Espresso machine...

[Wiley]

Okay, the favorite coffee thread makes me wonder if we don't have some home baristas that want to show off their brewing equipment.

Also, I'm hoping for free advice. :-D

I'm currently using a Gaggia Compact super automatic, but it makes indifferent shots, though usually better than Starbucks, and it breaks down frequently.

I want to move to a nice automatic like the Vibiemme Domobar Super.

http://www.coffeegeek.com/proreviews/first...mmedomobarsuper

[stogies&hoagies]

»

»

Oh SuperT? Where are you? As far as I'm concerned he's expert enough for me. Well, he takes good espresso pictures I've never actually tasted his espresso, *hint* *hint*

Maybe he could do a lesson for us espresso-wanna-bes.

[spsurfin]

We just purchased a Braun Tassimo and love it.

[link]http://www.lordpercy.com/braun_tassimo.htm[/link]

[John Conomos]

» Okay, the favorite coffee thread makes me wonder if we don't have some home

» baristas that want to show off their brewing equipment.

»

» Also, I'm hoping for free advice. :-D

»

» I'm currently using a Gaggia Compact super automatic, but it makes

» indifferent shots, though usually better than Starbucks, and it breaks

» down frequently.

»

» I want to move to a nice automatic like the Vibiemme Domobar Super.

»

» http://www.coffeegeek.com/proreviews/first...mmedomobarsuper

Why don`t you try one of those alluminum oven top, screw together, espreso makers that all the villagers use in Italy?? cost about 20 bucks, compact, never break down and make a hell of a coffee

[SuperT]

I LOVE espresso, but am still fairly new to it. I've got a Gaggia Evolution, about as cheap a single boiler machine as I'd recommend. All the Gaggias are the one's I'd recommend for those that want to spend less than $500. They all have the same internals (they have aluminum boilers which many scoff at, but they heat up quickly), just some of the more expensive ones have a three way solenoid valve that releases pressure and enable you to pull shots through it faster (think entertaining).

Here is mine:

More important than the machine is the grinder. I have the cheapest acceptable model out there the Solis Maestro Plus. You simply can't get by with a cheaper machine and I will upgrade that before I get a new machine. Make sure you get a good grinder and plan on dropping at least $300-500 on it.

Now, the next step up from the Gaggia machines is Miss Silvia. At $500, she has legions of fans and that is the machine I was thinking about upgrading to some day. Then it hit me, other than a three way valve - it won't do a whole heck of a lot that mine won't - so why waste the money? If I was to start over, I MIGHT order it - but at this point it would be a pointless upgrade (IMO of course).

Next up from Miss Silvia is the double boilers (heat exchanger) with the E-61 brewhead. These machines are the ones that can be left on all day, no worries about burning out the machine if it runs dry. With the double boiler, it lets you steam milk while you pull your shot. They are actually designed for small offices or deli's (you reading this Charlie???). They also allow you to pull shot after shot after shot without running out of oomph. If I was to buy one of these, I'd be torn between a Pasquini Livia 90, Expobar (don't know which model yet - likely the Office Control), or an Andreja. Expect to pay between $1000-2000 for one of these.

All this to get one shot of this:

[SuperT]

»I've never actually tasted his espresso, *hint* *hint*

»

You expect ME to bring it to YOU? Don't you have to meet with your financial advisor soon? Bring your ass on down!

-T

[Colt45]

I've had a Krups pump drive for over ten years now ($200 back then). It's a

basic machine with no bells or whistles. It produces a nice shot, though grind

is critical. It also does a great job steaming milk. If I was in the market for a

new one, I'd absolutely buy the best one (meaning makes the best shot) I

could afford. Good Luck!

[stogies&hoagies]

» »I've never actually tasted his espresso, *hint* *hint*

» »

»

» You expect ME to bring it to YOU? Don't you have to meet with your

» financial advisor soon? Bring your ass on down!

»

» -T

LOL, yeah, I'm reading this thinking the same thing. I guarantee next time down, I will see you.

[FPdoc]

Try an E-bay search of an "Atomic espresso" machine

First made in Italy, and if I'm not mistaken later, in Aust. These make the best stovetop espresso period. They have a slick art-deco design, they look (and function) far better than any of the larger, more modern espresso makers. Be prepared to shell out as much as any top of the line modern maker though. They really are a piece of art.

Bri

[Wiley]

As cool as the Atomic looks, it also sounds scary to use, and crazy expensive.

Thanks for pointing it out though, I hadn't heard of those before.

[skid11]

I've got a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky doserless grinder on order, can't wait........ I did a bit of research and this seems to be a good domestic unit the price jumps threefold if you get a single group commercial unit.

I'm the only coffee drinker in the house so it would be pointless to have a unit with a larger type boiler anyway.

We have a local coffee roasting factory close by work so I get my coffee in 250 gram bags as I like to try lots of different flavours.

This site is very good .............

[link]www.coffeeco.com.au/altcof/altcoffeepage11.html[/link]

[SuperT]

» I've got a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky doserless grinder on order, can't

» wait........ I did a bit of research and this seems to be a good domestic

» unit the price jumps threefold if you get a single group commercial unit.

»

Great set-up, you will be VERY happy for MANY years to come!

[MrQ]

» We just purchased a Braun Tassimo and love it.

»

I have one too and its great ,nice and simple. :-)

[n2advnture]

I have been using a semi-auto Capressa C1000 for about 3 years now and absolutely LOVE it. We run about 4-8 shots a day through it with no problems at all.

I know a couple of people who use really oily beans and the hopper has gotten clogged but just run some rice through it and it's good to go.

On the weekends I use a french press with some fresh roast that I get from BOTLs. Good stuff!

~M

[seamus]

» I've got a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky doserless grinder on order, can't

» wait........ I did a bit of research and this seems to be a good domestic

» unit the price jumps threefold if you get a single group commercial unit.

»

» I'm the only coffee drinker in the house so it would be pointless to have

» a unit with a larger type boiler anyway.

I have the same setup. Good luck on the learning curve.

[FatDaddy]

I have a nice Barrista I bought from Starbucks. Works really well but cost quite a bit.

[sobek]

» » I've got a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky doserless grinder on order, can't

» » wait........ I did a bit of research and this seems to be a good

» domestic

» » unit the price jumps threefold if you get a single group commercial

» unit.

» »

» » I'm the only coffee drinker in the house so it would be pointless to

» have

» » a unit with a larger type boiler anyway.

»

» I have the same setup. Good luck on the learning curve.

Same grinder and machine here.

[Mel]

Nice thread showing some with great knowledge. I am rank rookie of the coffe world and like a couple cups in the AM. I am looking at a new coffee machine of some sort and like the expresso I get at the mall. The wife likes her coffee WEAK, I mean colored water. She will **** when she sees a grand or two on a coffee machine. Thanks for the imformation.

[sobek]

Don't buy a machine for regular coffee. Machines make the worst coffee. Get a French press or one of those aerobie aeropress gadgets.