Using an 18g dose and $16 per pound beans, coffee alone costs about $0.63 per drink. The launch model adds roughly $0.20 for water, energy, and cleaning, plus $0.48 for a milk-heavy profile, producing about $0.83 for straight espresso and $1.31 for a milk drink before equipment amortization.
This page compares published specifications, prices, and disclosed models. It does not claim hands-on testing unless a specific statement is labeled “Observed.” Price is a dated snapshot, not a guarantee.
Bean cost is arithmetic
Divide bag price by bag mass, then multiply by dose. An 18g dose uses about 0.0397 pounds. Different dose, bag price, waste, and purge behavior change the line immediately.
Milk and waste are behavior
Milk cost depends on beverage size and pitcher waste. Dial-in waste is usually higher while a coffee is new or equipment changes. A calculator should let those assumptions move.
Equipment belongs in a separate view
Variable cost explains the next drink. Amortized cost spreads machine, grinder, and required items across an assumed number of drinks. Keep both views so a low ingredient number does not hide the purchase.
Questions, answered
Is home espresso cheaper than a café?
Usually on variable cost, but equipment and behavior determine total savings and break-even.
How many grams of coffee are in the model?
The current default is 18 grams per drink and is disclosed in calculator copy.
Does the cost include the machine?
The variable-cost result does not. Break-even and amortized views add equipment separately.
Sources and checks
We favor manufacturer, standards-body, government, and authorized-retailer records. Follow the links below to inspect the underlying evidence.
- Coffee standards and protocolsSpecialty Coffee Association · source reviewed 2026-07-21
- Espresso Receipt methodologyEspresso Receipt · source reviewed 2026-07-21
See a stale price or conflicting specification? Send a correction.