I need to get my sister a Christmas/Hanukah present, and was thinking an espresso maker would be useful. Unfortunately, I know almost nothing about them.
Also, I'm not trying to spend more than about $250-300. It's not that I'm a cheap make the beast with two backs(I am, but that's not the reason), but it's been a pretty tough year.
Anyone have any FHE? Recomand a specific brand/model?
I know nothing about them but these guys seem to.
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=31689.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=31689.0)
I wish you were my brother :-\
Not sure you can get a good quality one in that price range, but good luck!
If you dont mind used, you can find some good used deals of ebay.
You need to look for a pump machine of at least 15 bar pressure. If you shop around you can find something nice in your price range on sale. If you sister is not a serious enthusiast you might want to consider "pod" machines like the Nespressos.
Quote from: howie on December 05, 2009, 05:12:43 AM
You need to look for a pump machine of at least 15 bar pressure. If you shop around you can find something nice in your price range on sale. If you sister is not a serious enthusiast you might want to consider "pod" machines like the Nespressos.
just follow this advice ......hard to find a pump machine for that price ....look on ebay /craigs /kijjii
the cheap non pump are pretty useless
Quote from: ute on December 05, 2009, 01:26:45 PM
just follow this advice ......hard to find a pump machine for that price ....look on ebay /craigs /kijjii
the cheap non pump are pretty useless
http://www.bialettishop.com/ConcertoMain.htm (http://www.bialettishop.com/ConcertoMain.htm)
http://www.wholelattelove.com/ (http://www.wholelattelove.com/)
Got my parents a super automatic last year from them. Not a bad machine and you can find espresso makers in that price range.
Quote from: OwnyTony on December 06, 2009, 03:19:24 AM
http://www.wholelattelove.com/ (http://www.wholelattelove.com/)
Got my parents a super automatic last year from them. Not a bad machine and you can find espresso makers in that price range.
Thanks, Tony.
That site helped.
I think I've settled on a Saeco Vienna. It's automatic, has a burr grinder built in, 15 bar pressure, hot water dispensing for tea, and I can get a refurb from fleabay for right at my price limit.
Quote from: howie on December 05, 2009, 05:12:43 AM
You need to look for a pump machine of at least 15 bar pressure. If you shop around you can find something nice in your price range on sale. If you sister is not a serious enthusiast you might want to consider "pod" machines like the Nespressos.
I thought about pod machines, but I don't want them to be limited to buying expensive "accessories" in order to use the machine.
I had a manual Saeco (~$300-400) that pulled excellent espresso shots, and produced a decent foam. I gave it to my sister and got a fancy-schmancy fully automatic DeLonghi super automatic machine (~$800-900). The fancy automatic machine grinds the beans and has adjustable settings and all that, but it just doesn't produce shots as good as what I was getting from the cheaper Saeco. It may just be me, but I've played with the settings, and it just isn't as good.
On the other hand, it's fast, and I can be out the door with a cup in minutes, versus waiting for the manual to warm up, tamping the coffee, etc., and clean-up is easy versus the manual. Saeco is a good machine. I used mine like mad for four or five years, and never had any trouble from it. A manual might be a better choice if your family are coffee snobs.
My sister who inherited my old Saeco is not a coffee snob but she was spending tons at Starbucks. She was thrilled to get the Saeco and to my dismay uses drip grind Folgers in it and is happy as shit.
I have a coffee fairy who delivers it to me in the mornings.
Quote from: MrIncredible on December 07, 2009, 07:15:31 PM
I have a coffee fairy who delivers it to me in the mornings.
8)
Quote from: howie on December 05, 2009, 05:12:43 AM
You need to look for a pump machine of at least 15 bar pressure. If you shop around you can find something nice in your price range on sale. If you sister is not a serious enthusiast you might want to consider "pod" machines like the Nespressos.
I have the Nespresso... it rocks... I mean it really rocks!! [thumbsup]
Quote from: ryandalling on December 08, 2009, 05:46:36 AM
I have the Nespresso... it rocks... I mean it really rocks!! [thumbsup]
Do you have to use their pods, or is there a way to use different coffees? I looked at the Nespresso, but the thought that I might not be able to use whatever coffees I wanted was what led me to my DeLonghi, but I am not totally happy with it.
As of right now... it is only Nespresso pods.. however, they do have like 30 different coffee bean types... from bold to exotic... (nothing flavored though.)
On a side note... their website always makes me cringe... as when I go to order new coffee... the music is like 80s porn...
