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Espresso: Espresso Machines
1st Post. 1st espresso machine

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whitespy9
Senior Member

Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 37
Location: Minneapolis
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Jan 25, 2009, 4:27pm Subject: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

So I have just received a krups xp2070 and have a few questions. Is it possible to get a non pressurized portafilter for this machine? I have a very old b&b grinder. Should I even bother upgrading? (What I have read is that w/ a pressurized portafilter the grind doesn't really matter as you can never get it fine enough) thanks!

xdavez
Senior Member

Joined: 21 Nov 2007
Posts: 1,157
Location: Los Angeles
Expertise: Professional

Espresso: La Spaziale Vivaldi II
Grinder: Mazzer mini
Vac Pot: none
Drip: Technivorm

Posted Sun Jan 25, 2009, 5:28pm Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

You may be in for a great deal of frustration. as this is not just a cheap 'espresso' machine it also contains a drip coffee maker. any way you can return it for credit? There are 'real' espresso machines out there for under $300 -- new.

whitespy9
Senior Member

Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 37
Location: Minneapolis
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Jan 25, 2009, 7:13pm Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

could you explain what makes it an "unreal" espresso machine? it is pump driven. Thanks!

whitespy9
Senior Member

Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 37
Location: Minneapolis
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 7:33am
Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

ok. Don't answer that. It is going back to the store tonight. :)

Any suggestions for an espresso machine in the $300 range and grinder in the $150-$200 would be appreciated!

Thank you!

whitespy9 Said:

could you explain what makes it an "unreal" espresso machine? it is pump driven.

Thanks!

Posted January 25, 2009 link

dana_leighton
Moderator

Joined: 11 Jan 2002
Posts: 1,675
Location: Scranton, PA
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Isomac Relax; Caferina...
Grinder: Macap MXK; Baratza Vario-W;...
Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup
Drip: Technivorm; CCD; Melitta
Roaster: Poppery I w/PID controller

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 8:08am Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

whitespy9 Said: Any suggestions for an espresso machine in the $300 range and grinder in the $150-$200 would be appreciated! Posted January 26, 2009 link You've got the numbers backward. If you've read around the forums, you'll notice we always talk about the importance of grinder over machine. Spending more on the grinder will keep your particle sizes more uniform, and allow you to hone your barista skills. then you can upgrade the machine, and the grinder will stay with you until you get up into the heat exchanger class of machines. Rocky is a little expensive for you. How about the LeLit grinder: Click Here (www.home-barista.com) And a low-end Gaggia: http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/gaggiaevolution

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

whitespy9
Senior Member

Joined: 25 Jan 2009
Posts: 37
Location: Minneapolis
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 8:15am
Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

I've read all about the grinder being more important. I just wasn't aware there were espresso machines sub $300 that will actually make an espresso. :)

thank you for your suggestions!

dana_leighton Said:

You've got the numbers backward. If you've read around the forums, you'll notice we always talk about the importance of grinder over machine. Spending more on the grinder will keep your particle sizes more uniform, and allow you to hone your barista skills. then you can upgrade the machine, and the grinder will stay with you until you get up into the heat exchanger class of machines.

Rocky is a little expensive for you. How about the LeLit grinder:
Click Here (www.home-barista.com)

And a low-end Gaggia:
http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/gaggiaevolution

Posted January 26, 2009 link

dana_leighton
Moderator

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 10:55am Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

whitespy9 Said: I just wasn't aware there were espresso machines sub $300 that will actually make an espresso. Posted January 26, 2009 link What the price increase gets you is mostly stibility and convenience. Stability of temperature and consistent extraction increases as you get into heavier machines, all the way up to dual boiler machines. Convenience because the rebound time between shots will get shorter, and steaming becomes stronger and does not depend on a warm-up after pulling a shot. Personally if it were my money, I'd wait, save another $150, and get a Rocky. But waiting is really really hard, and I do not know if I would have the strength to do so. Have fun in any event.

Dana Leighton - Espresso hack and CoffeeGeek moderator

roastaroma
Senior Member

Joined: 21 Nov 2007
Posts: 437
Location: San Francisco, CA
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: PV Lusso, Bacchi
Grinder: Rocky Doserless
Roaster: Blue Bottle Coffee

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 11:19am Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

Ciao Andrew, Presently the Gaggia Evolution appears to be a suitable deal for you, for about $230 at online vendors (w/free shipping). As everyone says, though, the grinder's the thing -- at entry level, you'd spend about half the total budget on the grinder. For ex., LeLit PL53 at 1st Line Equipment, $239. (They're having a 5% off sale now, too.) Any cheaper than that, and I'd recommend either a used Rocky or a hand-cranked burr grinder like the Zassenhaus (under $100). In espresso there is no substitute for a quality burr grinder and freshly roasted beans, ground immediately before brewing. Buona Fortuna, Wayne

"Non è la macchina, è la mano."

linnysue
Senior Member

Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 57
Location: Utah
Expertise: I love coffee

Grinder: Rancilio Rocky Doserless
Drip: Krups Moka Brew

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 1:09pm Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

Oh, my what you all aren't doing to me. Something is brewing within; some ancient Italian art form. I came here to learn more about which pressure brewer to purchase, and now you all are stirring up a desire in me to learn more about this barista stuff. My hubby thinks I'm crazy now because I'm talking about buying a $500 grinder and new espresso machine. So what is the best entry level espresso machine and grinder I should consider if I have a budget of $1,000? The Rancilio Silva looks good to me. How about that Rancilio Silva and Rocky package for $959? Or maybe I should concentrate on one machine at a time and just invest in the grinder first, then add the espresso maker in a few months. I do have a question about grinders. If you purchase the Rocky with the doser, can you use this grinder for a regular pressure brewer like the Krups Moka Brewer or is it better to buy a doserless grinder for a 4 - 8 cup brew?

mthedude
Senior Member

Joined: 28 Jan 2008
Posts: 313
Location: VA
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Nuova Simonelli Oscar
Grinder: La Spaziale Junior
Vac Pot: n/a
Drip: Cuisinart Grind & Brew
Roaster: n/a

Posted Mon Jan 26, 2009, 1:31pm Subject: Re: 1st Post. 1st espresso machine

For a budget conscious combo the Le'Lit grinder and Nemox Caffe Fenice combo would be an enormous step up from the Krupps machine. You'd be getting a great grinder and near Sylvia performance for a lot less. The Fenice can be had for $299 shipped from 1-800-Espresso.com (not associated w/them in any way, I'm just planning on buying this machine soon) and the Le'Lit Grinder for around $230 from 1st line equip co. So for 530 bucks you'd be in the same range if not better than the Sylvia/Rocky combo. Not dissing the Rocky/Silvia, I just know it's a tough economic climate out there and it's easier to sell a spouse on $530 vs $1000. I've been there before.

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