DCWildcat Senior Member Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Posts: 8 Location: Washington DC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 12:47pm Subject: Espresso machine advice for a novice
I have used a Delonghi Magnifica for six years and I loved it. It finally gave out on me, and I cannot find a repair shop in the DC area. Thus I am in the market for a new machine.
My budget is $500 to $1000 (machine and grinder).
I am very tempted to buy another Super automatic as it is easy, and easy to make multiple shots for guests (which I need to do about once a month). I was thinking of getting another Delonghi.. but a major issue is the difficulty in getting service.
However, after reading these reviews and speaking to espresso pros, I am thinking of stepping up to a semi-automatic. I am nervous about learning the manual steps. If I do go semi-automatic, it seems like the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Bar combo is the most recommended.
I would very much appreciate advice on my perceived choices which are:
DeLonghi ESAM3300, $500 total cost. Easy to use, low cost, grinder included. Fragile and hard to repair.
Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Bar, $1000 total cost. Highly recommended. Durable. Learning curve to operate.
Breville BES900XL, $1100. Honesty have not done much research on this but it has great reviews. I ma not even sure if has an inclusive grinder.
Any advice whatsoever would be appreciated. Meanwhile, I am reading other posts on this great site!
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,320 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 12:55pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine advice for a novice
I have NEVER pulled a shot before I got my semi auto and I am doing pretty well on it. I wanted an HX machine and grinder on your budget. I ended up with a used Oscar and a Vario w. One year ago today. I still like it, get great espresso and I don't want another machine unless I win the lotto.
Please read the following links then ask your questions.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,320 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 1:02pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine advice for a novice
The grinder is the most important part. You have have a great grinder and crappo machine and get good shots. The reverse is not true. Hard to believe but a 3k machine will not give good shots with a whirllygig grinder.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
DCWildcat Senior Member Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Posts: 8 Location: Washington DC Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 1:17pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine advice for a novice
Coffeenoobie Said:
The grinder is the most important part. You have have a great grinder and crappo machine and get good shots. The reverse is not true. Hard to believe but a 3k machine will not give good shots with a whirllygig grinder.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,320 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 1:50pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine advice for a novice
Rocky has large steps... that means one click on the grinder changes the grind a lot. When you are fine tuning the shot you want really small clicks/steps or no clicks/steps. I went with really small clicks for grinder size reasons in my kitchen. The Virtuoso has large clicks unless you get the preciso model. I got the top of the line Vario W.
Be sure to check the buy sell trade forum here.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,194 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 2:00pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine advice for a novice
You can read several threads similar to yours, as what to get starting out, or replacing equipment. I see few recommendations for Rocky and or Silvia recently. Neither have good bang for the buck.
I find more recommendations for CC1 or Gaggia Classic. Classic is currently $349 shipped from WLL. If a new SBDU machine does not come with a PID, then you may want that addition to control the temperature, add about $50 - $200 depending on your abilities for DIY. Used machines can be a good place to start as noted.
About the least expensive finely adjustable espresso grinder is the Baratza Preciso. A Baratza refurb from Baratza.com for Preciso, Vario (w) may be the best buy. Do not go lower down the Baratza line and expect good results. Preciso refurb about $239 + about $10 - 15 shipping.
I could have a little bias based on what I recommend :), but it is still a good budget starting place.
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