glcoffee Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 67 Location: Los Angeles, CA & Taiwan Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Izzo Alex II Grinder: Vario Drip: Hario V60
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 3:20pm Subject: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
This question is for those that take their espressos with milk (latte, cappuccinos, etc.). Does the quality of an espresso shot make a difference in making a better cappuccino or latte? Most of the reviews I've read state that milk will cover most of the mistakes in your espresso shot, how true is this?
I love a good cup of hot and frothy cappuccino, hence looking into purchasing an espresso machine for the house.
Am really considering the BDB for its adjustability as I get more advance, but also offers automatic modes for novices like me.
The package will be a BES900XL + BCG800XL grinder. For this price range < $1300, what other alternatives are available, with similar features being the same?
IMAWriter Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 5,462 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Nothing at the moment Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM... Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever... Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 5:15pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
You can get similar results spending hundreds less. Any good espresso machine $400 and up can steam milk satisfactorily.
Please use our Consumer reviews, and also there are MANY searchable threads that will explain in detail the differences in machines. The combo you mention has several threads here.
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 5:55pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
glcoffee Said:
This question is for those that take their espressos with milk (latte, cappuccinos, etc.). Does the quality of an espresso shot make a difference in making a better cappuccino or latte? Most of the reviews I've read state that milk will cover most of the mistakes in your espresso shot, how true is this?
I love a good cup of hot and frothy cappuccino, hence looking into purchasing an espresso machine for the house.
Am really considering the BDB for its adjustability as I get more advance, but also offers automatic modes for novices like me.
The package will be a BES900XL + BCG800XL grinder. For this price range < $1300, what other alternatives are available, with similar features being the same?
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,723 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 7:02pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
I agree. Read other threads. Not only will you get an idea how much variety there is out there, but you'll also see questions asked that you hadn't thought of that will be pertinent to your decision.
Short answer (to the coffee hiding in the milk question) is yes, it matters how good you espresso is. I drink espresso based milk drinks. Sometimes as weak as a latte and sometimes as strong as a macchiato - depends on my mood.
Good cooks don't put lousy wine in their food, and they don't buy the cheapest possible lousy meat they can since they're going to make a sauce for it either.
Bottom line is the best ingredients set you up for the best results. Think "garbage in, garbage out".
MARIOBARBA Senior Member Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Posts: 126 Location: MONTREAL CANADA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Ascaso DUO Prof TRONIC Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 7:14pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
I think 1st line had a deal on Ascaso DUO's where they would throw in a grinder. That may be worth a look. Other vendors may have the same deal, SCG for example. With the DUO, you can steam and pull a shot at the same time, like the BDB or Silvano. I have been happy with my DUO so far, but we are still in the honeymoon phase. The breville grinder may be the weak link in your proposed setup, that and the unknown reliability of the BDB.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,723 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 7:58pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
holy cr@p! You two have me roflmfao! Hey, he's an engineer so he knows everything...just ask him, he'll tell you.
Anyhow, to add one more thing to my other post - which I meant to include initially...
It's best to figure out what you want from the machine and then go find out which machine fits your needs, instead of finding a machine you "like" and then see if it'll do. IMO, you should do your research and then go shopping.
jwoodyu Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 704 Location: Michigan Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Allex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Poppery
Posted Wed Feb 15, 2012, 9:26pm Subject: Re: I take my espressos with milk, considering BES900XL (BDB). Opinons?
OP - it makes all the difference when you start popping out truly whip a** espresso. It's an old song but let me sing it for you again "grinder grinder grinder" then spend the balance on the machine.
You know those people that want to tell you how to raise your kids but have none of their own? That is how i feel when someone with a kitchen appliance tells me how the merits or dis-merits of my machine or how to use it.
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