Espresso machine

[seafeye]

Looking for a decent espresso machine. Rather buy one and keep it forever than replace after 2 years.
Any recommendations? Under $2000?

I found this.... reviews have been positive.

Profitec Pro 500 PID Espresso Machine

https://www.wholelattelove.com/profitec-pro-500-pid-espresso-machine?source=googleps&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrye4dar3QIVEFQYCh2R2gwVEAQYASAB EgJnHvD_BwE

[MAS956]

It's a slippery slope.

That's a nice mid-range machine, but do you have an espresso-capable grinder? I'd argue that's more important than the machine itself as far as quality in the cup goes.

And you can easily spend your whole budget on a nice grinder. Here's mine and would recommend highly: https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith/

If you're at all OCD (and I am), I'd recommend just buying the espresso in the cup from your favorite local shop. I wish I had followed that advice years and thousands of dollars ago. On the flip side, quality equipment holds its value well.

Good luck on your journey

[JD159]

Originally Posted by MAS956

It's a slippery slope.

That's a nice mid-range machine, but do you have an espresso-capable grinder? I'd argue that's more important than the machine itself as far as quality in the cup goes.

And you can easily spend your whole budget on a nice grinder. Here's mine and would recommend highly: https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith/

If you're at all OCD (and I am), I'd recommend just buying the espresso in the cup from your favorite local shop. I wish I had followed that advice years and thousands of dollars ago. On the flip side, quality equipment holds its value well.

Good luck on your journey

A super automatic with built in grinder still makes a decent shot and cappuccino for the normies like me

[mjohnson]

Like JD above, I'd go superauto...

https://www.wholelattelove.com/outlet?product_brand=55

I've two at work and one at home. They're beasts - one did over 10k shots before a major service.

Not the best espresso on earth but far better than the worst.

[HardDrive]

I have a Rancilio Silvia machine that has been upgrade with a more sophisticated PID to keep temperature consistent. Upgrade was done professionally by Seattle Coffee Gear.

For sale, $400.

[HardDrive]

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by mjohnson

Like JD above, I'd go superauto...

https://www.wholelattelove.com/outlet?product_brand=55

I've two at work and one at home. They're beasts - one did over 10k shots before a major service.

Not the best espresso on earth but far better than the worst.

I will "third" the Super-Automatic. I expect that you "can" make a better espresso or coffee, but the Super-Automatic is very consistent.

I have three Jura E8 machines, 2 in the office and one at home. We have over 25000 shots in each. This is an older machine, and no longer available. But there are Jura machines that are similar.

This is basically the updated E8

https://www.wholelattelove.com/jura-impressa-c60

or at the higher end, one that can automatically make Cappuccinos and Lattes.

https://www.wholelattelove.com/jura-impressa-xs90-one-touch

[PorscheGAL]

I have had this machine for 2 years, using it almost everyday. I love it. Easy to use and clean.

Breville

[tabs]

https://www.salvatore-espresso.com/

Bullet proof...hand made in Solvang, CA using commercial parts.

Read the reviews, check E bay prices for used.

Forget an Automatic...to many moving parts make it more things to go wrong.

Owned one since 2003.

Call and talk to Salvatore...

[LWJ]

To the OP. I have. Profitec. Not sure the model. Looks like yours.

I LOVE IT!

You will need a good grinder.

I am not an aficionado. But I am becoming one.

Good luck! This is fun. My new hobby.

[Bill Douglas]

Vibiemme or Rocket E61. Used are fine as they last forever. My VBM is about 15 years old and I've just done the maths; 27,000 coffees.

As previously mentioned a good grinder such as a mini mazzer is an essential.

[cstreit]

Anyone have experience with WLL refurb machines?

What does this mean? "Reparied good as new" or "fix it and send it out the door"?

I've been coveting a super-automatic but the price tags are crazy....

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Anyone have experience with WLL refurb machines?

What does this mean? "Reparied good as new" or "fix it and send it out the door"?

I've been coveting a super-automatic but the price tags are crazy....

All of the machines we purchased were refurbished. As a minimum, it means they have had a factory service. It might mean they had a problem and were repaired to "good as new".

I just checked. My machine at home has 26862 shots. This is over 12 years. I think we had a major service around 14-15K shots, due to a minor water leak. You can buy the o-rings and do it yourself.

[dan79brooklyn]

I bought a refurbished Gaggia Brera from WLL for $379.

So far I’ve been happy with it. I’m interested in geeky coffee machines, but don’t have the time or the money.

https://www.wholelattelove.com/refurbished-gaggia-black-brera-espresso-machine

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Anyone have experience with WLL refurb machines?

What does this mean? "Reparied good as new" or "fix it and send it out the door"?

I've been coveting a super-automatic but the price tags are crazy....

The ones I purchased all came refurb from WLL. All were "like new" condition and have been bulletproof.

The refurb discount helps ease the price tag pain, that's for sure...

[wdfifteen]

I’ve had my Saeco Incanto super automatic for 10 years. The first couple I got were refurbished units and didn’t last a month each. Got a brand new one and it’s been golden. The first cup of the day is good “Americano” but for the perfect mid-morning cup I have it make an espresso and then put a medium strong on top of that. I have to push the button twice. It would be great if it would read my mind.

[MAS956]

Here are a couple of resources, both of which pale by comparison to this board but are not bad:

https://www.home-barista.com/forums/

CoffeeGeek - News, Reviews, Opinion and Community for Coffee and Espresso

BTW, super automatics are the tiptronic analog to the esresso world. YMMV

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by MAS956

BTW, super automatics are the tiptronic analog to the esresso world. YMMV

I have a nespresso machine. And I love tiptronics. Bring it haters.

[Tom '74 911]

Part of my motivation for getting up every morning... under $2K for the set up...

[greglepore]

Nice machine if you're in the market for tradition. PID with e61 kinda weird, as the group itself is temp stable after a flush. Look at a Breville DB if you want function-it does everything a GS3 does at 1/4 the price, but without heft, looks and it has Chinese parts. But in the cup, its probably twice the machine that beauty is.