagree with the slippage of the portafilter, and this you notice for darker roasts and a higher dose around 20g. There, the fit is tighter with the silicone basket cap. If you grind while it's heating up the turnaround can be quite fast. I've pulled 2 doubles within 15 min, which is possible by grinding and tamping while the lower portion is heating up. I would probably keep the 9barista for pure espresso joy and use a brikka pot when making milk drinks for friends. For dialing in, I would probably recommend finding a good flow rate with the grind size (too low and it will most certainly choke) then finding the tasty point with the dose and enjoy! For making milk drinks, my stove is full of pressure boilers though, which looks very funny. At the moment the 9barista to make the espresso and the bellman to steam the milk. Makes all of my friends (and me) very very happy (: I would be curious your thoughts and experience, whether you think something like this would be more consistent than say a la pavoni leverarm or a sage barista pro? Thanks for your delicious coffee content!

[@moorejl57]

Can you dial in the 6 min requirement by using water alone?

[@zacharywinter1273]

@@moorejl57 using room temp or slightly cold water, my machine takes 6 min at max on a glass top before espresso starts to come through. Around 5, 5:30 you can notice the steam out the chimney. It really is quite fast. I time my shots when I first start to notice espresso coming up the top. To adjust the 6 min mark, it should be related to stove heating power and water temp. But the machine works by building up enough vapor pressure. That might mean lowering the heat setting for some stoves, or by preheating the fob with the metal disc. Does that help a little bit?

[@moorejl57]

@@zacharywinter1273 Yes, that makes perfect sense. I just need to save my pennies, close my eyes and press order while remaining in denial of how much it costs lol.

[@zacharywinter1273]

@@moorejl57 I can only say for me, but it's in the same price range as some cheaper portafilters, but none of them are pid controlled or there's always something else like pressure regulation, or water boiler startup time. This machine has those problems simply under control. You can't change them, but that's not necessarily a problem. Concerning build and materials, I think the price matches the parts. I don't know if you ever need anything machined or do diy, but I think all considering price is yeah reasonable. Made sense for me. I think at first glance the price seems high because it looks like a mocha pot. It most certainly is not. It probably won't be the last massive in my life. I may want to have more knobs to turn like water temp, etc. But for now it's a great step up from a mocha pot/brikka which I've wanted to do for so long. I have made great coffee on all the machines though. If you've never tried a brikka pot, I would also recommend that. Great fun

[@Robosan4000]

For everyday home use, would you buy this or a used Rancilio Silvia?

[@alansaxon]

I’d buy it just because of the engineering. Great review James.

[@N3tech]

I absolutely love the design of using thermodynamics to mechanically engineer a system to create a repeatable brew like this without any electronics. Absolutely beautiful.

[@coolieo5000]

As a mechanical engineer I was very excited to buy this... Untill the price. Some day maybe!

[@smileycomments]

James, I love how the Niche and its dosing cup makes an appearance in almost video. Been noticing that for many months now which has to be a great endorsement of the product!

[@sreesweraam]

Subscribing someone after a very long gap!! Continued watching for the pure clarity and quality of thoughts flowing in English.

[@JeffSyam]

Every brewer that use thermodynamics is a mechanical-engineer coffee-gear must have. Edit: After so many comments, let's change thermodynamics to thermal-expansion.

[@daniel635biturbo]

Yes, my god this was a nice design. Simple in theory, and difficult to manufacture. And executed in the most beautiful way.

[@yigitkaratas4961]

i'm a mechanical engineering student and this thing is like the intersection of the two things i love

[@senged]

Well, all types of espresso machine use thermodynamics. Even the drip filter coffee..

[@JeffSyam]

@@senged Not significant on drip machine, no to little expansion (only in boiler) and water hit coffee ground at atmospheric pressure. P1V1=P2V2 isn't use, CMIIW.

[@palansuya]

@@JeffSyam isnt mixing considered thermodynamic i.e. increase in entropy? Especially using hot water.

[@jedherman7450]

What a wonderful celebration of the fundamentals of engineering and physics.

[@MrEsPlace]

Thanks to James, frying my coffee has now become habitual. Every time I get a new bean, I have to brew it 1000 different ways and then move on to another. HEY JAMES!!!! HOW ABOUT EGG NOG IN YOUR COFFEE?!

