Looking for a Father’s Day gift (or a better way to caffeinate yourself before the kids wake up)? Target has this espresso machine with a built-in grinder and milk frother on sale for $359.99 — that’s $440 off the original price.
The RW Flame espresso machine is beginner-friendly, fast to set up (first shot in about 10 minutes), and can make coffee that tastes like it came from a shop — no barista training required. It even includes a steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos.
If you’ve been eyeing Breville machines but can’t stomach the $700 price tag, this is a solid option that’ll cost less than a month of coffee shop runs. Order one online before the deal (or stock) runs out.
How long does it take to set up a new espresso machine?
From unboxing to pulling your first shot should take about 20 minutes — theoretically fast enough to set it up the morning of a Father’s Day breakfast in bed (June 15, 2025). It’s simple to use, with no training required. But if you want to go deeper, your local baristas would love to chat when they’re not slammed (speaking as a former barista!). Local shop Clive Coffee also offers training and a wealth of online resources worth checking out.
How do I make good coffee at home?
The real secret to good coffee at home? It starts with your beans. Even in a new machine, espresso is only as good as its source. Brazilian coffees often have notes of chocolate, nuts, and mild sweetness. Guatemalan beans (especially from regions like Antigua or Huehuetenango) can also lean chocolatey, with a fuller body and hints of spice or caramel.
Want a bright, fruity flavor? Go for lighter roasts from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Tanzania. Ethiopian beans (especially from Yirgacheffe or Sidamo) are known for floral, citrus, and berry notes. Kenyan coffees tend to be juicy and tart — think blackcurrant or grapefruit. Tanzanian beans can bring a crisp acidity with stone fruit or citrus notes.
To find what you like, ask your baristas or even the folks at New Seasons for help picking based on tasting notes.
Freshness also matters quite a bit. Ideally, the coffee you’re grinding and brewing at home is about 5-14 days from when it was roasted. Doesn’t mean it’s bad after that time, but beyond about week 4, you’ll see aromatics (what smells good) and complexity (what makes you want a second cup) drop off significantly.
If you’re just getting into espresso or want something simple and unfussy for your mornings, the RW Flame espresso machine is a good choice. It’s easy to use, so you can make coffee at home that tastes better than you know where.
