fabchef Senior Member Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 64 Location: mtl Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Apr 9, 2012, 7:27pm Subject: if you had a choice...super-auto or manual & grinder kit??
Hi guys, was talking to my bro tonight and he suggested to sell off what i have (saeco magic combi and gaggia "espresso") and just get ONE machine. He suggested a super-auto machine. We have been dealing with saeco for years, and i've come to the point that i don't really like the whole fake pressurized system they have as it just makes a "fake" creama as opposed to the one that a bar-type machine would make..the real deal. So are there any super-auto machines that, you believe, make the real deal coffee? or are they all the same, and i should stick to a manual type machine (ie: gaggia classic) with a good side grinder? if a real, good super-auto machine exists, which make and model would you recommend? thanks fabs
adan0327 Senior Member Joined: 6 Sep 2011 Posts: 45 Location: Toronto Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: la cimbali m32 dosatron 3... Grinder: Astoria Super Jolly Vac Pot: hario tc2 Drip: chemex, v60,kalitta... Roaster: Lol.... Pan :D
Posted Mon Apr 9, 2012, 7:59pm Subject: Re: if you had a choice...super-auto or manual & grinder kit??
Straight shots is best on semis. super autos are good for people who like milk drinks with convenience. At times even store bought coffee can be "alright" with milk. My friend has a mid ranged saeco super auto, its alright but he does admit my PIDd semi is better for both straight shots and milk drinks. Superautos make pretty decent milk drinks though. Superauto milk drinks still make better drinks than your average cafe. The real question is do you have time to preheat your machine grind,distribute, tamp, and steam? What kind of drinks you prefer? If you have a busy schedule go with a superauto.
Posted Mon Apr 9, 2012, 8:14pm Subject: Re: if you had a choice...super-auto or manual & grinder kit??
Respectfully, IMO (and most here)there is NO way a SA (even one of the $3k variety that can make a better milk drink than a semi auto, or auto machine (an Auto machine is a "DIY" machine, it just has controls to program the AMOUNT of liquid per single/double, so you can just let it rip, and steam at the same time without having to cut of the shot whilst steaming. They generally cost more than a semi (assuming they're both either HX or both DB)
There ARE a few new Auto machines, with a lowered price.
My recommendation is a nice HX, which does awesome milk drinks, and a competent grinder, such as a Baratza Preciso, Vario, used Mazzer SJ, etc.
This is, of course if you want the real thing. However, bear inn mind that NO machine makes anything but dreck without artisan fresh roasted to order coffee, either an espresso blend, or SO (single origin). Or, like many, you can easily roast it yourself. But that's ANOTHER thread for another time.
fabchef Senior Member Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Posts: 64 Location: mtl Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Apr 9, 2012, 8:40pm Subject: Re: if you had a choice...super-auto or manual & grinder kit??
so what do i like? i like a really good,smooth espresso. In the morning i make caffe&latte for my wife and i, but after that it's just me and i love agood espresso. Like a true Italian....no cappuccino after noon! hahahaha SO what i gather is that if it's for what i'm looking for, a SA is not really the way to go? I've heard that alot of these new SA machines can be quite finiky and i agree. I do have the time and patience to heat up the machine, grind the beans in a good grinder and tamper it down, that's not a problem. My wife has complained a bit about the access grounds going all over the counter, but i don't think it should be a pivital factor. also ...what is a HX machine???? thanks fabs
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