drdoogie72 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 8 Location: arlington Texas Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio silvia Grinder: Rocky no doser
Posted Sat Mar 29, 2008, 1:45pm Subject: super automatic recommendations
What would you recommend as the best super automatic espresso machine. I have a rancilio silvia right now, but am looking for the best super automatic, as well. Cant seem to see any reviews for a really good one. price range not important.
aribica59 Senior Member Joined: 6 Feb 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Mexico Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Pavoni, Brewtus III-R,... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Gene Cafe
Posted Sat Mar 29, 2008, 3:43pm Subject: Re: super automatic recommendations
The Jura-Capresso (Z5 or Z6) seems to be setting the standard these days. Brutally expensive, but I've heard great machines. Only problem with Juras is the working elements are sealed; anything goes wrong, you're putting it in a box. The Gaggias are among the most reliable, and you CAN service many things yourself. I had an older Capresso (C-300), and currently have the Gaggia Titanium. The Capresso had the (slight) edge in flavor and programmability; the Gaggia wins for reliability.
Guess it depends upon your definition of reliable. A recent trip to the local Saeco/Gaggia service centre found it full of super-autos with a two week turn around time. They didn't have a clue about my traditional Gaggia - I don't think they see them very often. One guy I talked to in line (who has two super-autos) said he was fed up because they are always breaking down.
So my impression is that super-autos are as about as reliable as Italian sports cars.
coffeebreaking Senior Member Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Schaerer Siena
Posted Mon Mar 31, 2008, 3:55pm Subject: Re: super automatic recommendations
From my experience, Jura/Capresso models seem to be more reliable than Saecos by far. Personally, I would avoid the single-step milk system as they are a nightmare to maintain and never get the milk hot enough. Most Jura models give you a steam wand as well as an auto foaming attachment though so you can use either one (but not the Z5/Z6).
Cleaning is more expensive on the Jura though because you have to buy cleaning tablets to clean them. The Saeco machines allow you to take out the brew group and wash it in your sink instead (I'm not as familiar with the Gaggias, but since they're made by Saeco I would imagine they are the same).
I have a Schaerer Siena at home and I couldn't imagine having any other superauto (I also have the Sylvia and Rocky but use the Siena more due to speed and ease). Two independent boilers so you can brew and steam at the same time (220V), commercial components, and (like Saeco) a removable brew group you can clean in your sink. It makes great espresso drinks and great mugs of coffee as well. It's also many years old and still works like brand new.
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 