agentzero Senior Member Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 3 Location: New York Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Dec 12, 2012, 7:34pm Subject: What should I spend $600 on?
Hi all,
Sorry for another "what machine to get" question.
My current set-up is Saeco Aroma (non-pressurized portafilter) and Baratza Preciso grinder.
It's okay, but I have a hard time pulling a consistent and/or decent shot. It may be my technique and/or I don't have the hang/patience for temperature surfing.
I have about $600 to spend. Is there an obvious upgrade path for me? I'm interested in the CC1 or Lelit PL041 with PID, but am wondering how lateral the move would be from a Saeco Aroma.
Or, should I just try to work on pulling decent shots from my Saeco? Or, attempt to PID it?
Details below. Thanks!
1) What kind of drinks do you like/want to make? - Cappuccino and espresso shots 2) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself needing to make at ay one time? 2-3 3) How many drinks, on average, do you see yourself making in any given week? - 6 (weekend use mostly) 4) Can you plumb a machine directly into the water supply, or do you want/need a pourover machine with its own reservoir? - I live in an apartment with small kitchen. Needs own reservoir. 5) Do you have a 20-amp circuit available, or only a (standard) 15-amp circuit? Only standard circuit 6) What is your budget for a new machine and/or grinder? $600
Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 474 Location: Seattle Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102 Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper
Posted Wed Dec 12, 2012, 8:30pm Subject: Re: What should I spend $600 on?
A used Oscar, so long as it's clean inside and out. That's what I did, moving from my Saeco Aroma. Then sell your Aroma and use the extra money to trade in your Preciso for a Vario or Vario-W.
D4F Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Posts: 1,193 Location: USA Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic PID Grinder: Preciso
Posted Wed Dec 12, 2012, 11:26pm Subject: Re: What should I spend $600 on?
Do you have upgraditis, or just want better espresso?
If you PID the Aroma it will be more consistent. If you PID with a Kit $200 is a ballpark estimate. DIY may be $50-100 depending on sensor/thermocouple and how much you do. Are you willing to spend that on your SBDU machine? I would not look for another SBDU as an "upgrade." I have a Gaggia and PID made it much easier to use. If you want a little reading.
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