Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Espresso machines that are accessible for the blind? (self.Blind)
submitted by Comacrin
Hello,
I’ve been considering getting an espresso machine. Currently, I’m using this AeroPress recipe https://www.javapresse.com/blogs/aeropress/aeropress-espresso-recipe which can do a semi-decent job, but I’d like to upgrade to something that can actually pull real espresso shots. Is anyone who’s completely blind successfully using a quality espresso machine? I know I’ll have to stay away from machines with touch screens and capacitive buttons and my preference is to also stay away from anything that relies from anything that depends on any sort of app or WiFi.
I’ve used a moka pot in the past and wasn’t a real fan. I also don’t need something with all sorts of bells or whistles like an integrated grinder, frother and scale as I already have a Baratza Virtuoso and accessible kitchen scale. Really just something that’s capable of pulling two shots and has a removable water tank to measure out the water I suppose.
I was gifted a Ninja coffee maker for Christmas that had all sorts of functions, but it unfortunately had one of those capacitive buttons with a menu you had to cycle through to pick what you wanted to do. There was no way I could use it.
I know you can go down the rabbit hole when it comes to espresso, but I’d like to keep my budget around $600 max.
If anyone’s got any suggestions or hands-on input on any models that can be operated mainly with tactile buttons and or switches/levers, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
I’ve been considering getting an espresso machine. Currently, I’m using this AeroPress recipe https://www.javapresse.com/blogs/aeropress/aeropress-espresso-recipe which can do a semi-decent job, but I’d like to upgrade to something that can actually pull real espresso shots. Is anyone who’s completely blind successfully using a quality espresso machine? I know I’ll have to stay away from machines with touch screens and capacitive buttons and my preference is to also stay away from anything that relies from anything that depends on any sort of app or WiFi.
I’ve used a moka pot in the past and wasn’t a real fan. I also don’t need something with all sorts of bells or whistles like an integrated grinder, frother and scale as I already have a Baratza Virtuoso and accessible kitchen scale. Really just something that’s capable of pulling two shots and has a removable water tank to measure out the water I suppose.
I was gifted a Ninja coffee maker for Christmas that had all sorts of functions, but it unfortunately had one of those capacitive buttons with a menu you had to cycle through to pick what you wanted to do. There was no way I could use it.
I know you can go down the rabbit hole when it comes to espresso, but I’d like to keep my budget around $600 max.
If anyone’s got any suggestions or hands-on input on any models that can be operated mainly with tactile buttons and or switches/levers, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
SparklySpaghetti 3 points 1y ago
Have you looked at Nespresso? Yes, it uses pods, but you can get reusable ones. The model we have at the office has only two buttons and a handle to move.
Comacrin [OP] 2 points 1y ago
My bad. I should have made it clear that I didn’t want a pod machine. I roast and grind my own beans. Thanks anyway.
MostlyBlindGamer 3 points 1y ago
Off the top of my head I'd recommend the Breville Bambino. I think it checks all your boxes, including clicky buttons, a removable tank and no frills operation. It should be in your price range. The one issue with it is the pressurized portafilter, but you can easily get a replacement.
Arqeria 3 points 1y ago
Tassimo machines can do a variety of different things, including espressos. Literally just fill the water tank, put it back on the machine, put your cup under the spout, insert the pod, push the button and wait. You can also hold the button down after it’s finished to add more water, which can sometimes come in handy when doing larger drinks. I’ve been using this for a long time, and it doesn’t get much simpler.
GreatSunJester 2 points 1y ago
Depending upon your vision level, the Gaggia Classic Pro may be what you are looking for. $500.00 gets you a single boiler machine with pressuized and non-pressurized portafilter baskets and has a steam wand.
There are three toggle switches in front with red indicator lights underneath: Power, Brew on/off, Steam on/off (light come on when temperature has risen to steam level).
A dial knob on the side to control steam if you want to froth milk, but from your post it seems you just want shots only.
Of course, you need a grinder that can grind to take advantage of "real" expresso hardware and I am not sure your Virtuoso can do that. If you use the pressurized basket, you should be fine.
You just need to stay very aware that you will be using exposed hot hardware at times, but that is expected.
There are three toggle switches in front with red indicator lights underneath: Power, Brew on/off, Steam on/off (light come on when temperature has risen to steam level).
A dial knob on the side to control steam if you want to froth milk, but from your post it seems you just want shots only.
Of course, you need a grinder that can grind to take advantage of "real" expresso hardware and I am not sure your Virtuoso can do that. If you use the pressurized basket, you should be fine.
You just need to stay very aware that you will be using exposed hot hardware at times, but that is expected.
Comacrin [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you for this suggestion. You guys are convincing me more and more to opt for something with an integrated grinder that can do a competent espresso grind. Also, I'm completely blind. I'm not terribly concerned about light indicators. Do something enough times and you eventually get the rhythm of how something works. you can also pick up on other clues like the sounds a machine might be making at a particular stage etc.
GreatSunJester 1 points 1y ago
Unfortunately, this is pointing you toward a super automatic type of machine (with an exception). Except for the Jura brand machines, these require removal and cleaning the brew group mechanics. It is not hard, but you would want to get your hands on one to see how easy it is to remove and replace the parts. It should be simple, from the videos I have watched, but may take a lot of practice.
When I use a super automatic, I had Jura brand which are the higher price machines and are simpler to clean.
The lowest price Gaggias have some physical buttons, but even these have graphic indicators for grind level and coffee strength. Easy enough to get around if you know how many levels there are to choose from.
