I'm looking for a home espresso machine. I don't need the "top of the line" but I don't want a piece of crap. Volume doesn't need to be high, just want good, solid machine.
Thanks
Thanks
Coffee/Espresso Officionados
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
You can find a refurb'd Saeco Aroma via Ebay for a pittance (roughly 100-$150). We burned the pump out in ours in about 2 years, but the results were well worth it. We were knocking out significant amounts of espressos and americanos every day, and I taxed the hell out of that machine.
We've upgraded to a Technivorm Moccamaster drip, with a Breville grinder. Coupled with a local roaster that I trust, and the daily cuppa joe is tough to beat.
You can find a refurb'd Saeco Aroma via Ebay for a pittance (roughly 100-$150). We burned the pump out in ours in about 2 years, but the results were well worth it. We were knocking out significant amounts of espressos and americanos every day, and I taxed the hell out of that machine.
We've upgraded to a Technivorm Moccamaster drip, with a Breville grinder. Coupled with a local roaster that I trust, and the daily cuppa joe is tough to beat.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
In my experience the problem is getting the right temperature and consistency on the steam. That takes big bucks.
You should be able to find a good one for roughly the cost of a Prometheus, though.
In my experience the problem is getting the right temperature and consistency on the steam. That takes big bucks.
You should be able to find a good one for roughly the cost of a Prometheus, though.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
Mike,
It was suggested to my by another here, to look at 'refurbished units' due to the fact that most are returned by people who don't know how to use them to begin with. Specifically, it was suggested that I look at a particular Saeco model that was going for (estimated above) a good price.
I had previously "used up" an entry-level boiler unit, and was looking for another. But looking for a "Pump" type, to enjoy its/their benefits. I found refurbished Krups espresso machine (Pump type) for $50.00 USD in Maine.
Espresso Machine (Pump)
The machine is excellent, for us. Works like a charm. I only had to use a drill-bit, to open up the steam-vent hole, to allow air in. For this price you can't go wrong. My opinion, anyways.
And, if you call right now, you get free shipping too, (because you're in the states)
Mike,
It was suggested to my by another here, to look at 'refurbished units' due to the fact that most are returned by people who don't know how to use them to begin with. Specifically, it was suggested that I look at a particular Saeco model that was going for (estimated above) a good price.
I had previously "used up" an entry-level boiler unit, and was looking for another. But looking for a "Pump" type, to enjoy its/their benefits. I found refurbished Krups espresso machine (Pump type) for $50.00 USD in Maine.
Espresso Machine (Pump)
The machine is excellent, for us. Works like a charm. I only had to use a drill-bit, to open up the steam-vent hole, to allow air in. For this price you can't go wrong. My opinion, anyways.
And, if you call right now, you get free shipping too, (because you're in the states)
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
^ What he said. The Capresso is a great buy, makes a good demitasse of espresso, and with bi-monthly cleaning of running a little vinegar through it will pump for a good long time. The Capresso Infinity Burr grinder is also a good buy to accompany the coffee machine. The Cuisineart grinder is good, but the grinder pieces are based on plastic that requires yearly to bi-annual replacement. If it says Black and Decker on it, don't buy it. It sucks for espresso or grinding anything finer than very coarse.
IF you feel like spending the coin for one of the auto machines that grinds, tamps, steams, and cleans, you can't go wrong with the Ultima or one of the other larger machines
^ What he said. The Capresso is a great buy, makes a good demitasse of espresso, and with bi-monthly cleaning of running a little vinegar through it will pump for a good long time. The Capresso Infinity Burr grinder is also a good buy to accompany the coffee machine. The Cuisineart grinder is good, but the grinder pieces are based on plastic that requires yearly to bi-annual replacement. If it says Black and Decker on it, don't buy it. It sucks for espresso or grinding anything finer than very coarse.
IF you feel like spending the coin for one of the auto machines that grinds, tamps, steams, and cleans, you can't go wrong with the Ultima or one of the other larger machines
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
Check out the La Pavoni series. Nice thing is they run on steam pressure...no motors. However, it can be an experience trying to get the right combination of grind, tamp, and pull-time. The end results are well worth it. And, as an added benefit, they are a work of art.
La Pavoni
Check out the La Pavoni series. Nice thing is they run on steam pressure...no motors. However, it can be an experience trying to get the right combination of grind, tamp, and pull-time. The end results are well worth it. And, as an added benefit, they are a work of art.
La Pavoni
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
I can't believe you posted this without first consulting me
The different variants of this Saeco machine are the way to go. Sean the Nailer bought one on my recommendation and is very pleased with it. I've been using one of these since 1995 with no breakdowns. 3 shots a day for over a decade.
http://cgi.ebay.com/STARBUCKS-BARISTA-wh...=item19c4bb8164
I can't believe you posted this without first consulting me
The different variants of this Saeco machine are the way to go. Sean the Nailer bought one on my recommendation and is very pleased with it. I've been using one of these since 1995 with no breakdowns. 3 shots a day for over a decade.
http://cgi.ebay.com/STARBUCKS-BARISTA-wh...=item19c4bb8164
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my experience the problem is getting the right temperature and consistency on the steam. That takes big bucks.
You should be able to find a good one for roughly the cost of a Prometheus, though.
</div></div>
Coffee is not to be exposed to steam. At sea level, 212+ degrees F is way above optimal for coffee. Target temperature of the H2O while maintained in a liquid state is 180-190 degrees for making coffee.
This is why you buy a pump machine, not a steam machine.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my experience the problem is getting the right temperature and consistency on the steam. That takes big bucks.
