CoffeeGeek - Espresso: Espresso Machines, Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Espresso: Espresso Machines
Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Rocket R58 Double Boiler

Rocket Espresso R58 Double Boiler - Everything you need for the perfect shot!
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Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Deal finding and...

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Bostonontario
Junior Member

Joined: 17 Mar 2013
Posts: 10
Location: Burlington
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 11:55am Subject: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Hello everyone, I finally joined today after years of reading and visiting the website. Please be gentle on my third post. I only really ever drink Aeropress and French press coffee unless I am out and about for an espresso at the local coffee shop (the stove top espresso's arent the same). I believe its time for a machine and an upgrade from my Maestro Baratza grinder. 1) What kind of drinks do you like/want to make? I plan on only brewing Espresso with the rare cap./latte for visitors. 2) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself needing to make at any one time? (This will tell us what you need in terms of a machine's ability to work continuously.) 1 or 2 in the morning 3) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself making in any given week? (This will tell us what you need in terms of a machine's durability.) 8 4) Can you plumb a machine directly into the water supply, or do you want/need a pour over machine with its own reservoir? No, I need a reservoir 5) Do you have a 20-amp circuit available, or only a (standard) 15-amp circuit? I have both in my kitchen 20 and 15 amp. 6) What is your budget for a new machine? Does that also include a grinder? If not, what is your budget for a grinder?" 600-700 and lower than that in a perfect world and I will be selling my current Maestro grinder from 2009 to grab a Preciso Side notes: I spent a few hours in the BST forum, kijiji, craigslist, google, and ebay looking for a CC1 or Gaggia Classic and didnt have much luck finding a solid deal. Is it just me or are the deals rare on kijiji, craigslist, and ebay? Thanks

Markarian
Senior Member

Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Posts: 474
Location: Seattle Area
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar
Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly
Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102
Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 12:14pm Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Hey there, So the CC1 is a less than two year old product, so finding a used one on a local classified ads site or even eBay at this point is going to be a challenge. Gaggias tend to either hold their value or break. Anyone who bought a Gaggia was serious enough about espresso to make the purchase at some point and probably didn't receive it as a wedding gift (that distinction is reserved for Saeco and DeLonghi). As far as machines go, I would recommend the Lelit PL41 or other similar SBDU machine (Don't buy a Silvia new, they're not worth the money), or possibly a Gaggia Classic new. For your grinder, have you called Baratza to ask if you can trade yours in for credit toward a new or refurbished one? That's what I did, when I traded my Virtuoso in for a Vario-W. If you've treated your Maestro gently, they may take it for credit off the refurb price. It's iffy though, since the Maestro isn't a current model and 2009 is a while back at this point. Best of luck, and with your needs I'm sure you'll find something that fits them in your price range.

Bostonontario
Junior Member

Joined: 17 Mar 2013
Posts: 10
Location: Burlington
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 1:11pm Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

I have checked into the PL41 online and also have made contact with Colin at Baratza. I have never thought to ask for a trade in credit. Thats a good idea. Ill keep my fingers crossed

Coffeenoobie
Senior Member

Joined: 11 Dec 2011
Posts: 2,314
Location: PNW
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: N S Oscar
Grinder: Vario W

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 1:14pm Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

You are in Canada and it seems like it is a bit harder to find used there. But I would still spend some time looking. You might get lucky.

Coffeenoobie Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)

CMIN
Senior Member

Joined: 14 Jun 2012
Posts: 500
Location: South FL
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Crossland CC1
Grinder: Baratza Preciso

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 1:27pm Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Surprisingly my CC1 I bought used from Canada lol, I was going to buy one anyway but ended up talking to someone about it whom had an incoming Rocket machine so bought his CC1. Otherwise I've never seen another one for sale.

fredk01
Senior Member

Joined: 20 Feb 2012
Posts: 115
Location: Canada
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Saeco Aroma
Grinder: OE Pharos

Posted Sun Mar 17, 2013, 6:58pm Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

You don't see many really good deals on used espresso machines in Canada. Used Gaggias do come up on kijiji occasionally. They seem to be a popular machine. You'll see Saeco Aromas regularly.

brianl
Senior Member

Joined: 1 Dec 2012
Posts: 150
Location: Chicago IL
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Gaggia Classic (w/PID)
Grinder: Baratza Vario
Drip: chemex

Posted Mon Mar 18, 2013, 6:46am Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

You can get a used Gaggia Classic for $200 (I recently did) Get a Baratza Vario: $450 (I found mine for $370 as an incentive for using a subscription service) Silvia Steam Wand: $25 Look into making your own PID: $50 to $150 (for kit) Grand total minimum $725 Grand total Maximum $875 Best part is the grinder wont need to be upgraded anytime soon, if at all. I had a similar problem on Ebay but so many pop up that it shouldn't take too long (just need to look for listing that end in the morning on weekdays). I wouldn't use craigslist unless you deal in front of like a police station.

Bostonontario
Junior Member

Joined: 17 Mar 2013
Posts: 10
Location: Burlington
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 3:07am Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Thanks the tips thus far. Is the vario that much of an upgrade from a preciso?

Bostonontario
Junior Member

Joined: 17 Mar 2013
Posts: 10
Location: Burlington
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 3:08am Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

Subscription service? Can you point me in that direction please? I'm a huge redflagdeals fan and wish that site posted more coffee equipment deals.

Markarian
Senior Member

Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 5:02am Subject: Re: Deal finding and questions for an entry level setup in and around 700

The Vario is a vast improvement over the Preciso if you're serious about espresso. The Vario has planar (flat) ceramic Mahlkonig burrs, while the Preciso has conical burrs. They're both good, but the Vario gives a better espresso grind...HOWEVER... I would recommend the Preciso unless you're willing to make the full leap to the Vario-W. The weight-based dosing spoiled me rotten.

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