Posted Fri May 4, 2007, 12:39pm Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
mcKoffee Said:
Just curious, how were your results? Don't think boiler temp/pressure would make too much difference in being able to pull it off if you played the steam via the valve. (Which was how this Article Feedback thread got quasy hi-jacked:-0)
LarryLaurel Senior Member Joined: 3 Jul 2006 Posts: 57 Location: Philadphia, PA, USA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS3 Grinder: Macap M4
Posted Tue May 8, 2007, 12:36pm Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
Excellent guide, Mark, but in the grinders section, you said...
At the end of the day, it may boil down to aesthetics when considering which one is right for you - the Mazzer is available in black, painted grey, stainless, and chrome, whereas the Macap is only available in chrome / brown smoke plastic.
Re. the Macap, that just ain't so, as the beautiful black M4 in my kitchen will attest. Actually, according to the Macap web site, the M4 doserless comes in silver, gunmetal, black, red, and chrome, while the doser version adds the copper, and brass finishes. All of these might not be available in every country, but we do have more choices than chrome here in the USA.
Other than that, and a couple of punctuation glitches, this is the guide which should have been around since day 1.
Posted Sat Jul 7, 2007, 5:49pm Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
Nice job! Good writing, clean layout, and wonderful photography, as usual.
Just one comment: a bottomless portafilter would be a great addition to the list of recommended accessories.
And one question: where can I buy a Robur for $1500?
For a long time, I've been a fan and promoter of the Mazzer Mini grinder, and I remain so - it's a great choice that gives you the legendary Mazzer quality in a size that fits on most kitchen counters, and it won't break the bank as the Mazzer Robur (at $1500) might.
Posted Sun Jul 8, 2007, 11:21am Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
MarkPrince Said:
How to Buy an Espresso Machine has seen some updates, and it ran for such a short time on the front page, I've updated it and set the publication date to this month to get it back up front and centre.
Thanks Larry for the info on the Macap. I'll go in and change that information. AFAIK, the colours imported into the US are pretty limited though?
Nice job, Mark. One suggestion (of course): add a few words about choosing between a heat exchanger and single boiler, such as which sort of use patterns each is best suited for.
harrymanback Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 214 Location: slo*cal Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: expobar brewtus ii Grinder: la cimbali md6, baratza... Drip: nah...bodum press(es) Roaster: modded wear•ever popcorn...
Posted Sun Jul 8, 2007, 7:53pm Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
when i got to the bottom of page two, grinders, i read: "in my main espresso room...." holy moses, man! how many espresso rooms you got? is there a room just for press-pots?
but seriously, i know this guide wasn't supposed to be specifically about brands (although it did flirt with them in some areas), but i wish coffeegeek would do a first or in depth review of the expobar brewtus ii. and i agree with rmongiovi in that a discussion of groupheads or even portafilters would be great.
and actually, while home-barista has a nice review of both machines, i'd like to see a straight head to head: la spaziale vivaldi s1 vs. expobar brewtus ii. 53mm vs. the traditional 58? 3-way electric solenoid vs. 3-way manual lever? rotary pump vs. vibe pump?
ok, i digress. seriously, main espresso room? dude!
"i should pull up the hardwood to see if there's carpet underneath! . . . no, that's never the case."
sindikato Senior Member Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Location: philippines Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Jul 11, 2007, 2:52am Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
i need help regarding a 2nd hand carimali expresso machine..problem is i dont have any idea on how to use it..been to carilmali site cant understand french..i need a manual,....thanks
fatnat79 Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 148 Location: Los Angeles, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Grimac Mini Grinder: K30 ES Vac Pot: Yama / Bodum Santos Drip: Bodum French Press Roaster: Gene Cafe / Popcorn Roaster
Posted Wed Jul 11, 2007, 11:26pm Subject: Re: How to Buy an Espresso Machine
Very informative guide Mark, thanks for that. I know this article is for the first time espresso machine buyer, but I have a question to add on. I have used a Rancilio Silvia for a few years now and am starting to get that upgrade itch. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on what the next machine upgrade might be? I definitely want a HX machine as I would like to be able to switch from brewing and steaming w/o the wait, which is my main concern, but are there any other major upgrade features that I should be on the lookout for when shopping for the next bigger and better machine? Thanks for any input.
P.S. I'll be on the lookout for that next "how to" article for the Silvia. =)
shinnara Senior Member Joined: 3 Aug 2007 Posts: 1 Location: the republic of korea Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Aug 3, 2007, 10:53pm Subject: service of la marzocco
i sent inquiry e-mails to la marzocco but a reply e-mail doesn't come. it seems that they don't reply. please consider it before you order a product to them. i have already ordered gs/3 last january and even now it has not delivered to me.
hedgehogfrenzy Senior Member Joined: 5 Dec 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Tampa, FL Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Wed Dec 5, 2007, 3:27pm Subject: Krups Machine
OK, OK...I'll admit it...I own a Krups XP series machine. Since I bought that, I've been reading up on this subject of espresso, and learned quite a bit. I've spent a lot of time with my machine and gotten pretty good results...better than a lot of places I used to get espresso from. But, has anyone heard of/seen a way to make the XP machines have a un-pressurized filter. I'd be curious if this would make my shots better, I'm under the impression it would. It's still a couple of years till I can upgrade.
I'm still new to the board, let me know if this would be better else-ware.
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