Posted Mon Mar 19, 2012, 8:18am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.
JasonBrandtLewis Said:
It's impossible for most of us to go to a "showroom" and, "hands-on," try out any number of machines and/or grinders. ... most of us must rely on suggestions from others, and -- in the end -- take a leap of faith.
Similar discussions pop up on a regular basis, and revolve around, how can anyone, just starting out, be convinced that spending $800-2000 on a grinder is a good idea. Or why a $2500 espresso machine is worth every cent. It can't be done, I think.
Distilled down, the advice I would give is: Start out spending relatively as little as possible on the espresso machine and get a good, mid-range espresso grinder. That is usually one of the Gaggias paried with a Baratza grinder. Work that for a year or two. If at that time you like what is going on, and feel like you will have a long-term relationship with espresso, then drop the big bucks on top line pro-sumer gear.
I can go on and on about the difference between my first outfit (Silvia+Rocky+Hearthware Precision roaster) to what I now have (VBM+Mazzer Kony+Hottop) and the benefit of the better equipment, but someone just starting out is not going to be able to comprehend the logic in spending $1500 to get a machine that "only" grinds coffee.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Mon Mar 19, 2012, 12:07pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.
I agree it is hard to spend that kind of money if you are not even sure if you will like making espresso or if it is will be a passing fad or something you give up on due to frustration.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Madurodave Senior Member Joined: 3 Feb 2012 Posts: 141 Location: NH Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Vac Pot: Yama 5 cup Drip: Mr Coffee, perculator Roaster: HotTop B, West Bend Air...
Posted Mon Mar 19, 2012, 12:36pm Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.
Coffeenoobie Said:
I agree it is hard to spend that kind of money if you are not even sure if you will like making espresso or if it is will be a passing fad or something you give up on due to frustration.
That's why there are models and prices for all levels! Just pick one that you can learn on and recoup your costs on later (at least some) when you upgrade or quit!
Dave Harley rider, Espresso drinker, Primo XL grill
I agree completely! and I was certainly in that boat. I was able to see a few relevant machines by hunting around, not necessarily in retail locations. For this thread, I saw that the OP was within not-unreasonable range. If at all possible, it's worth the effort. As one of the lucky few who have been able to make a purchase with online info, in person help and ability to see and feel the choices, I'm more interested than usual in what ended up being the difference when it came down to his final choice.
Agree about weight, but I'm cautious there as well... there are some really really nice machines/grinders that haven't had representation on the boards and thus get dismissed by the resident experts. Reading the German, Australian, North American discussions all point different directions. CG has it's own group of favourites. People congregate where users of similar equipment are.
Dan Kehn's "Wired" article caused quite a lot of indignation because he didn't recommend some of the usual suspects, from people who have never seen let alone used the machines in question.
It's natural to only believe you need to upgrade when you develop enough experience to recognize the limits in your existing gear, or you get to spend time with something "better" that opens your eyes. Very few recommendations on the forums seem to suggest "more" than the respondent currently owns though... always a grain of salt. Like many of us, I've used enough equipment that is not as capable as what I have now. I can speak to why the new one is better, but without having actually used or even seen much of the competition, I'm cautious with recommendations.
Rbrac Senior Member Joined: 2 Mar 2012 Posts: 14 Location: Niagara Ontario Expertise: Just starting
Posted Thu Mar 22, 2012, 10:04am Subject: Re: Looking to purchase Silvia V3 and Virtuoso Preciso Grinder.
Thanks for the advise. I will call the store ahead of time before I make my trip to let them know I will be expecting samples and a detailed demo. The only major variable left that I see will be the selection of bean he plans to use. Wish me luck. Rob
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