Espresso Maker
 

I'm getting quite used to the coffee in Europe and I'll be making the switch here. I have one of those double chamber all metal jobs that goes on the stove. But, I'd like to get a decent one that will last, but will not cost too much coin.

What would you think is a good value in an espresso maker?

Define 'too much coin'.

I was hoping for under $100, but it looks most of the ones which will do 14+ bar are $150+

Re: Espresso Maker
 

For a decent one that will last - get a stainless steel model. Most of the aluminum ones are crap - including the big Italian brand name ones.

Most of the serious Italian brands also have stainless steel models. Get one of those.

Re: Espresso Maker
 

Actually, a Moka, which is what you mentioned, is what most Italians use. It lasts forever, never takes a crap, and is always reliable to make a good cup. All you need are spare rings for those unfortunate times when you walk away from the stove. The fancier machines are for export to America. Bialetti makes stainless as well. I use both stainless and aluminum and have no preference either way. I have an aluminum 1 cup Moka that has served me for over a decade. I have also been using their Mukka Express for larger servings or cappuccino in the morning.

salvatorehttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160389672.jpg

Sorry Tabs, but that is "un petit cher por moi"

I'm looking more at this:

EspressoClassic Luxe (Model #113)

http://www.capresso.com/prod_esp_clas.html

http://www.capresso.com/images/prod_large_clas_ch.jpg

$142

My neighbor in Fla. had an Espresso maker blow up in her kitchen about a month ago......:eek:

You can get a pretty good single-boiler machine for about $150. Anything less and you're probably not going to be able to achieve decent espresso -- poor temperature control, poor pressure control, etc. For another $30 or $40 on top of that, you can add a PID controller to your $150 machine and get substantially better temperature control for noticeably better espresso.

The other expense you need to consider is the grinder. Another $150 will get a burr grinder that won't frustrate you a lot, but won't necessarily give you the consistency to get good shots routinely. If that's too much, then you can do passable coffee buying pre-ground from a local roaster.

But then, that's coming from a guy who roasts his own beans and spent close to $1200 on his current espresso production setup ...

I bought a Gaggia for around $200 which works fine, at least by my standards.

I already have a burr grinder. The list for the Cespresso machine is $199. Their "real" machines run $1100-1300.

Who would you suggest for one with a PID control?

Red Ya shoulda spent some time at Whole latte Love reading the reviews of the people who bought High End Espresso machines...they invariably said that they wish they had gone straight to the High End machine instead of fooling around with the cheaper stuff.

That observation was what decided me on buying a High End machine...and after comparing the others offered, I came to the conclusion that the Salvatore was the best of the lot. Simply because its a HAND MADE mcahine made in AMERICA using the best components available...in reality it is a semi-commercial machine.

I still love it as much as the day I took it outa the box and first set it up.

PID = pi$$ in dispenser

Saeco Classico

http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/564...coclassico.jpg

Rated very good at Coffee geek and the best for the Money.

Definitely check WHoleLatteLove lots of good information there.

I have a Francis X5 model that another member clued me into. Got it for about 1/2 price with an Illy coffee subscription...

leaning heavily towards a Gaggia.

Re: Espresso Maker
 

What’s wrong with your “double chamber all metal job that goes on the stove?” I have one of those and it works fine.

Seriously, how or why is a $200 machine better than the “double chamber all metal job that goes on the stove?” I love my espresso, and I’ve seen these fancy machines, but I ask myself why would I want one, when this simple little device works fine? It can’t break, it’s easy to use and clean, it makes good espresso, etc. What does a fancy machine do better?

There is a reason why most Europeans use a double chamber at home instead of anything fancier. Basically all they have to do if they want something out of a pressurized machine is to go downstairs and walk around the corner for a perfect cup. So they don't bother spending big bucks for a machine. Besides, the taste is pretty close anyway. So long as one uses good coffee like Lavazza, Segafredo, Illy and others. The main difference is a lack of crema on the top. Though Bialetti now makes a moka which reliably produces crema called the Brikka.

Ahh, the foam on the top. I forgot about that. I like my coffee and espresso black, so I guess the double chamber machine is fine for me.

Thanks.

The double-chamber stovetop steamer doodad has an interesting problem, if you're into the technical side of this game. It produces espresso from steam, which does Bad Things to the coffee on the way past. Optimally, coffee (like tea, I understand) is best extracted at just below boiling. Most beans are best at 203-204F, depending on the roast. Steaming the beans ensures no crema (the light brownish coffee-foam that sits on top of a perfect shot of espresso) and a bitter flavor.

Now, if what you're looking for is the bitter flavor, then by all means, don't let me stop you -- go get a stovetop steamer. They're cheap and effective and simple. Further, if you're really into the bitterness of your black coffee, then you'd be disappointed by a perfect cappa anyway, especially because you'd spend an awful lot on a machine to make it right.

RedBeard -- I had a Gaggia for a long time, simple single boiler unit. Worked pretty well for making enough coffee to supply my room-mate and I, but a failure for entertaining. (shrug) But most people don't entertain with espresso. Anyhow, if you want a PID machine, I think there are several newer High End units that come from the factory with a PID installed. Otherwise, you'll have to DIY. It isn't hard, and the payoff is noticeable, but it does require some knowledge of electrical stuff.

But then, if you're enjoying the stovetop thing, then spending a bunch of money on a slippery slope may be a poor choice. :) Enjoy.

Dan