NobbyR Senior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 1,661 Location: Germany Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Poccino Opus One, Ariete Grinder: Eureka Mignon Istantaneo,... Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Melitta Linea Unica de Luxe Roaster: N/A
Posted Thu Aug 2, 2012, 10:53pm Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
Well, just like with any other machine you'll have to use freh beans, dial in the grinder and adjust its setting as required (sometimes daily) to get the right extraction. The four "M"s of espresso making apply to a superautomatic, too.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
jttran28 Senior Member Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: San Jose, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Compak k3
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 8:16am Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
Update: After using the Jura ENA 9 fora bout a week, I have decided to return it and go with one of the three that were recommended with a PID built in. Reasons for returning are as follows;
Cons: Does not heat milk past 150 degrees No control of how much milk and foam are in coffee Lots of upkeeping to keep machine clean Can't really customize much.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,372 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 9:01am Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
I am so not doing the "I told you so" dance right now. :) However, espresso machines are messy and most of the time you don't want to go above 150 on the milk, it scalds it.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
That's actually not good, you don't really want to heat milk past 150 degree's or so as now the milk is being scalded and "burnt" if that makes sense. I think most stop lower and let the milk rise, i.e. I generally stop frothing around 130 or so and the milk will rise in temp on my thermometer on it's own to about 140-150 which is ideal and taste great, when I've frothed to 150 and then turned it off the milk taste odd and burnt. Once you get used to it though you just go by feel of heat and time.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,372 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2012, 5:53pm Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
I would never suggest you keep that one. But I was giving you a general milk guide line and why it is recommended. But you have more flexibility with a non super auto machine and you can caramelize your milk if you wish.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
And life is ultimately deadly. But an espresso machine like a mid level SBDU or even prosumer HX are worth repairing. Most superautos simply are not, because the cost of repairs would come close to (or even exceed) the price of a new machine.
jttran28 Said:
... After using the Jura ENA 9 fora bout a week, I have decided to return it and go with one of the three that were recommended with a PID built in. ... I should have listened to you experts!
Clancey Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2012 Posts: 11 Location: NYC Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Thu Aug 9, 2012, 7:51am Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
Hi Jttran28,
Here is what I would look at. I have used both
- Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Grinder Package, you can find for approx. $950. You can pid this as well. Many on the CG forum will swear by this. Not fully auto, but after a little practice you and your wife will love this.
- Breville Barista Express - with Grinder 860XL- you can purchase for approx. $600- as a built in grinder. Not as performance oriented as the Rancilio, but a friend has one and with fresh beans it produces good espresso and very easy to product microfoam.
You have to be careful with an integrated grinder: most are of inferior quality, and the heat of the boiler can lead to warming of the coffee beans stored in the hopper, which degrades their aroma.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
jttran28 Senior Member Joined: 30 Jul 2012 Posts: 36 Location: San Jose, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Compak k3
Posted Thu Aug 9, 2012, 8:51am Subject: Re: Suggestions on what machine to buy?
NobbyR Said:
You have to be careful with an integrated grinder: most are of inferior quality, and the heat of the boiler can lead to warming of the coffee beans stored in the hopper, which degrades their aroma.
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