Quote from: ryandalling on December 08, 2009, 12:39:47 PM
As of right now... it is only Nespresso pods.. however, they do have like 30 different coffee bean types... from bold to exotic... (nothing flavored though.)
On a side note... their website always makes me cringe... as when I go to order new coffee... the music is like 80s porn...
*goes to website to listen to music...
*edit - just went to the website. Music description is right on the money. [laugh]
[laugh] Y'all made me go listen. So true.
Quote from: Bun-bun on December 06, 2009, 06:18:39 AM
I think I've settled on a Saeco Vienna. It's automatic, has a burr grinder built in, 15 bar pressure, hot water dispensing for tea, and I can get a refurb from fleabay for right at my price limit.
Update: So I ordered a refurb Saeco Vienna off ebay, and it came in yesterday. I thought about just reshipping it to my sister, but decided to open the box and make sure everything was O.K.. Thank dog I did. The unit they sent me was dirty, the water tank was broken, and the steam knob was missing. [bang] I contacted the seller, who is the refurb rep for the company, and he was accomodating, and connected me with Saeco USA in New Jersey, who told me they would UPS new parts ASAP. After hanging up, I decided to clean the unit and give it a test run, just to be sure nothing else was wrong. Come to find out that this unit is truly broken, and won't push water through the grounds. It grinds, dumps into the hopper, makes noise, then dumps the dry grounds into the dump box! The steam wand works, just not the espresso boiler.
I left a voicemail for the Saeco rep, Steve, and he called me back this A.M. and they'll be sending me a NEW espresso maker via UPS today. He told me to throw out the old one, they don't want it back, but I think I'll take it apart and see if I can figure out what's causing the problem.
Not real happy with the situation, but I am happy with Saeco customer service.
Wow, good thing you checked. Let us know how it works. I'm looking to upgrade from my $100 Target special [cheeky]
Quote from: Bun-bun on December 10, 2009, 04:55:11 AM
I left a voicemail for the Saeco rep, Steve, and he called me back this A.M. and they'll be sending me a NEW espresso maker via UPS today. He told me to throw out the old one, they don't want it back, but I think I'll take it apart and see if I can figure out what's causing the problem.
Not real happy with the situation, but I am happy with Saeco customer service.
Now that's customer service. [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
So the replacement Saeco Vienna plus came in today, and it's working beautifully. I checked it over and plugged it in, added water and coffee beans in the appropriate bins, and turned it on. A couple of clunks and a whirrr or two, a minute for the light to stop blinking, push a button, a few more whirrrs and clunks, and YES! a double shot of espresso with a beautiful head of crema. hit the steam button, wait til it stops blinking(maybe 45 seconds), turn the knob, wait for the water to stop dripping, and steam the milk, add to espresso, and it's cappucino on the porch.
This is one of the automatic units, which means it burr grinds the beans, loads them into the filter, tamps the grounds, heats the water, runs it thru at 15bar, pours the espresso and dumps the used grounds into a removable dump box.
The units controls are extremely simplel three pushbuttons and a dial on the front, and a second dial on the side.
The pushbuttons from left to right , turn on the machine, activate the espresso hamster to turn his wheel and provide elixer, and turn the steam water heater on. The dial in front controls the amount of water to be run through the coffee so you can get a shot of espresso all the way to an 8oz. cup of coffee. The dial on the side controls the steam wand, and allows you to select hot water for tea, or steam for milk.
The chamber for the beans holds almost a full pound of beans(More if you leave the top off and mound them up), and the chamber for the water holds 64oz., so you don't have to refill either very often, and the water chamber is removable, so it can be filled at a sink without lugging the whole unit over or filling it one cup at a time.
So far, I've had a double shot espreso, a cappacino, and my wife has had "two of the best cups of coffee she ever had" (Her words). Each has been every bitas high quality as any of Starbux offerings.
It's a big machine for a kitchen countertop, about 16" tall, and 13" wide, but if you've got the space, it's a great way to use it.
Now I have to convince myself that my sister needs one more than I do, and that if I don't pack it up and ship it quick, it'll never make it cross country by Christmas. That little voice in my head keeps telling me that we're jewish, and I'm too late for Hanukah, so what's the rush. . . keep it for a few more days. . . she'll never know. [drink]
Yeah, im glad everything worked out for you. Try fixing the other unit as it seems that no water is getting/running through the machine maybe due to a clog (dont know about the boiler). Does the water in the tank go down any when you make a shot?