[@nelsonclub7722]

I can't afford it. I have no use for it. If I had one it would not get used. I want one, where do I get it?

[@BlackSwan912]

😂🤣😂😅

[@bazza945]

Ah, ha, another gadget nerd, welcome.

[@MrRoyboy55]

I can't afford it *** covit!, my boss says i have a use for it , it would be an adventure every morning using it , I want one !!! i am going to find where to get one !!!! look away wallet lol

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@MrRoyboy55 Sneak up to wallet when its least expecting it!!!! Only way

[@notavailable.000]

lmao. it sounds typical

[@bluowl]

I've literally put all my other brewers away. I've had this for over 2 months now and it has become my daily driver. I use it on a Samsung induction stove with the metal plate and it has been making consistent brews for me. So happy with my purchase. Had a few hick ups in the beginning with grind, setup and having to change one of the gaskets but now it makes great shots. I'd definitely purchase it again and look forward to what the company develops next

[@ParisMay68]

I have one also and your good experience mirrors mine. I’m amused by all the negative comments here since every single one of them are from people who do not own the machine nor tasted an espresso made from one.

[@bluowl]

I’m still using it on a regular basis. Same machine. New basket which I love and replaced the gaskets.

[@joe18750]

James, I'd like to see you revisit this three years later. The price has come down remarkably since this video and I'm wondering have they made the tweaks; they and you spoke about. I'm also curious why they haven't scaled this up to a double shot of 240mils.

[@tom.hicken]

He states it's £295.. meanwhile in 2024 it's shot up to £399!

[@marctheshark5315]

Just came to say the same thing after having my interest piqued... I guess sanding that single surface cost them £100!@@tom.hicken

[@MoeSpice]

I’m interested in coffee yet have never looked anything up for it, got this recommended and it was pretty fun. Good job James

[@TheFinalMB]

Holy shirt pockets!! This thing looks absolutely amazing!! Props to the engineers on this!! *diverting funds of my coffee gadgets account*

[@akhilbhatnagar1]

I have been using this for the last 3 months. I love it - produces good quality espresso. Best to have a good burr grinder like the Niche. Really enhanced the espresso making after I got that grinder. Overall - it's great if you need it for yourself - one person only. Like Jim mentioned, it's for you, only you. Not for multiple people. But a great device overall.

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

Yeah, I'd certainly be more interested if they made a larger capacity model. For the time and effort to make just one, I can't see me ever considering this, even though it looks extremely appealing.

[@ExpertAquariumGirl]

Can I use my Rancilio Rocky with this? (Silly question, I’m sure yes but making sure)

[@dardinshouseofpancakes6260]

I just got mine two weeks ago. I got it because I don’t really have the counter space for a full machine or even a lever machine. It makes great coffee. After the first time I used it I use less water and don’t have any issues with the steam spout. Mine already has the nucleation fix. It can be a surprise when the pressure release goes off if your grind is too fine. I’ve also found that heating it up on the highest setting on my electric stove works best. I’m really glad that I can switch up my morning pour overs. I can also use this while I make breakfast or have some milk in an Ibrik on a separate burner.

[@TerryManitoba]

So - you still enjoy using the 9B and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@dardinshouseofpancakes6260]

@@TerryManitoba yeah I’m using it at least a few times a week. It makes great coffee and is pretty easy to use. There is some unexpected wear points like the wood on the handle is starting to fray/lacquer slowly coming off as water accidentally gets on it cleaning. But those are just aesthetic really. I’ve had a lot of good espresso using it near daily.

[@TerryManitoba]

@@dardinshouseofpancakes6260 THX for the reply - I've been deep into brewing my own great coffee for years and only occasionally pick up an espresso. For all the right reasons - I just may have to step up my coffee game and get myself a 9Barista...

[@dardinshouseofpancakes6260]

It’s about as good my local cafe’s shots. It does take a bit to dial in a new roast but I’ve had good success.

[@TerryManitoba]

@@dardinshouseofpancakes6260 As long as you've had some fun along the way learning to dial it - all is good.

[@ymeiner]

This machine needs to have a double sized sibling. If I brag to friends about it, I want to be able to make them coffee!

