espresso machine recs

[s.tyler]

currently using a gaggia thats about 8 yrs old and not quite what it used to be. what machines under 1K would you recommend? no claiming that a moka pot is as good as espresso

[mhortsch]

Grinder first under the possibility that the one you're using isn't up to par.

Say a Mazzer or Macap for $300

Then something like a used Quickmill Anita for $1000

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by mhortsch

Grinder first...

No grinder, no glory.

[s.tyler]

i've got a good burr grinder that still works very well. the quickmill looks nice, i will see if i can find any used.

[klipsch]

You won't see the potential results of a prosumer machine with anything less than a Mazzer, Macap or an equivalent grinder. Pairing an Anita with a "good burr grinder" will surely bring you nothing but frustration. Jump into Coffee Geek and look for deals (and more guidance). I found my Livia 90 unused on craigslist for $800 a couple years back. I always see deals on machines and grinders in there.

[s.tyler]

this is the grinder i have:
Wholelattelove.com: Gaggia: Gaggia MDF: Grinders: Burr

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by s.tyler

this is the grinder i have:
Wholelattelove.com: Gaggia: Gaggia MDF: Grinders: Burr

You are in a pretty good neighborhood. $1000 brewers can be very neighborhood-demanding, however.

[Cigar Man Andy]

This was recommended to me as the best. Under $50 and makes four cups at a clip. Krups XP1020 Espresso Machine


We love ours.

[s.tyler]

Originally Posted by Cigar Man Andy

This was recommended to me as the best. Under $50 and makes four cups at a clip. Krups XP1020 Espresso Machine


We love ours.

although that is commonly referred to as an espresso machine, sadly it isnt. closer to a moka pot than an espresso machine. that machine works by heating water and forcing the steam thru a portafilter-like basket. a true espresso machine forces water thru at a specific temp & a specific pressure so that a reaction takes place with grounds that are compressed at a certain pressure resulting in one shot of liquid gold in 25 seconds topped with a light brown crema.

[mhortsch]

Doesn't hurt to post a threat over at CG announcing you are looking for a good used machine, stating the brand you are looking for.

Took me about a month of monitoring that site daily till I found my Anita (and mazzer).

Best purchase I've made, next to the Behmor.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Originally Posted by s.tyler

although that is commonly referred to as an espresso machine, sadly it isnt. closer to a moka pot than an espresso machine. that machine works by heating water and forcing the steam thru a portafilter-like basket. a true espresso machine forces water thru at a specific temp & a specific pressure so that a reaction takes place with grounds that are compressed at a certain pressure resulting in one shot of liquid gold in 25 seconds topped with a light brown crema.

There is no basket. The coffee goes into an espresso metal filter with handle. The same as the big boys at Starbucks. And the espresso comes out rich and frothy. I use ours a lot and never had a complaint. As a matter of fact, I still have a second one. If you PM me your address, I will send it to you. If you like it, you saved money, and if you don't, it didn't cost you a penny. All the best.

[MattB]

Originally Posted by Cigar Man Andy

There is no basket. The coffee goes into an espresso metal filter with handle. The same as the big boys at Starbucks. And the espresso comes out rich and frothy. I use ours a lot and never had a complaint. As a matter of fact, I still have a second one. If you PM me your address, I will send it to you. If you like it, you saved money, and if you don't, it didn't cost you a penny. All the best.

That is so cool, what a way to handle things

[s.tyler]

thanks for the offer but i maintain that it doesnt actually make espresso. i've owned several of those machines a couple krups and one braun. here is an article from coffee geek that touches on krups et al espresso machines. it may make great coffee, it just doesnt make espresso. definitely not trying to start an argument tho.
CoffeeGeek - Choosing a Semi / Auto Machine

[germantown rob]

Originally Posted by s.tyler

currently using a gaggia thats about 8 yrs old and not quite what it used to be. what machines under 1K would you recommend? no claiming that a moka pot is as good as espresso

I love my Moka Pots!

I just ordered the Oscar for under 1k. There where a few machines in this price range that where contenders but the Oscar won out on personal recommendations from owners.

[mrsmitty]

I had a delongi for about a year and sold it but It worked like a charm.