It may be clogged somewhere and you may have to de-calcify it.
That would be great if you get it to work and you can buy the steam wand attachment separate.
There are some vids on http://www.wholelattelove.com/videos.cfm?vtid=1 (http://www.wholelattelove.com/videos.cfm?vtid=1) that may help you get an understanding of the machines. I remember watching them but dont remember if any of them had any trouble shooting vids.
Quote from: Bun-bun on December 14, 2009, 06:54:48 PM
Now I have to convince myself that my sister needs one more than I do, and that if I don't pack it up and ship it quick, it'll never make it cross country by Christmas. That little voice in my head keeps telling me that we're jewish, and I'm too late for Hanukah, so what's the rush. . . keep it for a few more days. . . she'll never know. [drink]
Well, you might need to hang onto it for a bit to make sure there aren't any hidden defects that haven't manifested yet.
Krups Nespresso - excellent machine, over a year's abuse in my home now and still going strong. There are Nespresso boutiques now (in EU anyway) so you don't have to order the capsules online.
I like my coffee short, sticky and strong.
Quote from: NuTTs on December 23, 2009, 09:54:35 PM
I like my coffee short, sticky and strong.
That's how I like my women. :D
Quote from: kopfjäger on December 23, 2009, 10:09:24 PM
That's how I like my women. :D
He he he he.. without the sticky part, to start off with anyway ;D
Here's the one you need to get..... complete with a special guest!!!
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/MonstermashS2R/Toasty2.jpg)
So after using the Saeco a couple of times to be sure my sister wouldn't have any problems, I packed it up and shipped it off.
A few days after shipping it off, my wife, who was always dead set against "those overly complicated, overly expensive coffee machines for snobby people" tells me how wonderful it was to have "a really good cup of fresh coffee anytime I wanted it"
I have to admit, I miss my morning cappucino too, so. . .
There's a big box next to the TV with my wifes name on it. ;D ;D
So it's been almost a year now, and both the Saeco Vienna I sent to my sister, and the one that I gave to my wife for X-mas are still working like new. Actually, I think mine is working a little better than it did when it was new now that it's worn in. This purchase has resulted in a new addiction for me. Up until last X-mas, I would drink 2, maybe 3 cups a year, but now, I am totally unable to function before that first double espresso every morning. Especially now that it's effing freezing every morning.
Anyone else an espresso junkie?
Is there a cure? (So I can stay away from it.)
It usually takes 2 4-shot lattes to get me out the door... [roll]
Good to hear you machine is running well and you're enjoying it.
Quote from: Bun-bun on December 18, 2010, 11:06:33 PM
Anyone else an espresso junkie?
Is there a cure? (So I can stay away from it.)
I gave up coffee many years ago. But I'm back to espresso, a cup a day.
I use this machine, http://www.delonghiusa.com/index.php?product&nid=61 (http://www.delonghiusa.com/index.php?product&nid=61) for the money you can't go wrong.
What coffee are you guys using?
I'm fortunate to have family in Italy and they love to send coffee to us. I'm liking Kimbo and Lavazza.
(may be we should start a new coffee thread?)
Quote from: The Architect on December 19, 2010, 05:28:31 AM
(may be we should start a new coffee thread?)
Maybe we should.
Let's see. . guns thread, music thread, words thread, intoxication thread, insomnia thread,...
Nope, no coffee thread
yet
Quote from: The Architect on December 19, 2010, 05:28:31 AM
What coffee are you guys using?
I'm fortunate to have family in Italy and they love to send coffee to us. I'm liking Kimbo and Lavazza.
I went through the uberfancy coffee stage early on (Lavazza), then went slumming for a while (8 o'clock), then I found a local roaster, and use one of their blends. I think the fresh roasting makes a difference.
Quote from: Bun-bun on December 18, 2010, 11:06:33 PM
<snip>
Anyone else an espresso junkie?
Is there a cure? (So I can stay away from it.)
Yes. Dunno, I am happy with my addiction [coffee]
Lavazza is quite easy to get in the US. I get mine sent by Amazon on schedule. I think it's basically the Folgers of Italy.
Used to work in a small coffee shop with my wife a year ago, we used Lavazza exclusively, and one month we had Top Class from Korea. Hot damn that was a good espresso, wonderful smell and crema, but the best part was that on the last sip, you would instantly taste slightly sweet chocolate! The Koreans love their espresso as much as the Italians do.
