Originally Posted By: hybrid8
... One is coffee and the other is coffee ground "tea."

And, I'm by no means a coffee snob.
*sigh*

I don't want to argue the definitions of 'coffee' and 'espresso', nor 'objective' and 'subjective'.
I appreciate your enthusiasm for the drink, however, and also all the responses in this thread regarding how to heat water.

One of my requirements for the product is a somewhat low price. I'm afraid I can't spend $50 for a water heating strategy, even if it is the most efficient/fastest/adjustable.
I also require a little flexibility in use- hot water for things other than coffee (egad!), for example. So you see, a dedicated espresso machine is out of the question.

@larry818 The hot water 'pot' is an interesting angle I hadn't though of. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for something that might work. They seem to be larger than the electric kettles, though, and I rarely would need capacity beyond a quart.

hmm more searching

Thanks very much for the replies!
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