You should be able to find a good one for roughly the cost of a Prometheus, though.
Coffee is not to be exposed to steam. At sea level, 212+ degrees F is way above optimal for coffee. Target temperature of the H2O while maintained in a liquid state is 180-190 degrees for making coffee.
This is why you buy a pump machine, not a steam machine.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
Starbucks Sirena is a good starter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAECO-STARBUCKS-SIRE...=item1c1acd33db
Starbucks Sirena is a good starter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAECO-STARBUCKS-SIRE...=item1c1acd33db
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
I have a Jura capresso f9 I love it, I have owned a Sacco in the past, it was great until it broke....I warn you, the capresso will turn you into a coffee snob
I have a Jura capresso f9 I love it, I have owned a Sacco in the past, it was great until it broke....I warn you, the capresso will turn you into a coffee snob
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
People,
When 9H speaks, (especially about coffee,,,,) listen up. He is definitely knowledgeable in this field. As are Switchblade and RJW.
There's lots of good information here, just depends on what you do with it, and which direction you take.
People,
When 9H speaks, (especially about coffee,,,,) listen up. He is definitely knowledgeable in this field. As are Switchblade and RJW.
There's lots of good information here, just depends on what you do with it, and which direction you take.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rero360</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been enjoying my aero press a lot this past year. </div></div>
If I were to buy anything else at this point it would be an Aeropress and the Aero foamer thingie.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rero360</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been enjoying my aero press a lot this past year. </div></div>
If I were to buy anything else at this point it would be an Aeropress and the Aero foamer thingie.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
Leo helped hook up the start of my fascination with proper coffee and espresso, hence the saeco...and now the Technivorm. His word is gold on this one.
I should live in San Francisco or Seattle, what with my wine and coffee habit.
Leo helped hook up the start of my fascination with proper coffee and espresso, hence the saeco...and now the Technivorm. His word is gold on this one.
I should live in San Francisco or Seattle, what with my wine and coffee habit.
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
Get an Aeropress. I pretty much only make coffee with this now. It makes an espresso shot and I add hot water making an Americano (ie, regular cup of coffee).
Read the reviews at Amazon. For $25 it is worth your time to try it and you'll be hard pressed to find a machine that makes a better cup for under $200.
http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK
Get an Aeropress. I pretty much only make coffee with this now. It makes an espresso shot and I add hot water making an Americano (ie, regular cup of coffee).
Read the reviews at Amazon. For $25 it is worth your time to try it and you'll be hard pressed to find a machine that makes a better cup for under $200.
http://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPress-Coffee-Espresso-Maker/dp/B0047BIWSK
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
I bought the wife a Kitchen Aid 5 years ago..... Hell of a machine with zero problems!
I bought the wife a Kitchen Aid 5 years ago..... Hell of a machine with zero problems!
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If I were to buy anything else at this point it would be an Aeropress and the Aero foamer thingie. </div></div>
I'm about to order the press on ya'lls recommendation but I can't find the "foamer thingie" what's that?
This? http://www.amazon.com/Aerolatte-Go-Milk-Frother-Black/dp/B0001RT2C4/ref=pd_sim_k_7
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If I were to buy anything else at this point it would be an Aeropress and the Aero foamer thingie. </div></div>
I'm about to order the press on ya'lls recommendation but I can't find the "foamer thingie" what's that?
This? http://www.amazon.com/Aerolatte-Go-Milk-Frother-Black/dp/B0001RT2C4/ref=pd_sim_k_7
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
The best buy I have had in a while is my Thermos(yeah, no shit!) press. It keeps the coffee hot, and works like any other press. I use Panty 6's hot water pot more than she does now, since making a press pot of coffee only takes maybe six minutes depending on my grind/steep time.
Without a doubt, I must agree that coffe demands a presspot for the best taste expereince. It brings out ALL the flavors, and
YOU MUST ADD a slight pinch of salt to heighten it up and DUMP THE natural bitterness most beans have.
Aside from that, the flavor of an espresso, or pressure steamed brew is a kick in the ass with it's robustness and will match up with a good cigar day in and day out, especailly a Drew Estate Maduro Tabak Especial Toro(yeah, it has a very slight essence of Nicaraguan coffee infused into it and it IS superb with a good cup of espresso or a press pot on a Saturday morning
The best buy I have had in a while is my Thermos(yeah, no shit!) press. It keeps the coffee hot, and works like any other press. I use Panty 6's hot water pot more than she does now, since making a press pot of coffee only takes maybe six minutes depending on my grind/steep time.
Without a doubt, I must agree that coffe demands a presspot for the best taste expereince. It brings out ALL the flavors, and
YOU MUST ADD a slight pinch of salt to heighten it up and DUMP THE natural bitterness most beans have.
Aside from that, the flavor of an espresso, or pressure steamed brew is a kick in the ass with it's robustness and will match up with a good cigar day in and day out, especailly a Drew Estate Maduro Tabak Especial Toro(yeah, it has a very slight essence of Nicaraguan coffee infused into it and it IS superb with a good cup of espresso or a press pot on a Saturday morning
Re: Coffee/Espresso Officionados
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
YOU MUST ADD a slight pinch of salt to heighten it up and DUMP THE natural bitterness most beans have. </div></div>
Crazy, I've never heard that. Will it cut the bitterness of 'already brewed' coffee?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
YOU MUST ADD a slight pinch of salt to heighten it up and DUMP THE natural bitterness most beans have. </div></div>
Crazy, I've never heard that. Will it cut the bitterness of 'already brewed' coffee?
