Yes, I've had the distinct privilege of using(read: suffering through) a Krups GVX 1 for 3 days. My jaw is still on the floor it's such a piece of Kr_p.
I have never owned a Capresso Infinity ... but I see them for sale every day on CL from people who bought them (cheap at Costco or BedBathBeyond) thinking they could do espresso and found out they cannot. I've read many, many posts here in the forums indicating that they are not very good grinders. Some posts say they can be made to grind fine enough for espresso - most posts say they cannot - or at least that they wear out quickly when trying to grind that fine. But ... again ... I do not have and have never owned one ... just going by what I read in the forums.
I would suggest you go with a better grinder ... one that is really capable of grinding for espresso.
Fresh beans? I'd recommend RedBird Espresso as a very nice blend from a master roaster at a great price and shipped the day of roast so you will receive them fresh. http://redbirdcoffee.com/
I was happy with a blade grinder, simple drip machine, french press, and a steam machine. Then the drip machine got old and started dying, so I bought a Keurig and angered the coffee gods... not to mention injuring my taste buds
At under $400 for both a machine and grinder, you are positively in the manual grinder and low end espresso machine provided you are looking at a new machine and not a well loved starter setup from someone on the board who is moving up.
It can be done, and I know that for many people $400 is a lot of money (and it is) but with espresso, your budget moves up very quickly.
There is a Grinta grinder for sale in that section of the board, new they are $330 discounted on the net. Asking $150 and in Portland Or.
Start with a good grinder that will be able to work for you through a few upgrades and you will be money and espresso ahead. New burrs for that grinder are about $50 (just going by what 50mm burrs tend to go for, the real price needs to be looked up. ) Even with worn burrs, you are light years better than the blade grinder.
With $200 left... well Saeco Via Venezia referb at $239 will round out a fairly good starter setup, one on which you should be able to out do the coffee shop on the corner with after you get better at brewing espresso and remove the pressure device in the Porta Filter. Click Here (www.seattlecoffeegear.com)
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
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