What do you guys use for a reasonably priced espresso machine?
What is "resonable"? I have a VIbiemme Domobar and like it a lot (and yes, the buttons are fixed now ) Image Unavailable, Please Login
How serious are you? Are looking for a fully automatic machine? I have a QuickMill Vetrano, but it's hardly "reasonably priced" by any definition. I find that if you are both serious about espresso and looking for a good, inexpensive espresso machine, the Gaggia line are where to start. They are capable of making excellent espresso, and are fairly inexpensive. Well, relatively speaking... Also in my opinion, the grinder is the critical piece. More important than the machine itself. It used to be that you could buy used Mazzer grinders on ebay for a reasonable price, and end up with one of the best grinders in the world, but I think that train has left the station... I have a Rancilio Rocky, and it's been great for many years, but again, hardly inexpensive. I'd take a look at coffeegeek.com and see what the latest thing is. Let us know what you find out!
they have great flavors and this one has been especially reliable, easy to use, and easy to keep clean. Image Unavailable, Please Login
If La Pavoni is the Mercedes of espresso makers, La Marzocco is definitely the Ferrari (I've got three of them). But Donv is right, the critical piece is the grinder. Get yourself a good one. I like both Mazzer and Compak grinders, though Mahlkonig is very good too. If you're not quite ready to go hog wild, spend the money on a good grinder and a decent espresso machine. The grinder will last you many years and many machine upgrades. To start out, the Rancilio Rocky for about $800 is a decent buy. Reasonably good to work with, many start out with that and learn the basics before upgrading to more capable machines. Vibiemme, La Pavoni, ECM and La Valentina are all great machines for home use and will run you $1500 to $2000. The high end machines, like the La Marzocco GS3, are pushing $5000. If you're interested in the Mazzer, Compak or La Marzocco let me know. I'm a dealer for those lines and can do a good deal for fellow FChatters. The thing about espresso is that it takes time, dedication and practice to make really good espresso - even more so if you want to make great cappuccinos and lattes. It's a lot of work but if you're in search of great espresso at home, it can be very rewarding. Some other online resources to review are Home-Barista.com and Coffeegeek.com
When Starbucks was making their transition to the superautos several years ago, you could buy Mazzer Super Jollys and Majors on eBay all day long... I could never convince my wife that it was worth the counter space. I always wanted a Super Jolly with a Mini hopper... My other problem with the Mazzers is the doser... for commercial use, it makes total sense, but for home use you end up wasting a lot of coffee, or having it go stale. I know you can get the Minis in a doserless configuration, but they really seem to jack up the price for those.
You a dealer for baratza by chance? I've been looking at picking up one of the new baratza forte bg's. Wholesale from my roaster (intelli) is a joke on them unfortunately
The Andreja is very nice, but the noise gets to be annoying after a while. Once you've lived with a rotary pump, it's hard to go back.
I really like my Saeco super automatic...grinds, tamps, and brews with a push of a button..have had 3 super auto's and seems that Saeco makes the best
Actually, just talking to Baratza about bringing them in for our retail customers. What are you looking for? I'll check on the pricing.
i use a nespresso machine ... convenient since many coffee flavours & strengths available in capsules ...
Here you go! Seattle coffee has them for $395... Saeco Vienna Plus Superautomatic Espresso Machine | Seattle Coffee Gear
+1 I don't drink caffeine and my wife does. So the Nespresso capsules work well. There are a variety of machines at various pricepoints.
True but you should not grind until immediately before use...or so say the barrista's! You can go with a VSpresso Saeco model but $800 and does little more than allow ground coffee and imho doesn't make as good a cup...had one for 3+ yrs....
i bought a breville 800esxl espresso machine. experts say the espresso should be heated to 195 degrees. but when i make a shot with a warmed up cup and handle, the espresso comes out at 155 degrees in the cup. are all machines like this? i bought a new machine cuz my old machine was acting just like the new one. any thoughts? thanks
