Samson Senior Member Joined: 23 May 2012 Posts: 6 Location: Quebec, Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Thu May 24, 2012, 4:00pm Subject: Espresso Machine shot quality and reliabilty
Dear Coffee Geeks,
I am sure that this has been addressed previously but here is my situation:
I have a Pavoni Pro that I am now selling because of the time it takes to make many drinks, especially when I have guests over. Now I'm looking into an HX machine. Of course I find the Rockets to be gorgeous, Bezzera to feel like great values and Simonelli Oscar to look weird in its plastic. I can't taste any of those machine since I don't live near any dealer. Then I have to shop and have the machine shipped to me. I don't know the first thing about fixing machines and shipping such heavy items for repair is always so expensive. So here goes: I will take any suggestions about a machine that will give me a great shot and be super reliable. That's it. I wished it looked great but it is not a factor. Priced around 1500$.
Posted Thu May 24, 2012, 9:06pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine shot quality and reliabilty
Ian, welcome to CG.
Even with the higher Canadian prices (in SOME cases?) you should find several machines that will serve you VERY well. Basically all HX machines operate within the same parameters, and differences would be cosmetic, and maybe higher grade pumps, pstats, etc.
You haven't mentioned the more important part of the equation...the GRINDER. A 2k machine with a lousy espresso grinder=FAILURE, at all levels.
Budget at least $250 US for a proper grinder. The Baratza Preciso can be had at a refurb price (full warranty) for under $250 US. There are manual grinders some for under $60, and a GREAT manual from Orphan Espresso.com that easily grinds as well as $400 electric grinders.
On the other hand, Often, you can get a package deal...grinder and machine for less than the price sold separately. Google for the closest vendor near you.
Chris Coffee Service is in Upstate NY, near Schenectady. They have a showroom with DOZENS of espresso machines in all price ranges as well as many grinders. They are great folks. If you can't find a Canadian vendor, CCS would be an awesome choice. Their customer service is as good as it gets, and you can actually try out all the machines!
Posted Thu May 24, 2012, 10:33pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine shot quality and reliabilty
Ian, perhaps that would be something you could investigate offline. Maybe lets try to figure out something less expensive that will do a fine job, so you can save some $$ for some really good artisan roasted coffee. There are some awesome Canadian roasters.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,317 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Fri May 25, 2012, 12:17pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine shot quality and reliabilty
My weird looking Oscar makes nice coffee for a crowd and keeps on going. At $475 used I think it is bang for your buck. I know lots of people can't handle used and to be fair I have to fix a few things. But I know him inside and out and I feel sure I can repair him for years of service from him to come. I do not have upgradeitus. I like he has a no burn shell, I can move him easy and take him to parties, (he has done 2) and I can paint him if I want to or cut holes in the shell for gauges or pids or anything else I decide to trick him out with.
I personally did not have a shiny fancy budget and really I think that turned out for the best. If he was shiny I think I would have a velvet rope around him and would be freaked out by water splashes and stuff. And I would not be as relaxed and having fun with him like I do.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Nope. Check out the reviews and talk to owners of Rocket machines. Rockets are renowned for their quality, performance and style. There's always someone that has an issue with their machine. So, you need to filter out the noise.
yiplong Senior Member Joined: 19 Feb 2012 Posts: 79 Location: EU Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri May 25, 2012, 5:41pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine shot quality and reliabilty
dsblv Said:
Nope. Check out the reviews and talk to owners of Rocket machines. Rockets are renowned for their quality, performance and style. There's always someone that has an issue with their machine. So, you need to filter out the noise.
CG has always allowed both positive and negative viewpoints of gear, coffee, etc. However, we strive to avoid personal attack, such as the one you advanced...the "do you work for" comment.
Giving the benefit of the doubt, I interpreted "dsblv's" comment to mean keep an open mind, and that there are always occasional problems with most any product, and not to be unduly influenced by a negative comment or 2. This is especially true when the MAJORITY of comments and reviews of aid product are positive.
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