Opinions on Espresso Machines

[SteveMo600]

Just looking for some opinions from people who own and actively use their espresso machines.

Not lookin to get anything crazy fancy, something around/under $500 while suffice. There are lots out there and I don't want to end up with a POS.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[cdnsir]

I'm using this lower-end one from Starbucks.



http://www.starbucksstore.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=602940

http://www.starbucksstore.com.edgesuite.net/images/products/shprodde/602940.jpg


To be honest, I don't use it to make espressos or cappuccinos at all. Hell, I think I only used the milk steamer thing twice. But I do use it every morning to make my coffee. One scoop of coffee in the filter, and within 20 sec you'll have a nice strong pressure brewed coffee. No complains at all. I sometimes let it brew a bit longer to make it lighter, and I'll just add flavored creamers to it.

But my personal favorite is to make what I think taste a lot like Vietnamese coffee. I put a spoonful of condensed milk in my cup, then let in a single shot. And man, it's so damn strong yet so damn good!!!


EDIT: Woah, lots of typos on my first post. Anyway, to add to what the guy below me is saying about grinding your own beans. I don't do that at all, I just try out random pre-grinds from Starbucks or Second Cup. But there you go, now you have a pro's opinion from him and a slacker's opinion from me.

[Strider]

I own an espresso machine and use it every single day.

First thing you need to know though, is that unless you buy yourself a decent grinder (it'll cost about $300+) and FRESH beans, your espresso is gonna taste like crap. So you might want to rethink that $500 budget.

With a decent machine and a good grinder, you have control over the 3 variables (dose, grind, tamp) that are fundamental to the "golden rule" of espresso... (14g of espresso, 2 oz, 30 seconds).

I own a Gaggia evolution espresso machine, probably the cheapest decent machine you can get, I think I paid about $250 for it. I also bought, tried, and returned about 10 different sub-$100 grinders and got shitty results until I finally gave in and bought a Rancilio Rocky grinder (cost about $400).

Since you're on a budget, I'd recommend a Gaggia espresso machine (except the Topazio), because their lower end machines have the same internals as their more expensive models, including an 1100W boiler, 15 bar pump, and a 58mm portafilter.

For a budget setup, I'd recommend something like:
Gaggia Espresso Pure $310
http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=580&idcategory=2#details
Nuova Simonelli Grinta $309
http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=384&idcategory=85

If you're someone who goes to Starbucks for a latte every day, it's well worth the investment into a good espresso setup... Mine had paid for itself many times over, and my lattes taste way better than charbucks.

[lackluster]

check this place out http://www.cappuccinoking.com/

[RY213]

I have a Saeco espresso machine, it was around $700 when I bought it about 5 years ago. Its done me well and I use it every day as well...

[Graham_A_M]

I was actually down in Value village in Midnapore yesterday getting some shitty work pants for in-the-garage work.

And I spotted a Delongi Figaro expresso/cappucino/coffee machine for $15. I bought it, took it home, and found out its an almost new $300 unit.
:clap: score.
Makes unbelievable expresso's and cappucino's. :drool:
It has a milk frother too, so its just like starbucks variety.
:thumbsup:

They had another Delongi one there (just an expresso machine) for $25. Wasn't as nice as this one though. That was yesterday, so it may still be there. It was practically brand new.

[TimG]

i just bolted to VV as soon as i read this. It's really not in very good shape and it looks like it might be broken (water reservoir doesn't close properly)

[Graham_A_M]

^ I'm sorry for mis-leading you then. I didn't even pick it up to look at it, my hands were full with the one I bought.
Sorry. Still for $25, and maybe 10 minutes of repairs, its still a good deal I'd think.

Shitty about the condition. I'm having a nice thick froth covered expresso right now actually. Damn its good. :D
Although unless I can make a latte as good as Starbucks can, with their caramel covered Cinneman dolche' latte, I think I'll still be going back there at times. :dunno:
back to latte 101 I guess.

[SteveMo600]

Originally posted by Strider
I own an espresso machine and use it every single day.

First thing you need to know though, is that unless you buy yourself a decent grinder (it'll cost about $300+) and FRESH beans, your espresso is gonna taste like crap. So you might want to rethink that $500 budget.

With a decent machine and a good grinder, you have control over the 3 variables (dose, grind, tamp) that are fundamental to the "golden rule" of espresso... (14g of espresso, 2 oz, 30 seconds).

I own a Gaggia evolution espresso machine, probably the cheapest decent machine you can get, I think I paid about $250 for it. I also bought, tried, and returned about 10 different sub-$100 grinders and got shitty results until I finally gave in and bought a Rancilio Rocky grinder (cost about $400).

Since you're on a budget, I'd recommend a Gaggia espresso machine (except the Topazio), because their lower end machines have the same internals as their more expensive models, including an 1100W boiler, 15 bar pump, and a 58mm portafilter.

For a budget setup, I'd recommend something like:
Gaggia Espresso Pure $310
http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=580&idcategory=2#details
Nuova Simonelli Grinta $309
http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=384&idcategory=85

If you're someone who goes to Starbucks for a latte every day, it's well worth the investment into a good espresso setup... Mine had paid for itself many times over, and my lattes taste way better than charbucks.

Great post, this is exactly what I was looking for.

Is it essential to buy your own grinder? Are there not places you can buy fresh ground beans? Is it quite a bit more expensive to buy, thus making it worth the money to buy your own grinder?

[RY213]

^^^Coffee Beans go stale within minutes of grinding them, so to get the best taste you should grind before every cup you brew...

[Quickstrike]

Look at the Rancilio Silvia's.

It is one of the best values out there and is pretty much unanimously considered "the lowest cost espresso machine that will still make decent espresso shots".

That and a Rancilio Rocky grinder make one of the most popular and sought after combos in the value-for-performance market.

[SteveMo600]

Anybody else own espresso machines and have any feedback regarding them?

[RX_EVOLV]

anyone have any experience/comment with this one @ starbucks? thinking of getting it with employee discount.

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/images/Sirena_large.jpg

[RawB8figure]

I am selling a gaggia baby BNIB for 420. Let me know..