espresso machines
 

A search turned up a few older threads, but I'm wondering what the current fav expresso machines are here. The Rancillio Silvia gets good marks (and is about what I was figuring to spend), but I have to admit that I like the smaller footprint and style of the FrancisFrancis X3. And while I usually only listen to Tabs wrt pushing people down stairs, if I want to splurge there is a new Salvatore for $1K.

Thoughts? I'm spending a fair chunk at Peets and would actually cover my cost rather quickly. I also don't want to buy crap that will fall apart in 6 months...I hate cheap crap. I do like to say crap though. crap crap crap.

Shouldnt you know better than to use language like that? Where is the Z-man when you need him?




:D

http://coffeegeek.com/ is a good site to read reviews. I recommend a good grinder. A mini mazzer is hard to beat.

I use one of these. It's good but it's a fickle beast to drive.

edited for link http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/firstlook/vibiemmedomobarsuper

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228632222.jpg

i know yer pension for giving used gifts so consider me for the old unit yull be moving out....


t

The Silvia seems very popular, lots of talk about mods etc on coffeegeek. I have a Gaggia Classic which I have found to be very good - great build quality. Which grinder are you looking at?

I have been using the older model from Salvatore for the past 4 or 5 years with no problems and good results.

I doubt you would be disappointed. The thing is built like a tank.

Ed

I have the Francis X5 that I got in a deal from Illy. I like it except for the standard complaint that without a 2-way valve it tends to drip water from the steamer nozzle when the pump is making esspreso. Been using it 2 times a day for 2 years without a problem.

I purchased a Silvia and Rocky in 1998 when the Silvia first came out. In daily use both machines have been flawless, and produce great coffee. Before the Silvia, I had tried a variety of machines, but nothing came close. I highly recommend them.

Paul

Both are fine machines, I'd prefer the Silvia just for the knowledge base, but the Francis has style points and saves space. Add a PID to either one, either initally or diy-it really does make a world of difference (PID is digital temp control with a predictive device, whereas the machines use a mechanical thermostat or pressurestat with a wide deadband out of the box).

Personally, I have an NS Oscar that I bought used for the cost of a new Sylvia or a little less. I added a PID for around 50 bucks and an hour of my time, and its wonderful-leave it on 24-7, its plumbed in, always ready to go. Its overkill as I don't make milk drinks-the only real reason to have a heat exchanger machine-but its awfully robust and easy to service. The footprint is way big for you, probably.

The bigger issue really is the grinder-you can make decent coffee with an average machine and a good grinder, but not the other way around. Rancillio Rocky, NS MCI (what I have-check out the single serving one at chriscoffee.com) or something of that ilk, new or ebay'd. You'll end up spending as much for the grinder as the machine. Yes, you can buy ground coffee, but it rapidly degrades (like overnight) so you'll need one for quality shots.

I just did the search a few months ago. Who would figure that buying a stupid espresso maker could be such an endeavor? It's one of the few pastimes that has more forums and collective anal retention than Porsches. After pouring through countless threads and reviews I narrowed it down to the Silvia. Apparently, it's the popular "Go to" standard in counter top espresso makers. BUT......., then I saw that the Saeco aroma was a MUCH more cost effective machine. But, not cheap crap and on par with the X3.

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8...aromassvf1.jpg

It received very good reviews and retails for $350 - about half or more of what the Silvia costs and it takes up far less room on the counter. THEN.....I found that a guy on Ebay sells refurbs for $139 or best offer. The cheap SOB in me couldn't refuse - $125 later I have the Aroma. It's a great start and makes a damn nice espresso with abundent "crema". It "self tamps' which takes some of the guesswork out of the equation - perfect for an espresso neophyte. Just as important, and almost as expensive, is the grinder. Again, based on reviews and threads I ended up with Breville 450xl burr grinder for $99 from William Sonoma. Naturally, the forums turned me on to a "must do" modification to hotrod the stock unit, thus enabling it to make a super fine espresso grind. My wife did the requisite eye-rolling as I dismantled and reassembled the brand new grinder on the kitchen table. However, it worked like a charm. Coffee Geek indeed!

I'm sure it's no Salvatori, but it's a great way to get started and learn the "craft" without spending a fortune. Someday I'll upgrade, but for now all's well. All this is making me thirsty - I think I'll make a traditional Capuccino right now!

Here's the guys Ebay store. http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/brower-power

If you go this route make sure you get the newer, 2 button one.

www.wholelattelove.com

I bought a Jura Capresso E8 from the reburb area

http://www.wholelattelove.com/outlet_index.cfm

Super Automatics for as little as $299

http://www.wholelattelove.com/Saeco/italia.cfm?ConID=2

SuperAutomatic for $299? Wow... Wonder if that one is any good?

NoStatic:
I have a BLACK Gaggia Classic that cost over $400 (10 years ago), and has been in storage.
I know it needs a cleaning, two new filters ($7 each at CafeParts), and I think that is it.
Parts at:
http://www.cafeparts.com/listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?CategoryID=1440&gcli d=CMOs6puIr5cCFRlRagod4SAmjA

If it does not work, you can use your superpowers to find the problem and get the parts at:
http://www.cafeparts.com/listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?CategoryID=1440&gcli d=CMOs6puIr5cCFRlRagod4SAmjA

Since you are a fellow Pelican: YOU CAN HAVE IT FOR FREE (unless you feel the overwhelming need to pay me in Porsche parts and labor...;-). Just kidding, it is yours for if you are up to the challenge.

Please note, like all things Italian, it is tempermental. It takes time to heat up, you have to purge the water and steam properly, etc...

We have since opted for Swiss/German efficiency:
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964604305&rf=froogle&dfdate=12_5_20 08

PM me if you are interested in picking up!
If not, I will restore it and sell on Craigslist........

A Rocket E61 is another good machine.

"Honestly, I'm not trying to trick you into coming back to my place. It really is the best coffee in town".

Luis, I am truly grateful for the offer and it is extremely generous. The reality is that I've been working 60-80 hour weeks recently with a lot of travel between the coasts and if a new proposal gets funded I don't see that changing at least through April of next year. Any project like this would sit on the counter collecting dust...I'm lucky if I have the energy to do laundry :)

You may want a superauto and a 50 lb hopper of beans.

I would love to be able to make espresso at home. Dunn Bros is breaking my wallet:eek:

How much do ya want for it?

We had a La Pavoni piston model in college with my roomies. It was about $200 in Italy. I checked, these things sell for a grand here now. Probably not worth it, but they are kitchen art and make good coffee.

On my last job we had Nespresso. The coffee was excellent. They are pricey at $.50 a shot, but the machines are good and relatively cheap. In an office environment they were perfect - everyone had their own choice of coffee and paid for it themselves. Clean up is simple, so a shared machine stays in good shape.

That's all I know about espresso! ;)

George

I know that this machine has had mixed reviews, but the price was so right i went ahead with a purchase.
Reconditioned [looks like new to me] Saeco Italia, fully automatic, for $299 at Fry's. For an extra $50 I got a 2 year no questions replacement policy from them, which in my experience can net you an upgraded replacement a year or so down the road.
I have only had it since early November, but I love it, and have had rave reviews on espresso & latte drinks by a number of friends & relatives...
I have pushed about 5 lbs of beans thru it, I clean it once a week [takes about 10 minutes].
Just could not bring myself to get into the $700 to $1000 price bracket, too many Porsche parts on my list...:cool:

PS You can also find this machine at www.wholelottelove.com