Posted Thu Sep 20, 2012, 5:08am Subject: Where do I go from here? Or another what machine to buy thread?
So I have been working on my roasting skills over the last 1 year and with the Behmor... I am finally getting good consistent roasts. The grinder situation is pretty decent with a Baratzza Vario. Till now I have only used the stove top espresso... I feel its time to get a nice espresso machine.
I am the only coffee drinker. Since most of my drinking happens at work with my Hario pour over, this machine will only see use 3-4 times a week with a couple of shots pulled. I like my lattes so the steam wand needs to be there and functional.
Now the constraints: My wife hates coffee and just about tolerates my obsession! So to avoid divorce, I would like something compact, with good looks and good functioning. It will sit next to the kitchen sink. I have access to good filtered water and cleanup.
Since I have no previous experience doing this: something that helps me learn and grow would be preferred. My guess is that in 2-3 years I will probably be upgrading. But I dont need something so basic that needs upgrading in 6 months.
I have seen various suggestions for the CC1 and the Rancilio and some for the BDB. I dont want to get too crazy with this first purchase so, keeping it within $1000 would be my goal - lesser the better!
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,758 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 Thu Sep 20, 2012, 5:48am Subject: Re: Where do I go from here? Or another what machine to buy thread?
HI You already have the grinder so that is taken care of. Your needs are modest and a SBDU likely would do you fine. If you want to go with a machine that is compact, meets your needs (and then some) has a modern look without acres of stainless steel and would likely be a machine to stave off upgraditus for quite a while while staying in your 1K price range, I would go with a Used Oscar if you can find one, they are in about the $500 to $600 range for a good one and that leaves you lots of money for tamper, cups, scales etc and you still have money for more beans, while staying in your cap.
If you go new, the Oscar would be just outside your cap without money for the other things. The life durability of the BDB is up for grabs, we have had members who have had issues with multiple machines and took a refund of their money and bought something else while there are a lot more here who like them..... YMMV!
Do you NEED an Oscar.... NO but it fits into your budget, it is a rock solid machine with a solid history of quality, it is small on the outside with a large performance ability and your price cap positively includes a used one and is within sight for a new one, esp if you are thinking about a BDB.
Again, I say, for basic needs like you outlined in your post, a basic SBDU will fill the needs abet with the hassle of switching between steam and brew. You will be looking to upgrade fairly soon as you indicate that milk drinks (I like them too) are high on your list of things you make and a quality HX machine like Oscar, will avoid the upgraditus for a long time.
Your money, decide on your needs and how much you are swayed with an eye to upgrade and how much or how large of a machine your wife will "tolerate" on the counter. I know how I am and what road I traveled but I am not you and only you can make these decisions. I only am trying to put things to think about out there so you buy with your eyes wide open.
EDIT: The Oscar can be left on 24/7 if you so desire so it is there to do duty as a hot water dispenser should your wife need to make instant oatmeal, or for tea or something like that. A SBDU is not designed for that service and should not be left on (if that is important to you) for long periods of time.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,368 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Thu Sep 20, 2012, 12:10pm Subject: Re: Where do I go from here? Or another what machine to buy thread?
Copied from another thread but I think you will find it just as useful:
Posted Thu Sep 20, 2012, 12:01pm Subject: Re: Gift for my wife - which machine
I like my Oscar and I don't want an upgrade after 10 months. I think I am getting pretty awesome shots. I did not want to upgrade as soon as I figured out what I was doing as I read so many here wanted after buying a low end starter machine. So, after much research, I decided for my budget and needs that an Oscar filled the bill. You can find a good deal on used ones if you are handy. Mine was my Christmas gift, that I picked out and fixed up. (but I am a strange girl)
Things your wife might find nice about Oscar over the shiny stainless brothers and sisters: No burn surface, plastic bread bags will not melt on it; portable, good for parties; easier to clean and doesn't show water spots; can be painted any color to match her decor.
<snip>
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,758 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 Thu Sep 20, 2012, 12:41pm Subject: Re: Where do I go from here? Or another what machine to buy thread?
Or you can just push the brew button without any coffee in the basket, poof, instant 200F water, yes it will cool below that if you take a LOT but for a bowl of oatmeal or a cup of tea, you will have more than enough that way. YMMV!
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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