silvers Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Barrie Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 11:23am Subject: Planning for my next machine, advice on some machines
Hello all
Okay so I am fairly new to the world of coffee but am slowly becoming obsessed. For many years I use to just get by with the local coffee shops in Toronto then I moved away and decided I should get my own machine. I first bought a used (heavily used) Rancilio Silvia which I quickly updated due to a lot of break downs, I then found a great deal on a Quick Mill Elaine (which is very similar to an Alexia). I love the Elaine it makes some amazing espresso shots.
So the reason for the post is I am interested in upgrading, reasons being: the Elaine is a single boiler machine and takes a long time to to make multiple types of drinks. Pulling a shot just for myself is great but on weekends we generally have a lot of people over and making multiple latte's and americano's can be taxing. Also the Elaine is not the greatest at steaming milk.
Before I get into the machines I have been looking into I will answer the suggested questions from the "read before you post topic"
"Standard Questions: 1) What kind of drinks do you like/want to make? -espresso, latte, cappuccino, americano 2) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself needing to make at any one time? min of 2 but commonly make 4-6 and sometimes 8 3) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself making in any given week? 5-20 4) Can you plumb a machine directly into the water supply, or do you want/need a pour over machine with its own reservoir? I can do either and want to discuss these options 5) Do you have a 20-amp circuit available, or only a (standard) 15-amp circuit? both 15-and 20 I could also put 240V into my new kitchen 6) What is your budget for a new machine? Does that also include a grinder? If not, what is your budget for a grinder?" $3000 already have a grinder (MACAP M4 steepless)
Okay so in summary I have a budget of around 3000, make on average 4-6 drinks at a time on weekends and 2 drinks each morning daily. I make -espresso, latte, cappuccino, americano. We are moving into a new house in the next year and am looking for options of plumbing the unit in. Power requirements are also not an issue as I can always plan to have a dedicated circuit for the unit.
So I think I will be looking into a dual boiler machine.
The units I have looked at are the Rocket R58 the ECM Tecnhika IV and the Alex Duetto. All three of these units are very similar in looks however I thought the Rocket and ECM felt better built (less wobble in the front when inserting the portafilter). Out of these I am leaning towards the Rocket for styling. However I dont love the square box styling. I love the look of the Faema E61 legend semi, but this is out of my price range. I also love/drool for the look of the speedster but again out of my price range.
So my questions are this,
- Out of the machines I have stated which do you think is the best built, anyone who has lived with these machines I would love to hear from you.
I guess I should say I have read all through the review section but all they tell me is people love all three of these machines.
- what other machines should I be looking into. I would love to know of some with more than just square cube styling
- Should I look into an Elektra sixties ?
- Any semi auto machines have an auto turn on for turning on in the morning?
silvers Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Barrie Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 11:43am Subject: Re: Planning for my next machine, advice on some machines
Hmm very nice. I have never tried a lever machine but plan on finding a shop where I can try one bc they do interest me. Something about pulling down on a huge lever.
silvers Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Barrie Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 2:32pm Subject: Re: Planning for my next machine, advice on some machines
So the question would be. Do you buy the luxe model. I like the idea of seeing inside. How was this guy at frothing milk. Compared to other lever machines.
silvers Senior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2012 Posts: 9 Location: Barrie Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Mar 19, 2013, 3:36pm Subject: Re: Planning for my next machine, advice on some machines
Well you started something, I might just have to become obsessed with this machine. I've watch almost every video I can find and it is beautiful. I never really thought of getting a lever machine before you sent me down this road. I'm wondering now if there are any in Canada. I saw some of the posts you yes we're making about this machine and what was the conclusion on hooking it up to a 220 v power supply. Also. When you used it was it easy to go from brewing to frothing and back.
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