gazerrant Senior Member Joined: 9 Nov 2007 Posts: 1 Location: NYC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Nov 9, 2007, 5:42pm Subject: Yet another First Machine question.
Before now, I've only owned a sub-$100 Krups "fake espresso" machine. Inspired by my time living in Wellington NZ, home of the best Flat Whites known to man, I've decided to take the plunge.
I currently have a cheap Braun burr-grinder that I plan on upgrading, but I plan on doing that after I get the espresso machine.
What I'm looking for: a machine that makes good espresso AND good microfoam. I'll be making milk-based coffee drinks about as often as straight espresso. The ability to use pods would be good too, for those times when I need it fast. Also, something that doesn't have a huge learning curve . Finally, design counts. The machine should look nice.
The budget: $800, including the grinder and all necessary accessories.
Posted Fri Nov 9, 2007, 7:15pm Subject: Re: Yet another First Machine question.
You want to avoid the learning curve?! that is tough. Folks are getting Oscars from the Smart and Final sale on the west coast on ebay for $550 or so, add a rossi rr45 for 125 plus shipping and a thermometer, steaming pitcher, stainless tamper and a glass or two and ther you are.
It's easier to learn to drive a Lexus fast than it is to drive a Ferrari. OTOH it's you cannot drive a Lexus very fast. The learning curve cannot be avoided, and more powerful machines need to be well controlled.
Pinky Senior Member Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 17 Location: netherlands Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Solis Type 110 800 Class Grinder: Nivona CafeGrano Drip: never! Bodum Press
Posted Sat Nov 10, 2007, 3:10am Subject: Re: Yet another First Machine question.
I understand wanting to avoid the learning curve, but it will be almost impossible to avoid. When you are going semi-automatic, you will have to learn the grind your particular machine needs for espresso, and you will have to learn the pressure you need to tamp with.
I have no idea if it's available to you where you live, but I just bought a Solis 110 and I pretty much got my grind and my tamp (for the most part) down in one day. But that was one whole day of making and testing and trying. Also you don't say if you have experience with grind and tamping... so I'm not sure you can also get this down in one day (not that I'm overly experienced... what I mean is, everyone is at a different level).
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