andrewm Senior Member Joined: 4 Dec 2012 Posts: 11 Location: Vancouver, B.C Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Dec 4, 2012, 5:53pm Subject: Assistance in picking out an Espresso machine for a reasonable price.
Hi all, I just joined.
So, I've done an immense amount of research, but I'm still having a hard time finding a decently priced espresso machine.
I managed to snag a used Mazzer Mini, which I've since cleaned and love very much.
I've considered semi-automatics and even considered a La Pavoni lever machine, but I mostly want to make Cappuccinos and Americanos. I have not yet acquired a "Taste" for espresso by itself. I like the richness and milk texture of a cappuccino. Mostly I make pour overs in my Chemex, but I miss the luxurious texture of steamed milk and strength of espresso.
Machines I'm considering, from "cheapest to best":
Gaggia Classic
Rancilio Silvia
Crossland CC1
Isomac Tea
I know that double boilers are better for milk + espresso drinks, and I know that HX espresso machines are better than single boilers. Mostly I'm looking at making two espresso based drinks at a time, if I'm entertaining I like to use my Chemex, but might make 4-8 espresso drinks if I have a ton of guests.
I'd like to get a machine used, as I find buying new is way too much money. The absolute most I could ever shell out is 800 dollars all in, and that's only for a good double boiler. I live near Vancouver, British Columbia, and I'd be willing to travel as far as Seattle to get a good used machine.
I learn extremely quickly and love to experiment with stuff, so long as I don't have to "modify" the actual machine in any technical aspect.
Any recommendations? I've tried Craigslist, but it's been hit or miss.
Grinders: Hario-MSS-1B-Mini-Coffee-Grinder - Cheapest but hand powered OE Lido hand powered OE Pharos hand powered Baratza Preciso Baratza Vario Baratza Vario W (my favorite) Used Commercial grinders
NOTE:
HX does milk drinks very well. Many maybe even most pro machines out in coffee shops today are HX. HX design makes it a bit cheaper to do than 2 boilers.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
andrewm Senior Member Joined: 4 Dec 2012 Posts: 11 Location: Vancouver, B.C Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Dec 4, 2012, 6:08pm Subject: Re: Assistance in picking out an Espresso machine for a reasonable price.
Yup I've read all those and I own a Mazzer Mini grinder.
I ideally wanted help finding other places where I can buy a decently priced used machine, preferably an HX like the Isomac Tea. If I could spend 500 and get a used HX, I'd be happy.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,314 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Dec 4, 2012, 7:12pm Subject: Re: Assistance in picking out an Espresso machine for a reasonable price.
Tell her the stainless is much harder to keep clean and easier to burn yourself on. Don't expect it will change her mind but full disclosure can't hurt.
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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