[@nicolazanni276]

You can have twice :)

[@lilianarestrepo1115]

I feel like that would take your house out if something went wrong.

[@lakedistrict9450]

Had mine for a couple of weeks now. Took 4-5 brews to dial in and now it’s a quick easy process to get top quality double shots time after time. Very happy with it, and although expensive for me, worth the £s for the results. 11 clicks on the Commandante with 16g dark roast beans is the sweet spot for me. Since JH’s review, they must have sorted the nucleation issue, as mine does not spit water from the chimney.

[@JeffDvrx]

I'm like two minutes in and I absolutely need this in my life, this thing is a masterpiece

[@JohnDennery]

Love the design on this, it looks brilliant! Hopefully they come out with a 50g model at some point so I can make a single batch for two people.

[@didiwin78]

It's really pretty, The cast surfaces and machining marks, mix of metals for heatsinks vs pressure pot, the nice brass valve body. Inspiring for a past machinist for sure!

[@fireblaze215]

I do have one as it was given as a gift and I have to agree that the fine tuning is a lengthy process but once dialed in, it makes fantastic coffee. Haven’t had many problems other than the ones addressed but I will say this, I prefer to hand grind my coffee with a mortal and pestle because of two things. Me not have the money for a decent grinder and it is an extra degree of control that i have when coffee. Again. Thanks for the content. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Nvlarr]

GRIND BY HAND! Jaysus. How?

[@BenHC]

@@Nvlarr I use a handgrinder when travelling due to size and durability, but using a mortar and pestle seems a bit too intense and perhaps too inconsistent for me... I suppose if your goal is very fine you can just keep going till you get there, and if your dose is small it would help... But even with a hand burr grinder it's slow

[@kevinm.8682]

Mortal and pestle?!? Wow! You are one dedicated soul! I'm guessing you work in small batches, removing the grounds when they get to the proper consistency. Otherwise you're looking at Turkish coffee everyday.

[@fireblaze215]

@@kevinm.8682 correct. 5-6 grams at a time.

[@leokuehnemann8898]

I’m literally the person you described as someone who needs this machine... I’m getting one

[@Ontheroadtourism]

I received mine today and I have used it twice. I can honestly say even after two uses it makes very good coffee. This is everything I was hoping for and I know this will take my coffee making to where I want it to be.

[@9Barista]

Very pleased to hear it. Sounds like you've got it nailed - but where here if you every need any help.

[@JoelConner]

"Awesome!!! A great little thing that is obviously going to be relatively inexpressive that I can use to make passable espresso at home without having to splurge on the $400 level machine!" This was before I clicked on the link and shed some tears.

[@Badastro59]

I received my Barista 9 ( 373) two weeks ago. There was some delays ( to be expected with covid 19 and a large number of people going insane) it was exactly what I wanted And I'm very pleased with it. Works well.( I just bring the temperature down at the 4 minute mark) Very beautiful. Owning something this Beautiful is a privilege. Even living in Australia and on a fixed income. I just made the necessary adjustments to afford this item . I previously bought the Atomic Expresso machine back in 1979. It was a disappointment and sold it a few years later as I never used it much . For $ 40.00 ( yes I know how much there worth now ) . I have been using a second hand Prodotti Stella for the last 17 years. Great for a latte. I'm using the Barista 9 just for shots at present. I don't know why so many people widge at the price I would not have a Flair or a " Home expresso machine" if you gave it to me. ( My Nephew did give me a Delongi magnifica) but I have never used it )

[@JasonBWSBKMotoAmerica]

The way you talk is just so perfect! I feel like a dumb "twit" after listening to you talk. Quite amazing.

[@moose99moose]

Mine arrives tomorrow! It’s been a long wait, thanks to a KZbinr who gave it a positive review 😉!

[@TerryManitoba]

So - How are you enjoying using and more importantly the espresso from the 9Barista?

[@paolobramucci3609]

Good review James, you now having me giving this some serious thought. Even before listening to your review, the look of this device had me giving it some serious thought from a design and artistic standpoint. I loved its minimal utilitarian refine look. The 9Barista Espresso Machine is quite literally Steampunk! Thank you sir for sharing your all things coffee passion with us. 👍🙏🙂

[@katherinek6166]

Looking for reviews of this machine is how I ended up on this channel. I've since ended up buying it. And also a lot of other equipment. And different kinds of coffee. This video did more damage to my wallet than I could have imagined. That said, I don't regret it. I'm enjoying my coffee a lot more now, not only in terms of its taste, but also the entire brewing experience.

