[tschwimmer]

Unlike MKBHD, James Hoffman has some slightly more objective credibility. He won some barista competitions about 15 years ago. He's been involved in the coffee industry (outside of being a content creator) for most of his life. As far as I know about Marques, his main qualification is that he was just relatively early to the tech review game.

That is not to say that I personally take all or most of Hoffman's suggestions at face value. It's abundantly clear that the level of nuance he considers in coffee is not relevant to me. But I do tend to see him applying a much more objective level of rigor to his reviews than many other content creators.

[ZephyrBlu]

The draw of MKBHD has nothing to do with "objective credibility". Consumer tech reviews are more about whether the reviewer will discuss daily usability objectively, and entertainment.

Coffee is more niche. It makes more sense for "objective credibility" to play a role there.

[MrSkelter]

Very few tech reviewers have anything other than experience. Nilay Patel trained as a lawyer. He can’t code, can’t engineer, isn’t an industrial designer etc. it’s one reason why tech reviews are so obsessed with keyboards. For most reviewers keyboard feel is one of the few areas they have real expertise in.

MKBHD is absolutely as qualified as 99% of his peers.

[tredre3]

Nilay Patel is an odd example to use. He has absolutely no credibility and he just attacks critics when his errors are pointed out.

[VeejayRampay]

he's also fair, often trashes big brands when their products are mediocre

I have great respect for his integrity and body of work

[krowek]

He's also deleted some of his videos because they had mentions to brands or companies with wrong practices (yes, plain wrong).

Also has very good books. So, totally not the average youtuber/content creator out there.

[dogboat]

When he trashed the aldi espresso machine I think he was unfair. The main issues with it are probably the same issues you get on a Breville until you tune the OPV and get a seperate grinder. That said I dont think he is the screwdriver to espresso machine type.

[hunter2_]

I've got a Bambino Plus and so far the only customizations are a bottomless portafilter, a huge single wall basket (IMS), programming the flow presets for a good ratio by weight in/out, and optimizing the grind specifically for 30s duration. I'll have to look into your OPV suggestion; anything else?

[dogboat]

Bambino might be OK stock?? Not sure. Only change the OPV if you have a problem to solve. For me it was slightly too fine gets zero extraction and the pressure compacts the puck. Then go a bit coarser and it spews out.

[marcellus23]

> That said I dont think he is the screwdriver to espresso machine type.

He's mentioned modding espresso machines many times in his videos, and brings it up often during reviews.

[diob]

Yeah, I wouldn't compare them at all. Hoffman is also by all appearances and mannerisms a standup individual, more of a Mr. Rogers of coffee than anything else, in my opinion.

[hunter2_]

Mr. Rogers is a great comparison. Something about the sweaters and always wishing viewers a good day!