The owner had a sweet la cimbali espresso machine, the only automatic part was the shot selection, but you still had to tamp correctly to get that 22 second shot. The la cimbali grinders are wonderful too! They cut in a way that produces a better flavor imo. I think its a kind of hybrid cone burr/ cutting grinder. somehow the la cimbali was able to cut the beans in a way that produced more crema than the nuova simonelli we used to have. And that's from the same bag!
Come to think of it, I worked in a coffee house, still work at an Italian restaurant. Only makes sense that I have an Italian motorcycle. The car is still Japanese though, unfortunately.
Quote from: 671M900 on December 20, 2010, 09:39:59 PMThe car is still Japanese though, unfortunately.
So, you're saying it runs and the parts don't cost a fortune?
The only Italian cars I'd want are impractical living out in the boonies in a snowy part of the world with potholes and frost heaves.
Quote from: mstevens on December 20, 2010, 08:25:19 PM
Lavazza is quite easy to get in the US. I get mine sent by Amazon on schedule. I think it's basically the Folgers of Italy.
I know. I once bought it at Wal-Mart, real cheap. I don't have the heart to tell them. :)
Happy Voodoo Day to me. Pulled my new (to me) Gaggia Syncrony Digital out of the box, ran a cleaning cycle, poured in beans and water, pushed the magic button and *presto* I have debil juice.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs734.snc4/65446_536129221079_49802169_31497643_3852913_n.jpg)
My friend Holly is a barista and while she abhors my use of a super-automatic, she's offered to come teach me some of the finer points of frothing milk so I can make all the froo-froo drinks I want in the privacy of my own home.
Quote from: Buckethead on December 24, 2010, 03:59:32 PMI have debil juice.
Maybe it took a while to grab your camera, etc. but is that crema a bit thin?
You might need to tinker with your grind or shot time settings.
My wife got me the cutest little baby Saeco X-Small for my office. I'd been hunting for one but they don't seem to import them to the US. She got it from some Canadian website. Very much like my machine at home only cut way down and less electronicalishiousness. Fits on my desk behind the computer and most patients don't even notice it.
Espresso is a lovely thing, it really is, but for the price, I feel like I get more satisfaction out of a cup of really good French Press coffee. Is it just me?
Quote from: DesmoLu on December 30, 2010, 09:31:28 PM
Espresso is a lovely thing, it really is, but for the price, I feel like I get more satisfaction out of a cup of really good French Press coffee. Is it just me?
Espresso is its own different thing. Sometimes I need a nice cup of French press, sometimes I need an espresso.
Quite good espresso can be made very cheaply if one is willing to put in the work. I'm too lazy for that.
Quote from: DesmoLu on December 30, 2010, 09:31:28 PM
Espresso is a lovely thing, it really is, but for the price, I feel like I get more satisfaction out of a cup of really good French Press coffee. Is it just me?
Yeah it's you, a very cheap stove top espresso maker is the way to go.
Quote from: mstevens on December 27, 2010, 09:39:41 AM
Maybe it took a while to grab your camera, etc. but is that crema a bit thin?
You might need to tinker with your grind or shot time settings.
Oh, I'm sure I do. The cheapy beans didn't help, I'm sure, but they were all I could find at the time. They gave me a starting point.
At the risk of being labeled a philistine, has anyone tried using kona beans for espresso? I know they're not Italian, but they sure are tasty.
Espresso is a preparation method and a grind, but it's definitely not any particular bean or roast.
Kona can make outlandishly good espresso.
Coffee beans don't grow in Italy, so there's really no such thing as Italian beans. There are some pretty good Italian companies blending and roasting for espresso, but American companies may make the best around. It would be really appropriate for them to use American beans. The biggest problem is that some of them (Starbucks, I'm talking to you!) severely over-roast.
Quote from: mstevens on January 05, 2011, 10:23:06 PM
Kona can make outlandishly good espresso.
While I was at the parent's place over the holidays, that was "all they had." Dad apparently likes Kona beans and Mom, well, Mom just likes coffee. Apparently limiting his intake (Dad has had some heart problems recently) has refined his taste. She just needs the "jolt."
As "easy to use" as my new machine is (there have been times when I had a coffee in my had before I put my glasses on), I'm tempted to find a decent cup commercially and try to reverse engineer something. I'm weird. I'm okay with that.
Quote from: mstevens on January 05, 2011, 10:23:06 PM
The biggest problem is that some of them (Starbucks, I'm talking to you!) severely over-roast.
I haven't had anything from them (except a green tea latte) that wasn't burnt to shit.