Breville Barista Express vs 1Zpresso Q2 Manual Coffee Grinder

I don't think this is essential for a latte, but if you drink espresso your first cup will be lukewarm unless you let the machine fully heat up (which is long after all the lights are on). - The default recommended settings on the grinder are working like a charm, so we probably won't mess with them much. We are using whole bean Starbucks espresso. - The manual doesn't explain the grinder mechanism very well

However, in spite of the multiple settings for the coarseness of the grind, I wish there was even a finer setting as I have to use the highest setting the entire time. The lower settings are way too coarse. It is very easy to grind the beans and it is extremely portable, though a bit heavy if you are watching your carry-on weight when traveling. Taking it completely apart to clean will be daunting for some people; they should buy an electric coffee grinder! I like its ease of use and portability

Buying those same 62 drinks at Sbux would have cost $415 (not count tip I always leave so actually closer to $500 for 62 triple venti Ice lattes at Sbux costing nearly $7 each + tip. So I figure I when just considering supplies I used $30 in beans and syrup and at around $4 per gallon, I have used maybe another $20 in Milk so $50 total in supplies about vs. around $500 for buying the drinks at Sbux including tip means I paying 10% what I used to and have saved $450 ($150 less than I paid for the machine) in a single month on the drinks for me and my daughter. As I started off saying, it does take me 15 minutes from start to finish of cleanup to make those two drinks but it could be half that without cleanup every time but I also never wait in a drive through line

Maybe stretch your budget a juuuuuuuuust a little bit and buy a JX pro and a Flair Classic. I bought the 1zpresso Q2 and it is a tank - amazing grinder for sure - but I wish I saved up a little more for the JX Pro. When I bought the Q2, a month after that I was just angry because it is a great grinder with quality build that could have been perfect if I had just bought the more expensive version.

Shot looked good, smelled good but had too much of an acidic sour taste to it still in my opinion. I’m using a breville barista express and filtered water, letting the porta filter heat up before and using a scale and timer for everything. Am I missing something else here to make the taste more enjoyable or maybe I’m just not a pure espresso drinker?

I could taste the difference immediately. Great service from Alternative Brewing as always - arrived faster than expected! Thank you.