Substack diary No.124: Monday, 13th. April 2026

My morning cappuccino is a luxury I look forward to immensely, but there is a possibility it is under threat. My espresso machine does not appear to be working as well as it should, and it is not even ten years old. Prior to retirement I purchased everything I thought I would need for however many ‘pensioner’ years I might have. I was hoping for at least 20. The problem is – and I knew this before I retired – if something goes wrong and has to be replaced I am somewhat compromised.

I appreciate quality more than most, not only because of the human skill, thought and effort that went into good design and construction, whether it be a sofa or a record deck, but because of sustainability – the longevity of quality.

I purchased the most expensive and, for me, the most suitable espresso ‘pod’ machine. A Sage Creatista Pro that uses Nespresso pods – or any other pods made to that specification. Purists might be alarmed but I am happy with my choice. As I get older I suspect I will be less able to use and clean a bean-to-cup espresso machine, much as I would love to have one. Furthermore, I enjoy a variety of coffee single estate or blends during the day and from one day to another. A bag of beans would last me a week or more so I would be drinking the same coffee day in day out until the next bag is opened. Recently one or two espresso machines have emerged that have bean hoppers that can be swapped, which is a good idea. However, for me that would simply mean having to store beans for longer than is good.

The Sage has been a good friend for some years, but has developed a minor leak that I can manage. However, it seems to me that the thermoblock heater may not be working as well as it should. The machine is programmable and I have created programmes that extract slightly more coffee from a pod – between a single and double espresso – and which heat the water and/or milk to a greater degree than would be usual. But how long will it last? To some this may seem like a minor concern, and I feel sure that in the great scheme of things it probably is. But if you enjoy a good coffee as much as I do, life would be that little bit more drab without an espresso machine.