Definitely! I used to like *$$ too, but it didn't take long to realize they serve swill. If you start making your own at home, you're going to agree with us on this point very soon. Now, having said that, my wife still likes *$$ after all these years of me making a totally different class drinks for her at home. However, she orders a grande latte with half a shot in it...i.e., espresso tainted foamed milk. When I try a new blend or s.o. bean at home she doesn't vote on where it falls in the spectrum of coffees we continure to use at home, or even whether I order it again...the truth is, the espresso is so overpowered by milk in her drinks, she can't tell the difference.
Acrobat Senior Member Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 7 Location: Eugene Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 10:25am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
I ended up passing on it, we are looking at getting some thing that we won't be replacing for awhile. The Oscar looks like it could be a good fit for us.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,371 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 11:03am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
Well, Oscar sells used about what the low end new stuff sells for. I think it is a good idea myself. But that is not to say anything bad about the Gaggia, lots of people love that machine.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,371 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 11:07am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
That Oscar for sale here with the grinder is only $200 more than you wanted to spend to start with. That is really not much more for good espresso. And you are spending 3k+ a year at the coffee shops.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Daniel437 Senior Member Joined: 20 Apr 2012 Posts: 17 Location: Berlin Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 11:14am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
I've toyed with the idea of buying my own machine and equipment, but I love the atmosphere of local coffee shops and travel too frequently. I would look into used gear from a reputable dealer. I use this strategy with camera equipment to save money and get better reliability-- good used dealers test their wares extensively. New equipment is barely tested if at all.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,371 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sat Apr 21, 2012, 11:27am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
If I traveled the world I would agree with you. But I live in a small town were the only coffee shop in town the espresso doesn't have crema on it and when I asked why, the guy pulling the shot said "what is crema?"
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,371 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 11:08am Subject: Re: looking to buy my first espresso/grinder, need some advice
There are 2 Rio branded super jollys on Craigslist in Portland for 200 each. I would have killed for that deal when I wanted a grinder. They are big, very big, so most people for the home take the hopper off. That is an amazing price 100-150 below anything I have seen for them.
Bend has a The Pasquini Livio 90 (that is how it is spelled in the ad) for 695. It is Livia if you want to look at the spec's on line.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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