K9 Senior Member Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 4 Expertise: Beginner
Posted Sun May 18, 2003, 7:38pm Subject: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
Hi,
I'm a newbie that's looking for a good espresso machine on a college student budget. I'm planning on getting a good entry level grinder and have about $200 saved up for the espresso machine, but anything more expensive than that will have to wait until I graduate and find a job...
I've already read the Newbie guide at CoffeeKid, but I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions. I started looking at the Krups Artese (92011-42) for $200, but I read that thermobloc pumps are not recommend and now I'm lost.
Anyone have success with a $200 machine or any suggestions?
jim_schulman Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 3,772 Location: Chicago Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Sun May 18, 2003, 8:16pm Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
Go to www.pricescan.com and search for Gaggias. There's a number of places selling their plastic cased models -- espresso and carrezza -- for $200. Since none of these places specialize in coffee equipment, I know little about them, and can't give you any info.
These Gaggias are semi well built machines (but easy to repair) that make excellent espresso and steam fairly decently, especially in combination with a quality grinder. They are by far the best performer, on every count, of any machine under $300.
Posted Sun May 18, 2003, 10:00pm Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
For the price, you won't be disappointed with the Carezza. Just make sure that you at least get a Solis Maestro grinder. Anything less, and you will be disappointed!
K9 Senior Member Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 4 Expertise: Beginner
Posted Mon May 19, 2003, 8:07am Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
Thanks for the valuable information, after reading about the Gaggia Carezza I agree that it looks like a great entry level machine.
I was considering purchasing the Solis Maestro grinder, but I just saw on this site that a revision to the grinder, the Maestro Plus, is due out in June 2003. Since that's only 2 weeks away, I guess I'll wait.
Does anyone have any more information about the Maestro Plus other than the press release in the News & Noteworthy section? Any idea if the price will be comparable to the Maestro?
PeteyS Senior Member Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 7 Location: Ashland Oregon Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Wega Grinder: Solis Maestro Vac Pot: nope Drip: nope
Posted Mon May 19, 2003, 8:15am Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
You, might want to try and call Baratza(distrib. for Solis)and ask if they have any refurb SL70 and/or a Maestro. They sell them at a pretty discounted price I think. Just a thought. (I've no connections w/Baratza, just a satisfied customer) Good luck.
K9 Senior Member Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 4 Expertise: Beginner
Posted Mon May 19, 2003, 8:23am Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
One more question, does the Gaggia Carezza include any sort of water filtration? If not, what do you suggest to filter water before using it for espresso?
Thanks for the tip, I'll contact the manufactures for any deals.
Posted Mon May 19, 2003, 10:42pm Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
K9 Said:
One more question, does the Gaggia Carezza include any sort of water filtration? If not, what do you suggest to filter water before using it for espresso?
The Carezza does not have any water filtration device in it. The easiest thing to do is go out and buy one of those water jugs with the water filtration system in the top portion that has easily-purchased replacement filters sold by a company that begins with the letter "B." The last letter in the company's name is "A," and there's a rit in there somewhere, too. Not only will you have good water for your espresso machine, but it's pretty good drinkin' water as well. Two birds, one stone - not bad.
Abouna Senior Member Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 236 Location: Iowa Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Vetrano, Solis SL70 Grinder: MACAP M4 Stepless Drip: Press
Posted Tue May 20, 2003, 3:09am Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
aabreecoffee.com (aka espressopeople.com) has an SL70 listed on eBay here Click Here (cgi.ebay.com)
Right now its only around $100. If you can't win that aution I know a fellow coffeegeek who MAY be selling his SL70 (he upgraded) soon. Its only about a month old.
K9 Senior Member Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 4 Expertise: Beginner
Posted Sun May 25, 2003, 8:57am Subject: Re: Best Espresso Machine for Newbie College Student?
I've narrowed down my choices to the Gaggia Carrezza ($230) or the Solis SL-70 ($315 w/ non-pressurized filter). Is there some reason why I should spend almost $100 more for the Solis? Assuming money isn't an issue, which machine is better?
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