Savage Senior Member Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Location: NYC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Aug 12, 2008, 7:11am Subject: Looking to buy my first Espresso Machine
In the last year I've been on a quest around NYC for great coffee and Espresso. I've found more then a few favorites and a local Go-to place. But I've realized with all of the money I've been spending on Coffee it makes sense to just buy a machine and learn to pull proper shots of my own.
I recently bought a passable entry level Burr grinder $100 Breville BCG450XL Ikon Conical Burr Grinder. There are much better grinders out there and after about a 1lb of beans through the machine the burrs are showing wear. However the grinder has proved great in my French press and cold brewing endeavors. It also looks to produce a consistent espresso grind when playing with the grind settings.
So now I'm looking to grab an entry level espresso machine. I've narrowed the choices down to three in the $100-$250 range.
DeLonghi EC155
Gaggia Evolution
Saeco Aroma
I've read mostly positive write ups on all three of these entry level machines. I was wondering if anybody has experience or feedback on these machines and can point me in the right direction. Also what are the necessary accessories I will need: (ie. tamper, frothing pitcher/thermometer)
I'm welcome to suggestions a bit above this price range but not much, while I would love to be able to afford the setup Jamie uses at Abraco in the East Village I don't have $7000+ lying around.
Posted Tue Aug 12, 2008, 10:46am Subject: Re: Looking to buy my first Espresso Machine
I'll agree with Dave, Grinder First!
I will disagree and say that a Nemox lux (modded to stepless) or a Lelit pl-053, ascaso I-mini or any stepless grinder using that burrset can be servicable for years of espresso joy. As well built and versatile as the rocky? No! Able to stave off upgradeitis till you can spring for that used Mazzer or Macap? Quite possibly. Starting at $200
TXspresso Senior Member Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Commerce, TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Saeco Classico Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Tue Aug 12, 2008, 11:41am Subject: Re: Looking to buy my first Espresso Machine
I'm using a Saeco Classico (pre-Aroma) with a Rocky grinder. The Saeco is capable of pulling some pretty good shots if you learn to do everything fairly consistently. I can't speak for the other machines, but the Saeco definitely gets my recommendation. Definitely get the non-pressurized portafilter and learn good technique...you won't be disappointed.
I hope its not bad form for my first post to be a reply to someone else's first post...but, this is finally a question for which I can provide some input :)
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