Now, on to the exception. The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one machine, but does not do everything for you. It is also a bit higher price than your limit. It grinds the beans into a portafilter after which everything else is manual like a normal espresso machine. Physical buttons for the controls.
I wish I had better information for you, but this has never come up with any clients and I have never found any articles on the subject.
When I use a super automatic, I had Jura brand which are the higher price machines and are simpler to clean.
The lowest price Gaggias have some physical buttons, but even these have graphic indicators for grind level and coffee strength. Easy enough to get around if you know how many levels there are to choose from.
Now, on to the exception. The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one machine, but does not do everything for you. It is also a bit higher price than your limit. It grinds the beans into a portafilter after which everything else is manual like a normal espresso machine. Physical buttons for the controls.
I wish I had better information for you, but this has never come up with any clients and I have never found any articles on the subject.
Comacrin [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I posted the same query on the coffee subreddit. One commenter mention that the virtuoso (my grinder) wasn’t going to cut it for an espresso grind. that the Breville barista line of espresso machines could do the job though. my concern is that the more stuff included into a machine, the more you have to worry about something being inaccessible. Does having an integrated grinder complicate things? I figured I could just weigh the beans on my Bluetooth kitchen scale before inserting them into the Machine’s grinder. folks have made some pretty good suggestions on that thread if anybody wants to check it out as well. It has the same title as this one. .
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
You can try single dosing with the Barista Express grinder, but it's a terrible grinder. The adjustment steps are huge and adjusting the top burr to grind finer is a visual process. Otherwise, it's actually pretty tactile.
Comacrin [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I was initially leaning towards the Barista Express, but the more I read about it, it seem like there were more caveats as far as accessibility. It’s great, but for this or that… Someone on the coffee subreddit posted this link by a blind creator who did a walkthrough on the Barista Express https://youtu.be/Z6CpkM1X1Xw
It seems there are two models. The Express (BES870XL) and Express Pro (BES878BSS1BUS1). I’m guessing she did it on the Express since she didn’t exactly specify. Looks like there’s a $100 difference between the two models with the Pro having an LCD screen.
Someone else posted this link on a coffee blog specifically talking about espresso machines accessible for the blind https://www.coffeeness.de/en/barrier-free-super-automatics/
More about what would be needed as far as features etc. with a few models mentioned. The first one being the DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110.B. Seems like that’s an older model though. I’ve only come across it on eBay and other obscure sites which I’d personally pass on.
I think I’m settling on the bambino as an entry level machine and if I really get into espresso, I’ll probably look into getting a manual espresso device like the Cafélat Robot where I don’t have to worry about certain features or aspects of the device not being accessible or some part of the machine breaking down like the internal grinder or heating mechanism. I’ve gotten pretty good at making a pour-over on the V60 and an Aeropress coffee. I’m sure like anything else, it would just be a matter repetitions to figure it out and get better at. If my virtuoso isn’t good enough for espresso, I can maybe spring for a hand grinder for that purpose or see if I can score a deal on a better or refurbished grinder down the road.
Anyway, thanks for the input.
It seems there are two models. The Express (BES870XL) and Express Pro (BES878BSS1BUS1). I’m guessing she did it on the Express since she didn’t exactly specify. Looks like there’s a $100 difference between the two models with the Pro having an LCD screen.
Someone else posted this link on a coffee blog specifically talking about espresso machines accessible for the blind https://www.coffeeness.de/en/barrier-free-super-automatics/
More about what would be needed as far as features etc. with a few models mentioned. The first one being the DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110.B. Seems like that’s an older model though. I’ve only come across it on eBay and other obscure sites which I’d personally pass on.
I think I’m settling on the bambino as an entry level machine and if I really get into espresso, I’ll probably look into getting a manual espresso device like the Cafélat Robot where I don’t have to worry about certain features or aspects of the device not being accessible or some part of the machine breaking down like the internal grinder or heating mechanism. I’ve gotten pretty good at making a pour-over on the V60 and an Aeropress coffee. I’m sure like anything else, it would just be a matter repetitions to figure it out and get better at. If my virtuoso isn’t good enough for espresso, I can maybe spring for a hand grinder for that purpose or see if I can score a deal on a better or refurbished grinder down the road.
Anyway, thanks for the input.
MostlyBlindGamer 1 points 1y ago
That video is of the regular model.
You might be able to get some hands-on contact with any of Breville's models at your local big box store, come to think of it.
You might be able to get some hands-on contact with any of Breville's models at your local big box store, come to think of it.
altgenetics 2 points 1y ago
What coffee grinder do you have? That is another factor. If you don’t have a grinder capable of espresso grind you’ll need to include that in your budget.
I 2nd the pick for the Breville Bambino Plus. It would be what I would get as my first machine.
I 2nd the pick for the Breville Bambino Plus. It would be what I would get as my first machine.
Comacrin [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I have a Baratza Virtuoso.
altgenetics 1 points 1y ago
Perfect. Just had to make sure you weren’t going at those beans with a Mr. Coffee Grinder or something.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
The good thing about the pressurized portafilter in the Bambino, in this case, is OP can use their current grinder.
Integrated grinders are pretty terrible, anyway.
Integrated grinders are pretty terrible, anyway.
scintillatingemerald 1 points 1y ago
I’m getting a Coffeejack when the kickstarter finally completes - manual portable espresso maker, no touch screen etc!
SoapyRiley 1 points 1y ago
I have a Keurig Cafe that has regular buttons and NO SCREEN! I don’t drink real (as in straight) coffee or espresso but use it make mochas and macchiatos so I can’t comment on taste though. I also use it for tea. It has a milk frother. The button are arranged logically. It’s the most accessible machine in my house.
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