Espresso Machine Recomendations

[Dandee]

I just recently returned from a trip to Europe and got myself addicted to Espresso. As I don't have an espresso machine, I'm now in the market for a semi automatic one. I'd like to keep it on the lower side of $300, but am flexible on price. Any recommendation for a novice?

Current models under consideration include:
Saeco Aroma
Gaggia Espresso Machine
La Pavoni Espresso Si
Rancilio Silvia

I really like the Silvia combo with the Rocky grinder, but $850 is a bit steep for my first machine.

Thanks,

Dan

[ResIpsa]

Originally Posted by Dandee

I just recently returned from a trip to Europe and got myself addicted to Espresso. As I don't have an espresso machine, I'm now in the market for a semi automatic one. I'd like to keep it on the lower side of $300, but am flexible on price. Any recommendation for a novice?

Current models under consideration include:
Saeco Aroma
Gaggia Espresso Machine
La Pavoni Espresso Si
Rancilio Silvia

I really like the Silvia combo with the Rocky grinder, but $850 is a bit steep for my first machine.

Thanks,

Dan

Mr. Moo is going to burst in here any second talking about grinders coming first ....before he arrives and starts in with the naked dancing, let me suggest going on ebay and looking for a used Silvia, you can usually get one for around 250. You'll still need a quality grinder, even a Rocky is going to set you back 300. But, 550 is less than 850 right?

[MrJerry]

THis is the one I've got coming for the shop:

http://www.nuovasimonelli.it/espress...n=link&Id=6435

[ResIpsa]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

THis is the one I've got coming for the shop:

http://www.nuovasimonelli.it/espress...n=link&Id=6435

that's a little light for MY needs, but maybe Dandee could make do with it

[txmatt]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

THis is the one I've got coming for the shop:

http://www.nuovasimonelli.it/espress...n=link&Id=6435

So are you still going to grind with a whirly blade for that beautiful machine?

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Dandee

I really like the Silvia combo with the Rocky grinder, but $850 is a bit steep for my first machine.

Honestly, it's worth saving to do it right. You'll buy it once and be set for a decade. Whether it's Rancilio, Elecktra, etc... they're all gonna cost, whether you live in Europe or USA.

Don't buy it twice or settle for less and lose interest because the final product is not that great or machine is not fun to use.

[MrJerry]

Originally Posted by txmatt

So are you still going to grind with a whirly blade for that beautiful machine?

Nope, the whirly blade is for my drip.

[Mister Moo]

Speaking from the position of having made (or watched) most of all possible mistakes re: your plan... spending short money is more expensive (if you stick with making home espresso) than spending long money.

1.) you will NEVER recreate the satisfying experience of the euro-coffee you mentioned without first possessing the kiiller euro-grinder. From the killer grinder spring all things good; absent the grinder seeps espresso disappointment. $350-$450. Ch-ching!!

2.) a Silvia on its best day will make a killer shot; on all other days there is a reason why people spend time and aggravation disturbing the factory design with temperature control devices. A Silvia is the bottm machine to discuss if you wanna suck euro-brew. Go better if you consider yourself a serious, long-term coffee lover. $500-$1000. Ch-ching!!!

3.) Do you know how to read a schematic, have nice metric tools, small hands and a mechanical aptitude? Used or refurbed espresso machine - why not? Used grinder - never, never, never. Used grinders were (almost) invariably someone elses paperweight.

4.) if you're not up to the opening salvo of check-writing (or credit-card number reading, or however it's done) then don't be tricked by primary process coffee thinking. Dodge a second-rate machine in favor of a $20.00 2-cup mokapot and spend your dough on a grinder.

I'm never going to write this again. Good luck with your decision - it is complicated given the expenses involved.

By the way - where do you live? Where will you get your beans? What kind of water do you have at home?

[Bigwaved]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

Nope, the whirly blade is for my drip.

That sounds like a surgical intervention for a health problem

[hyper_dermic]

you can spend under 1k now, and be happy for a while (or perhaps frustrated)
Or you can spend a little over 1k and be set.

I also struggled with the thought of spending over 1k on an espresso setup.
but the more i did my homework, the more my budget grew..

Best to save up your pennies and buy once, rather than skimp now and end up paying more in the long run.

As mentioned above... grinder, grinder, grinder. Then start looking at machines.
I'll throw in a plug for a Macap m4. (and ill let Moo convince you to get a Mazzer)

Take a look at the bezzera http://www.1st-line.com/machines/hom...somachines.htm
or Anita
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/home/espresso/anita

Then factor in all the little odds and ends...
beans, cups, knockbox, naked portafilter, cleaning supplies, etc...

-hyp

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Mr. Moo is going to burst in here any second talking about grinders coming first ....

So much for presumption of innocence.

[ResIpsa]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

Mr. Moo is going to burst in here any second talking about grinders coming first

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

So much for presumption of innocence.

Wellllllllll............

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Speaking from the position of having made (or watched) most of all possible mistakes re: your plan... spending short money is more expensive (if you stick with making home espresso) than spending long money.

1.) you will NEVER recreate the satisfying experience of the euro-coffee you mentioned without first possessing the kiiller euro-grinder. From the killer grinder spring all things good; absent the grinder seeps espresso disappointment. $350-$450. Ch-ching!!

The prosecution rests.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Wellllllllll............

The prosecution rests.

OK. Right. There is a matter of that.

I plead insanity. But you already knew that.

[gvarsity]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

THis is the one I've got coming for the shop:

http://www.nuovasimonelli.it/espress...n=link&Id=6435

And whats that setting you back? High side of 300$

[galaga]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

................

4.) if you're not up to the opening salvo of check-writing (or credit-card number reading, or however it's done) then don't be tricked by primary process coffee thinking. Dodge a second-rate machine in favor of a $20.00 2-cup mokapot and spend your dough on a grinder.

..........

I don't know grinders from serinettes but I do know that everything these addicts have espouted that I have tried has been spot on. Go get yourself a Mokapot and grind at the store, in small batches of course, while you save up for your exspensive new toys. Hang around the coffee side for a little bit and see if you really want to slide down this slope.