denrusso Senior Member Joined: 10 Jan 2013 Posts: 1 Location: NY Expertise: Just starting
Posted Thu Jan 10, 2013, 5:50pm Subject: First post and I already need advice!
First post here as I am just getting into this area of home espresso making. I'd like to purchase a good setup and was hoping to get some advice from members...
First about me. I currently drink roughly three cups of drip brewed coffee a day. I'd like to replace one of those with an espresso/latte/cappuccino. Can only do one for myself and wife as I have to leave for work at some point. I tend to drink lattes and cappuccinos during the weekend from Starbucks (sorry). Obviously looking to replace those with something home made.
I currently have nothing (no grinder, tamper, nothing) and looking to spend less than $3k for everything. After watching literally every video from Seattle Coffee Gear, I think I've settled on the Rocket Cellini Plus V2 and a Mazzer Mini SS (to match the Rocket). That's about $2,500 for the two, leaving $500 for supplies.
I guess my question is if this is too much machine for a newbie? I was also looking at the Silvia and Rocky combo but one of the videos showed that it took about 18 minutes to make 4 lattes on a Silvia and less than half that time on the Rocket. Will I be making 4 lattes frequently? No. But I will be having friends over from time to time and I'd like to show my new machine(s) so...
Any other combos to look at in this price range? I'll gladly listen to suggestions for combos significantly less too! I'm just tired of making a purchase only to outgrow it in a year and then have to sell it at some discount and buy the machine I should I bought in the first place.
SStones Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 234 Location: Canada Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Giga 5, ECM Giotto, Rocket... Grinder: Anfim Milano-Best Vac Pot: No :( Drip: Some $30 thing from Walmart Roaster: I buy pre-roasted.
Posted Thu Jan 10, 2013, 6:59pm Subject: Re: First post and I already need advice!
I think you'll be very happy with your choices, as will your friends who will visit more often than you think. It is a little much for a first machine, in most people's opinions, That's why there are so many "more affordable" options on the market. But you have obviously done your homework and since it is obvious that you want the set up to be permanent, and it is the right price range, it is the right choice. But you've already settled on your choice. Really all we can say is "Congratulations, Enjoy learning the process of making your ideal espressos, lattes and cappuccinos".
hamm Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 530 Location: Kettering, Ohio Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto (1st gen) Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: I'm not that kind of guy... Drip: From the faucet occasionally Roaster: I buy from several
Posted Fri Jan 11, 2013, 7:17am Subject: Re: First post and I already need advice!
I still remember my first login here almost a decade ago under similar circumstances.
I pretty much agree with SStones on this one. If you can afford a setup like that one, the learning curve won't be as steep and you'll get great results faster.
My first machine was an Isomac Tea which was great for about 8 years but being plagued with design flaws that tended to appear once maintenance and repairs were needed, I upgraded. So here's some pointers that could help:
The grinder is by far, more important than the machine. Mazzers are among the best, IMO.
You might want to look at how the machine internals are designed for those times later on when you need to get in there and fix stuff.
Seems backward, but once you learn how to make great espresso, you'd be better able to use a "cheap" machine and get good results. You might come across information about "temp-surfing" and such.
Enjoy the hobby. It's really every bit as awesome as it seems!
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,795 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 Jan 11, 2013, 7:33am Subject: Re: First post and I already need advice!
+ another 1.
I think you're saving yourself some time, frustration and money by jumping in with both feet. Many get the "entry level" stuff in part because they're not sure they really want to get into it for sure, only to find themselves upgrading to the class of equipment you've proposed at a later date. I applaud your courage. As was said already, this is a great hobby (read addiction)! There seems to never be an end to the learning and improving process and, if that's something you enjoy you're going to love it too.
In the prosumer class, there are a lot of great options, so you really end up picking a machine based on features, functionality and looks more than on brand - if that makes sense.
If you have the space, consider the Mazzer Super Jolly or Major too.
That's one hell of a prosumer set-up capable of brewing great espressos as well as frothing milk for lattes or cappuccinos. If you can afford to spend that much money on your first machine and grinder, you probably won't regret it. Go ahead and enjoy!
*** "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)
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,761 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 Fri Jan 11, 2013, 10:04am Subject: Re: First post and I already need advice!
I have the bigger brother to that machine and I know you will not regret the purchase. If I was to make a change it would be to the grinder, you would benefit from a better grinder. A super jolly or a major, the mini is the lowest step on the Mazer ladder and with that machineyou will see the difference between the grinders, I am just trying to help you get better espresso and save some money at the same time, in the long run that is.
Used grinders offer a big saving in money without much of a down side if you shop carefully.
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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