In my HO, your budget is why you are not finding a machine. A late model machine in good working order, costs more than that, your budget is in the range of older equipment or equipment needing repairs or both.
Take your time, look on Craigslist etc, check out the throwaway add news papers that are direct mail to you, check out the recycler paper etc. and you will eventually find a machine in your range.... possibly needing repair.
A HX machine is not really much different than a SBDU machine when it comes to repair, a few different components but these things are not going to the moon, they are just coffee makers after all.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Wed Jun 6, 2012, 6:59pm Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine
I've found that the biggest barrier to finding 'the right machine' lies not in the price, but rather size and the lack of internal tank. Strangely enough, the bigger, plumb-in machines are coming in cheaper than home friendly models.
At this point, I'm really ogling a Cimbali Junior. It seems as though I may have to save and wait to reach that one.
iroast Senior Member Joined: 3 Nov 2011 Posts: 67 Location: NJ Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Jun 7, 2012, 7:23am Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine
Peli Said:
I've found that the biggest barrier to finding 'the right machine' lies not in the price, but rather size and the lack of internal tank. Strangely enough, the bigger, plumb-in machines are coming in cheaper than home friendly models.
At this point, I'm really ogling a Cimbali Junior. It seems as though I may have to save and wait to reach that one.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,772 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Fri Jun 8, 2012, 6:50am Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine
Peli Said:
I've found that the biggest barrier to finding 'the right machine' lies not in the price, but rather size and the lack of internal tank. Strangely enough, the bigger, plumb-in machines are coming in cheaper than home friendly models.
At this point, I'm really ogling a Cimbali Junior. It seems as though I may have to save and wait to reach that one.
How is this strange? The home market is MUCH larger than the commercial used equipment market, thus smaller machines are in higher demand ergo, they cost more.
There are many advantages of plumb in, even at home. You need not tie into the home water/drain system. Many here use stand alone water bottles and a water pump to supply the machine and like me, you can drain into the same kind of bottle.
My 4 gal waste bottle lasts about a month between mandatory dumping. A little bleach (teaspoons worth) keeps the water from getting funky over the month.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Tue Jun 19, 2012, 10:32am Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine $500-$800
I've been lazy about posting it, but I have a Expobar Office Control I'm looking to sell, good condition, includes Eric's thermometer and external temperature display ( an auber PID being used solely to display temp). After I stopped using it (2 months ago) I gave it a thorough cleaning so its ready to go, no built up gunk anywhere. It has been well taken care of and recently replaced the thermostat with a new one. Let me know if that sounds interesting and i'll stop being lazy and get you a more thorough description and photos, looking to get $500 for it. (fyi, stopped using it because I picked up a Izzo Duetto :) )
naimnut Senior Member Joined: 13 Jul 2011 Posts: 66 Location: Seattle area Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Expobar Brewtus II Grinder: Baratza Vario Drip: Braun Aeromaster
Posted Tue Jun 19, 2012, 7:07pm Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine $500-$800
Are you considering a used Nuovo Simonelli Oscar? These are fantastic HX machines, pull fantastic shots, they last forever and they steam milk like crazy. I actually consider the Oscar quite a bit above an "entry level" HX machine.
Just thought I'd mention it, as a used one would be well within your budget and a solid performer.
Posted Tue Jun 19, 2012, 9:03pm Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine $500-$800
I do agree with your evaluation of the Oscar as above entry level ... but I like brew/boiler pressures gauges, and would really prefer an E61 grouphead. I'd like all the feedback and forgiveness I can get.
It's an amazing HX machine! I've gotten to use it before, and it's certainly a helluva steamer.
Posted Tue Jun 19, 2012, 11:49pm Subject: Re: Buying an entry-level HX Machine $500-$800
I think that's a wrap! I've sent payment on a gorgeous machine, and at a price I'm satisfied with. I appreciate all the help I've gotten along the way.
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