adamr100 Senior Member Joined: 30 Apr 2012 Posts: 7 Location: Chester Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Apr 30, 2012, 3:22am Subject: First Machine for £350 really stuck
Hi.
For my birthday my mums wants to get me a coffee machine as I worked in a coffee shop for 5 years before I came to uni, she knows how much I love coffee so thought it'd be a good idea. I'm all for it, the problem is she has left me with deciding which one.
I have spent days scouring forums and reading reviews and trying as hard as possible to not create another "New Machine" thread. However after all my hunting I am still unsure as to what to go for. My budget is circa £350.00.
I have narrowed it down to the top 3 I could find but I am open to suggestions:
Rancilio Silvia - Is really out of my budget but reviews seem good is it worth more over the others? Gaggia Classic La Pavonni Puccini
I wondered what peoples thoughts were. I would like to think I am experienced and can work a machine well having had barrister training and worked in a coffee shop for 5 years. I have a manual mill grinder that my shop gave me when I left. I look forward to your thoughts, opinions and suggestions.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,372 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Mon Apr 30, 2012, 10:29am Subject: Re: First Machine for £350 really stuck
Well, thinking about it from another angle. Is there any shot she would go for a nice grinder and a used machine that you could upgrade later? Do you have any contacts in the coffee biz that might be selling off stuff?
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
adamr100 Senior Member Joined: 30 Apr 2012 Posts: 7 Location: Chester Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue May 1, 2012, 12:15am Subject: Re: First Machine for £350 really stuck
I dont think she wants to get me a used machine sadly and I I know of no one selling any gear but I would guess I can pick things up at trade price through my old work.
JPF Senior Member Joined: 3 Jun 2010 Posts: 209 Location: NJ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Mini Vivaldi, Pre-millenium... Grinder: Dosered SJ, Resurrected... Vac Pot: Yama Siphon Drip: Technivorm Roaster: Behmor, Poppery I
Posted Tue May 1, 2012, 6:03am Subject: Re: First Machine for £350 really stuck
Adam, I don't know if your Zassenhaus is up to espresso grind, but the grinder is much more important than the machine so make sure you do your homework on it.
Of the three machines (and I haven't used any of them personally): 1) the Silvia is often cited as being overpriced for what it delivers now. However it is well built, and has a rabid following.
2) The Gaggia is typically well regarded for the price in this level/class of machine and often recommended here. Many geeks use them for years before upgrading/never upgrading.
3) The only thing I know about the Puccino is from this thread where the poster's boiler warped after two years of heavy use. Of course this could be a complete outlier, but I don't think the Puccino is sold in the US so I haven't read anything else about it. On the other hand, in this youtube video, it looks like a capable little machine.
adamr100 Senior Member Joined: 30 Apr 2012 Posts: 7 Location: Chester Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue May 1, 2012, 6:07am Subject: Re: First Machine for £350 really stuck
I was considering a new grinder also. I think this can be something I'll pick up. Do you have any suggestions for a cheap as possible quality grinder. I realise I also need to factor in a nice tamper, milk jug etc.
For some reason I seem to prefer the Rancilio but think if the machines are very similar the Gaggia will be just as good. Especially if, when I get round to it I fit the Silvia steam wand.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,372 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue May 1, 2012, 8:23am Subject: Re: First Machine for £350 really stuck
For the money I would get a Gaggia over the Rancilio because I believe that is better bang for your buck. Espresso equipment is very pricey so bang for my buck was very important to me. That is why I bought a nonsexy Oscar - great guts in a cheaper package.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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