First off, just wanted to say how glad I am to have discovered this board - especially before I actually bite the bullet and make a purchasing decision. I was originally considering the Breville Barista Express but, given the barrage of negative feedback it's gotten here, I've decided against that.
So now I turn to you all for some purchasing advice! But first here's some information that might be helpful to you guys.
I have a relatively flexible budget of 400USD for both machine and grinder; naturally, the less I pay the happier I'll be, but I'm very willing to somewhat overshoot that budget if it'll give me a justifiable increase in quality.
I'm a fan of milk-based drinks and, as such, would place a good-quality steaming wand as one of my top considerations in a machine.
I only expect to make at most 2-3 drinks at a time, as I only expect to ever really be making them for myself and my girlfriend.
For machines, I currently have my eyes set on the Gaggia Classic or the Lelit PL41E, but since those are both extremely out of my budget range, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for machines in the 200USD range.
For the grinder, I am considering the Gaggia 8002 MDF.
Preferring espresso based milk drinks and looking for good steaming power, your "wish list" somewhat calls for a HX machine, which is of course way out of your given budget. Have you considered buying used or refurbished?
*** "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)
Thanks for the prompt response! I have very little qualms about buying used/refurbished.
Given my wants, would you say that the Gaggia Classic is something that I should consider? If so, it will give me something to keep an eye out for when hunting for used/refurbished deals.
Hand grinders are the cheapest: Hario Coffee Hand Grinder OE LIDO Manual Coffee Grinder OE PHAROS Hand Coffee Grinder Baratza: Prescio Vario(w) Used commercial: Super jolly etc.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
You know those people that want to tell you how to raise your kids but have none of their own? That is how i feel when someone with a kitchen appliance tells me how the merits or dis-merits of my machine or how to use it.
I have a relatively flexible budget of 400USD for both machine and grinder; naturally, the less I pay the happier I'll be, but I'm very willing to somewhat overshoot that budget if it'll give me a justifiable increase in quality.
No one is saying that you need to spend thousands of dollars -- though, admittedly, some of us have -- but $400 for both a machine and a grinder is impossible if you buy new.
jjin082693 Said:
I have very little qualms about buying used/refurbished.
This eliminates most low-end machines, because most are horrible at steaming.
jjin082693 Said:
For machines, I currently have my eyes set on the Gaggia Classic or the Lelit PL41E, but since those are both extremely out of my budget range, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for machines in the 200USD range.
These two machines are the MINIMUM that I recommend. So, considering that they are too expensive as new machines, my advice is to be patient and to scour eBay, craigslist, and the BST forum here on CG to find one of them USED.
jjin082693 Said:
For the grinder, I am considering the Gaggia 8002 MDF.
I used a Gaggia MDF grinder for about 25 years. It will work, but it's not the greatest choice. It's stepped, and the steps are reasonably wide. That, and even when they're on sale, they are $199 new. So, again, keep looking for used, and above all, be patient.
I found that by using a good hand grinder I could save well over $100 and apply it to a machine. People on a tight budget could benefit from this logic. I have read outstanding reviews on the Kyocera Ceramic Manual Hand Coffee Grinder CM-45 CF for $75. Of course you would be hand grinding every cup and would be sacrificing quite a bit of convenience. As long as your only drinking one or two shots at a time, it is a possibility. I have zero experience with this, and am only sharing what I read. Hope it helps.
I've read about the potential for cost-saving by using a hand grinder, but i'm also skeptical of that tactic, especially since Mark's "How to Buy an Espresso Machine" guide explicitly advises not to skimp on the grinder, and that most hand grinders are unable to grind the beans fine enough as needed for espresso.
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