Posted Wed May 2, 2012, 9:36am Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
emradguy Said:
Hey Jim,
I was just checking out the M2s on your site (through the link you provided). I noticed one of the doser models says "doserless" in the caption. It's the last one in the doser section.
Also, out of curiosity, how wide are the steps in the M2?
That's a loaded question. Many will argue the Oscar, being an HX machine, is better than the Silvano. As an entry level HX, the Oscar has some limited features. The Oscar is highly recommended, but it seems like people move on to other machines after owning an Oscar.
My point was that if you're going to start looking at HX machines, then you should look at the mid-range HX's from QuickMill and Rocket. Those machines are in the $1500-1800 range, which is well above your budget. And, then there's the Breville Double Boiler at $1200. So, it's easy to experience budget creep.
The Silvano offers a lot of features for the money. You may want to talk with Chris at Chris Coffee to learn more about the machine.
ah yes, i totally forgot about the Silvano. it was on another thread where they were comparing it with the CC1. i am not but i think within that thread, someone mentioned that silvanos have wiring/heating(?) issues. i do not remember exactly
Posted Fri May 4, 2012, 9:51pm Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
I will give you the advise that you will only appreciate in a few years, since I am confident you will not listen to me now, as I would not have done when I was in your position.
WIth a firm $1k budget I would buy a Mazzer Mini or Macap M4 (500-650 depending on where you purchase and how long you are willing to wait for a deal) and something like a Gaggia, LeLit, Isomac Maverik? with what I had left. I would then save for the next year or two to get an HX class machine.
Basically the point is that you *will* upgrade from any grinder you have listed eventually if you continue to make espresso. So save yourself the trouble and get the good grinder now and a decent espresso machine (i.e. one with an OPV, three way solenoid and some degree of temperature stability). The frustration resulting from using an inadequate grinder is far far greater than that from an entry level espresso machine.
Posted Fri May 4, 2012, 10:08pm Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
emradguy Said:
Thanks for pointing out build quality Jim.
Others here love the Preciso and swear by it...as well as Baratza's great service. However, think about this...there are threads here dedicated to problems with Baratza grinders. You don't see any dedicated threads about problems with Macaps or Mazzers or some of the commercial grinders, and you only hear bad press on the Rocky related to it's limits in grind control.
This is not true. The threads are a Vario owner thread and Preciso thread. Neither were started to discuss problems, but to basically discuss the grinders, experience, adjustment options, etc., But in fairness, all comments are encouraged, both pro and con.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,692 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Sun May 6, 2012, 11:47am Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
actually, it is true. There is one thread called Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Problem, and the OP descries what sounds like a broken part. There is, I believe, at least one other thread describing a problem with the grinder itself. However, I do agree that most of the threads about Preciso grinder problems are due to user malfunction.
MoffeeCoff Senior Member Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 43 Location: Australia Expertise: Professional
Posted Mon May 7, 2012, 12:35am Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
Choosing a coffee machine is not just matching the specifications and budget to your requirements. It’s much more important to match your personality to the coffee machines available. Automatic machines are expensive and you can choose manual machines when you can't afford them.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 5:17pm Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
That is not a super duper killer fantastic price. I would rather pay that kinda cash if I could see it in person and hear it run. You can probably get a used grinder local for 300.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
truebenny Senior Member Joined: 27 Apr 2012 Posts: 21 Location: PHILADELPHIA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Presso Grinder: Hario Skerton
Posted Wed May 9, 2012, 7:25pm Subject: Re: which do you prefer ?
Coffeenoobie Said:
That is not a super duper killer fantastic price. I would rather pay that kinda cash if I could see it in person and hear it run. You can probably get a used grinder local for 300.
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