kodekitten Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Brownsville, TX Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Oct 25, 2005, 9:11am Subject: A Machine Recommendation Requested....
Hello everyone,
I hope that I'll be able to post and contribute to this forum greatly in the future, as inexperienced as I am with brewing excellent espresso.
I would like to ask of the collective intelligence here for a recommendation for a new machine.
I have a Krups Novo that I found in someone's basement. It was purchased about 10 years ago and I honestly have no way of knowing what model it is off the top of my head. It looks like the Novos do now, except that the only two controls are an "on/off" toggle switch and a dial that allows me to direct hot water to the filter, and to the steaming wand. That's it.
I've been fairly happy with this machine, as it has allowed me to take a long time to fully experiment and understand the many variables that decent espresso demand attention to. However, today (as has happened one other time before), it appears that the steaming wand is "clogged."
Clogged is the only word I can use to describe it. The pump works fine and I can hear the pressure building up... the wand being metal does get hot, but no steam comes out of the bottom. Last time this happened I was chatting and didn't realize that the pressure was building up until all of a sudden it all came out in one HUGE blast, spraying milk all over me and the counter.
I do go through the effort of making sure that the wand is always cleaned immediately after use, so there's no issue I can immediately suspect. Also, when the "clogging" happened this morning, I immediately turned off the pump and all of the excess steam and water came out, so it's no malfunction with the pump. I'm just wondering if any internal tubing is being clogged, and how that would occur.
Nonetheless, my latte in the morning is one of the few things that keeps me going, and I am desperate to find a fix or a replacement! I really really want to make a purchase/repair within the next few days. If this is a constant issue of the Novo, I wouldn't want to continue to use this.
So, I am here asking for a recommendation for a new machine. Here are some caveats: 1) I live in Nowheresland... so the only place that would have machines to purchase (and would have a limited selection at that) is Dillards and a Starbucks located an hour away.
2) I am happy with the taste produced by the Novo. I don't know much, so at the moment I am satisfied with the quality of the shot from the Novo.
3) I don't really find myself wanting more than a steaming wand for my milk in terms of accessories. My skill level doesn't require other gizmos like temperature control, unless you feel that I'm really missing out on something I shouldn't be living without...
4) I grind my own espresso in a blade grinder.
5) I'm pretty good at pulling a shot, but a little room for growth would be nice.
6) Modest budgets please. I'm definitly not making the big bucks as of right now.
That's my life story. Thanks to anyone who replies.
Foxbat Senior Member Joined: 28 Apr 2002 Posts: 68 Location: San Francisco, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Pasquini Livia Grinder: Macap M4, Solis Maestro Drip: Barista Aroma 8 cup Roaster: HWP, HotTop
Posted Tue Oct 25, 2005, 9:44am Subject: Re: A Machine Recommendation Requested....
Welcome to CoffeeGeek!
Keeping your list of criteria in mind, I'd probably suggest checking out one of the Starbucks Barista machines. I had one for a few years and it did me well until I move on to my Livia. One caveat: If it comes with a pressurized portafilter, I'd suggest finding a non-pressurized one. Otherwise, it is really hard to play with your shot technique. You can probably find one online; check the resources here on CoffeeGeek.
I'd highly recommend getting a burr grinder. It really, really helps. I know it seems like a huge expense, but it is night and day when compared with using a blade grinder. There have been some decent ones reviewed here at a medium price point; check some of them out. You really will thank yourself later.
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