[@MotoMatthew]

I knew this thing was expensive when I heard the noise of James unscrewing it haha. The sound screams quality, and therefore a hefty price tag.

[@uero-ro]

I wanted to share, in regards to the bubbling issue from the boiling chamber, from the 9Barista blog, they have already changed production to account for this moving forward: "If your machine serial number is greater than 322, then your machine has already had this treatment applied during production - so you shouldn’t need the kit."

[@robertjason6885]

Excellent, entertaining, honest review..as always. For folks who enjoy having a wee bit of fun hitting their mark, a wonderfully engineered device.

[@rjeary]

James, that is one of the most beautiful pieces of engineering I have ever seen. I must have it. Please 🙏

[@m3fpv253]

As an engineering student... godamn this thing is beautiful. Just a few days ago I was thinking about how cool a machine with an upside down portafilter would be. The thermodynamics engineering is also awesome! Ugh I want one so bad now haha

[@dennissvensson6051]

Why not make one? That would be a interesting school project. 🤔

[@bewatter3014]

@@dennissvensson6051 that project would cost really so much.. dont think that any university would support financially this project without any real reasoning/thesis behind it

[@dennissvensson6051]

@@bewatter3014 I've done some thinking about it and I really don't think that it would cost that mutch, still cheaper to by on second hand or the absolute budget class, I'll give you that (and less dangerous). I'm thinking about buying a broken espresso machine and repair it just for the learning, and a nice cup of espresso.

[@bewatter3014]

@@dennissvensson6051 if u would do technical drawing... and find a company to mold those parts it would be alone soooo freaking expensive... and i am not even talking about the surface work they would have to do... yeah why not go for it... its always nice to try understand systems and work on them = ) just be careful

[@dennissvensson6051]

@@bewatter3014 You are overtinking it, I could have been more clear on what I and probably TS as well would finde interesting to learn from building a espresso machine: thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, electricity and depending on the design analog or/and digital control. You don't need to go all the way and build everything from raw material to get the learning and satisfaction you want from the project, buy spair parts, and maybe even by a broken one. Try to figure it out why and how it works and what can you do bether/make it work as you want before disassemble for parts.

[@Zetsucat]

If you want to lower the temperature, perhaps add a tiny bit of alcohol through the chimney. Depending on the mixture you can sort of change the temperature then between 78°C and 100°C.

[@marcvdm1111]

you mean grappa? instant "café corretto"

[@Raminagrobisfr]

and if you want a couple degree higher temperature, it's very easy : just salt the water in the middle section. So it will boild slightly above 100°c.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

As a young engineer, i found only 2 coffee machines i would like to own: This and the Decent. The decent is just way too expensive for the amount of coffee i drink, but definitely gonna look into this a bit more.

[@georgeharisson1880]

Who knows, when you are an old engineer you maybe able to afford the decent 🤗

[@plox2030]

That's a beautiful bit of engineering. I dig how it nails what it sets out to do: just make true espresso reproducible in stove top form factor, however niche, and at whatever cost. It's the polar opposite to those offensive "budget" espresso machines destined only for ramping up climate change.

[@britebooy]

This is exactly what I have been waiting for. I’m probably going to make my purchase sometime around Christmas hopefully by then they will get all the bugs worked out. I am a mocha pot only coffee drinker, and this will take my game up to the next level.

[@Salaaran]

I'm a dedicated tea person myself, but this is totally something I might get if I were to have people in my life who are dedicated espresso people. I am a tinkerer by heart, so it seems like a fun project to figure this thing out, though not quite as daunting as some of the leaver style systems you can get. It is cool to me to see how different the perspective is in coffee: It seems like consistency i.e. getting the exact same brew every time is key, while in tea it's about multiple brews of the same material and paying attention to what you want to get, adjusting brew time and temp as you go. Even though I doubt I'd switch to coffee, this is totally something that would make me keen on dipping my toes into this world. The only issue I see is the fact that I do not like the roasted flavour at all, even roasted teas for me are kind of iffy and I tend to avoid them if possible.