Friendly Senior Member Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 126 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Aug 10, 2012, 11:21am Subject: a simple question...
...but a complex answer, no doubt. I'm going to ask a question and would appreciate a black and white answer, let's ignore the gray.
Friend of mine probably spends a good $25+/day on Starbucks, so I'm gonna pitch getting a machine for the office. I would like a recommendation for the cheapest (he does drink Starbucks afterall...) super-auto that can be plumbed in (we'll use the 5 gal bottle & adapter kit) as well as a good mid-range super-auto (raise the bar from Starbucks!).
I'd buy from Espressotec in Vancouver and I'm looking at the Jura's and the Saeco's and wondering what we should consider.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,716 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Fri Aug 10, 2012, 12:06pm Subject: Re: a simple question...
why do you need the cheapest one? You're friend's already spending overt $6k a year at *$$ (not to mention his weekend habit). When you factor in the other people who will benefit, you'll easily be saving money no matter what you buy.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,716 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Fri Aug 10, 2012, 12:29pm Subject: Re: a simple question...
sorry!
I wish I could help you. Unfortunately, all I know about super-auto's are the many reasons I don't want one, personally. However, given your environment, I can see why one might be good for you.
Posted Fri Aug 10, 2012, 12:51pm Subject: Re: a simple question...
The only super-auto I feel comfortable suggesting is the Quick Mill Monza Deluxe. Not sure who in Vancouver might carry, likely whoever's carrying the Vetrano and other Quick Mill machines. Steel rather than plastic construction, better quality grinder, PID controlled and can be run pourover or direct connect. Yes, it's about $2.5k USD, but that's less than 6 months of what your friend is currently spending on *$.
Please bear in mind that I haven't had a chance to play with one in depth, so my impression of the Monza is based on very slight acquaintance. Still, even on the quick drive-by, it seemed to be head and shoulders over the rest of the non-pro-level super-autos out there.
Forget the lower-end super-autos altogether, especially for office use. You might get a year before it falls apart, as they're not really designed for more than 10-12 shots/coffees a day. In my office, we'd go through that in a half hour - in mid-afternoon. In the morning, the line at the coffee machine would do that in 5 minutes.
Friendly Senior Member Joined: 20 Dec 2010 Posts: 126 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Aug 10, 2012, 1:35pm Subject: Re: a simple question...
I should mention that I will be happy to coddle him and make his espresso's. what's a good entry-level single boiler unit that can be plumbed in via the 5 gal bottle of water?
I already know I'd have to buy a Vario or the newer Preciso. :)
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 Aug 10, 2012, 3:19pm Subject: Re: a simple question...
Why limit yourself to 1 boiler? For that kind of cash you can get a great semi auto HX that is for light commercial use so it is supposed to be on all the time.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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