The Obtainer - 8/6/25, Wednesday

Valet.
The Obtainer

Wednesday,
August 6th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

If you're serious about good coffee, it might be time to level up. These three espresso machines deliver real value—and seriously good shots.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief \0x22EF @coryohlendorf

 

Good/Better/Best

Espresso Machines

Maybe you’re getting tired of spending five bucks a day at your local café. Or perhaps you're looking to turn your love of good coffee into a proper habit. Or you just want to try your hand at latte art. Whatever your reason, you're ready to invest in a solid espresso machine and start making your coffee drinks exactly the way you like it. Whether you want to keep things simple or fully embrace your inner barista, there's a machine for every level of interest and budget.

We looked at dozens of options and chose three that offer excellent performance at their respective price points. From a reliable starter that gets the job done with minimal fuss, to a mid-tier workhorse packed with pro-level features, and finally, a luxury machine that's essentially a mini café in your kitchen—each one offers strong value where it counts.

 
Good 

The Smarter Starter

+ Touchscreen interface with easy, custom shot timing

+ Compact body with Italian-style ULKA pump

+ Surprisingly strong steam wand for silky microfoam

+ Commercial-style 58 mm portafilter for better espresso flavor

$359.99 by Gemilai

 
 
Better 

Café Quality

+ Built-in conical burr grinder with adjustable grind settings

+ Intelligent dose system auto corrects, while “Impress” puck system auto-tamps grounds for consistency

+ Thermocoil with PID temperature control delivers water at exactly 200°F

+ Powerful steam wand works fast and creates true microfoam milk

$799.95 by Breville

 
 
Best 

All-in-One Machine

+ Built in Florence, same as their commercial machines

+ Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming

+ Connected app to control temp, scheduling and cleaning alerts

+ Manual paddle for hands-on control over the shot

$6,600 by La Marzocco

 
 
Drops to
Watch For
 
 

Le Labo’s Kyoto exclusive fragrance, Osmanthus 19, is now available for a limited time worldwide. Inspired by the brand’s Kyoto flagship, housed in a restored machiya filled with warm wood and raw textures, the fragrance captures the ancient-meets-modern vibe of Kyoto. The scent opens with incense and lavender before revealing the star: a rich osmanthus note that’s creamy, woody and just a touch fruity. It dries down to something quietly warm and slightly mysterious. Available in sizes from 15 ml to a half-liter, the fragrance joins the likes of Seoul's Citron 28 and Mexico City’s Coriandre 39. If you're into refined, unconventional scents, this one’s worth tracking down while you can.

Available now

 
Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 

Made from molded birch plywood, this can be used vertically or horizontally to serve as a side or coffee table that holds magazines or a laptop table.

$345 / $276
by Offi

 

Boat shoes are enjoying a resurgence and this nubby suede take from Sperry offers a textural take that will easily transition into fall.

$130 / $94.99
by Sperry Top-Sider

 

J.Crew cut a handsome shirt-jacket from a lightweight linen-cotton blend that's perfect for layering and warmer weather.

$128.99 / $45.99
(w/code ADDTOBAG)
by J.Crew

 

Want more?
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To this day, all Island Slipper flip-flops are still made by hand in Hawaii. They are to flip-flops as Birkenstock is to all other sandals.”

 

The OG Luxury Flip-Flop Is 80 Years Old & Handmade in Hawaii

 

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Finding a balance between feeling cooler and actually cooling oneself down can be a challenge.”

 

As the Planet Heats Up, Neck Fans Are Getting More Popular

 

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InsideHook
 

I think about the most glorious summer lunches—the sensation of holding a cold martini glass with French fry salt crystallizing between my finger and the condensation.”

 

The Lost Art of Taking a Long, Boozy Lunch

 

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Esquire
Mood Board

themasterofspeed

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xxxALTxxx
 

An exceptional tropical dial, faded from dark chocolate to warm caramel, adorns this 1968 Rolex Explorer reference 1016 a perfect and iconic rivet Oyster bracelet.

 
 

2,489 likes

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April 5