We love our coffee, and we love the stuff that makes our coffee. A coffee hobbyist is someone who takes coffee seriously and has a passion about it. This is a very general definition because it’s an immense topic.
At one end of the spectrum, you have highly regarded experts in coffee. And at the other end of the spectrum, you have people beginning their journey in the coffee world.
The motivation for people beginning their journey might vary widely. Some people might simply want to brew a good cup of specialty coffee and it ends there. Others might be more interested in pulling the so-called sweet shot of espresso on a consistent basis.
This is how I began my journey. I wanted to enjoy perfectly pulled espresso shots at home and expand from there. Like other coffee aficionados, the coffee hobby ceaselessly continues to bring joy.
It’s one of the beautiful things to wake up to, whether it’s a pulling shot of espresso or brewing a pour over. And to make this happen, some kind of investment is needed.
It doesn’t even have to cost much as one can begin with a Moka pot and/or a V60 and ground coffee. So, there’s a misconception that this hobby is costly. However, it can be. Because like all other products there is a wide range in quality and prices.
Personally, I almost never opt for the cheapest nor the most expensive. This applies to almost anything I buy. It’s important to find products that help us achieve the coffee quality we desire without going down the rabbit hole.
It eventually gets to the point of diminishing returns between many espresso machines and grinders. What’s also important is workflow, I like products that simplify workflow because the point (for me) is pleasant workflow and resulting good brew.
Some, genuinely enjoy tweaking their products and electronics to them. Good for them, because they enjoy that. There are people who prefer top of the line everything and good for them too.
I think as long as the hobby remains pleasurable and continues to motivate then it’s a good thing. I look at it as journey, one that continues to expand and with it more knowledge.