slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Thu Jun 14, 2012, 7:06pm Subject: Options to consider? I think I know the features I want.
Brand new to the home espresso thing. After reading an awful lot on this forum, I believe I know what the features are that I would prefer in a machine. I would expect to make a couple of double shots about 3 or 4 times per day. I would want a steam arm even though I think steaming would be an infrequent use as we rarely drink milk containing espressos. I guess I am saying that the steaming capability does not need to be top notch but does need to be present. I very much want ease of use so keep that in mind as a general statement. I would like a PID and would love a timer so that it would be able to draw a shot pretty much as soon as I get up for work. I know that I could connect an external timer but would prefer it to be part of the machine. I am not hung up on whether it needs to be an HX or DB machine as I don't know enough about the differences so no restrictions there. I doubt that I would ever plumb in the water supply but would like the option at some point. That means the Vetrano is out as it is plumb in only. You get the point. I am willing to pay for quality and have set a budget of $1,700 for the machine only. Please identify possible options for me to investigate because at this point I am experiencing analysis paralysis. Much appreciated.
slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Jun 15, 2012, 4:47am Subject: Re: Options to consider? I think I know the features I want.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I have been all over the internet (mostly this forum) trying to sort it all out. That said, I figured the experts on this forum would be my best chance of identifying the machines that I should be strongly considering.
Posted Fri Jun 15, 2012, 1:21pm Subject: Re: Options to consider? I think I know the features I want.
You say $1,700 for machine only. You will need a decent grinder. With out this no matter what machine you get, you will not get good results in the cup!
slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Jun 15, 2012, 6:28pm Subject: Re: Options to consider? I think I know the features I want.
I have the grinder narrowed down to either the Vario W or Mazzer Mini. As far as needs for the machine, ease of being able to reproduce great tasting espresso is my main concern. I believe as a newbie, a PID will help accomplish that. I would also like to have an internal timer in order to have it be ready when I get up in the morning. I realize that $1700 is probably more than enough for the light use it will get but I am interested in quality and not afraid to pay for it.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,652 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Tue Jun 19, 2012, 6:09am Subject: Re: Options to consider? I think I know the features I want.
A PID's value changes depending on what type of machine you are using. On a SBDU or Double Boiler machine, a PID will help you to be more consistent. On a Heat Exchanger machine, the value is questionable at best.
Great espresso has been made for nearly a hundred years without a PID so it can be done. Need is one thing and desire is another. The same is true for a built in timer. This is a "feature" you will see mainly on CONSUMER grade machines. The COMMERCIAL machines for the most part do not have or need a built in timer.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 