Dear listener, beware! When it comes to buying coffee-making gear, ‘upgrade-itis’ is real. And it’s been hitting the pockets of coffee lovers everywhere. Early symptoms include questioning whether to stick or twist, bewilderment at the range of choice, and uncertainty if spending those extra pounds on your kit can be tasted in your morning cup. But, dear listers, fear not — because help is at hand. In this episode, Jools figures out where that golden sweet spot is when buying grinders, espresso machines and filter coffee set ups. Are the savings from hand grinding beans worth the elbow grease? Can you really get a machine to make quality espresso for less than £300? And what’s the point of an automatic filter brewer? Coffee expert and Youtuber Lance Hedrick dials in from the Onyx Coffee Lab in Arkansas, USA, to help Jools and Scott identify the issues of diminishing returns. So roll up your sleeve as we help you stave off that expensive ‘upgrade-itis’ before it’s too late! — Join our Patreon to support the show and win a free premium hand grinder! https://bit.ly/3vrispx Check out Lance’s videos on Youtube - Modding espresso machines with PID sensors: https://bit.ly/3qokWUq Upgrading burrs sets in your grinders: https://bit.ly/3ipPvEN Listen to our previous AIC about buying an espresso machine: https://bit.ly/369Aogp Follow Lance Hedrick (https://bit.ly/351RcW2) and the Jester’s Tower (https://bit.ly/3N7wXY4) on Instagram. Learn more about the Siemens EQ700 fully automatic espresso machine: https://bit.ly/3Ia8yy5 Find your perfect roast with the Ikawa Home: https://bit.ly/3IdYVPc Join us at the London Coffee Festival! Send us an email - [email protected] Tell your local barista about Adventures in Coffee! Our Instagram handles: James Harper / Filter Stories: https://bit.ly/2Mlkk0O Jools Walker / Lady Velo: http://bit.ly/39VRGew Scott Bentley / Caffeine Magazine: https://bit.ly/3oijQ91