https://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=181457
Disappointed he didn't say what the minimum pressure needs to be. Mr. Coffee's lowest-cost espresso machine has only 3 bars of pressure. Walmart.com has a Westbend espresso machine that has 16 bar of pressure but upon checking the westbend.com website, it doesn't show up (in fact, no espresso machines show up), so this might be a case of Walmart unloading old models of espresso machines that won't have support or parts. Buyer beware.
The machine Mike uses appears to be a Gevi: https://www.amazon.com/Gevi-Automatic-Cappuccino-Macchiato-Removable/dp/B08RYPGQ5W/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=espresso+machines&nav_sdd=aps&pd_rd_r=604d5b0b-3150-4542-a69d-ef17adda6c30&pd_rd_w=8pKTO&pd_rd_wg=wqpaO&pf_rd_p=8b941eb3-7d4b-46b9-9543-884cf234207f&pf_rd_r=K0W9CCKSXXVYFPHKAHKN&qid=1630618280&refinements=p_36%3A1253526011&s=home-garden&sr=1-2.
This rates at 20 bar and sells for $119.99 on amazon.com.
Mike mentions 5 bar, 10 bar, and 15 bar. Not sure if he was just giving examples of steam pressure, or if 5 bar would be sufficient. Upon relistening, it seems like he's suggesting that 5, 10, or 15 bar pressure would be sufficient. However, you might want to wait until he finishes his studies to see what he recommends before buying. If all else fails, a pressure cooker might be a substitute. I have a programmable pressure cooker (InstaPot) though have tried it. What if lights are out? Then a traditional pressure cooker would likely be as good. Put the star anise (or appropriate pine needles) in with water. How much would need to be experimented with.
Bella has a 5 bar espresso machine for 41.77. https://www.amazon.com/BELLA-Personal-Espresso-Decanter-Permanent/dp/B00BY2UGZM/ref=psdc_14162631_t3_B00IM56OXC
Imusa.com has a 5-bar espresso machine for $29.99. https://www.amazon.com/IMUSA-USA-GAU-18202-Cappuccino-Cappuccion/dp/B07L85NN3T/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=imusa+espresso+machine&qid=1630619744&sr=8-1
In the Q&A section, I found this, in response to "Is this truly an espresso maker":
"Yes, it is an actual espresso machine. However, it only puts out 5 bar pressure. A good espresso machine is between 7 and 9 bar pressure. However I have not found a machine on Amazon that actually puts out that amount of pressure. [I couldn't find one on walmart.com, either.] Typically there [are] 3.5 bar or 15 bar. So this one puts out as close to the amount of pressure required for a good pull of espresso."
That being said, I'd probably opt for something with more pressure, just because the purpose is for something medicinal and you want to be sure you are getting the most extraction of shikimic acid as possible. This is a good size for travel, though. And it does make macchiattos, if you happen to like them.
The cheaper they are, the less pressure they have, and less bells and whistles. Read the comments. Both sellers have refurbished options at a lower price, so a better machine might be affordable, if you are willing to take refurbished.
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