Sorry, Markarian, I do not like to contradict, but that may not be a good buy. Looks one of the cheap boiler + thermoblock designs, and prone to problems. See the note under the machine at a repair place
I will admit I've never had experience with the Sirena. I had the cheaper Barista/Rio Vapore/Aroma/Classico machines and they are quite capable, though require a lot of temperature surfing. The Sirena actually has a 58mm Gaggia portafilter from my understanding and volumetric dosing. Again, under $150 the options are a used Saeco or Nespresso pods.
It is difficult to recommend machines in the lower price range. I had a Delonghi 701 for a few years, before I knew about CG, and see large threads on the EC155 here on CG. I believe that a Delonghi EC155 with a non-pressurized basket may be a good place to start. It is difficult to "recommend" that machine as there are things that I do not like, and things that it lacks. That said, if I wanted espresso and did not have the money to spend, I might look at the EC 155 and read from the threads on CG. Main thread
One of the least expensive grinders capable of being adjusted and micro-adjusted for espresso is the Baratza Preciso, $239 for the refurb directly from Baratza.com posted Thursday AMs when available. I did not see your grinder answer.
I have to pipe up with what I always say. Buying used is a good idea so that you can resell after a few years for a good percentage of your paying price. That $200 deal is a good deal, if it is true. It's a good enough machine to use until you and he decide to upgrade and you will be able to sell it in a few years for that $200 investment.
Does that advice apply to beginners who may have to get "involved" with the used machine? I see that you are an Espresso Machine Technician and may have a bit more ability than many of us :)
I've said this before and I'll say it again, you should consider an espresso machine to be like buying a large appliance, such as a refrigerator, a stove or a washer/dryer set.
Now, in theory, you can spend a small amount of money on a machine, but it won't be durable, it won't be of a very high quality and it may even lead to frustration more than anything else, especially if your husband drinks a lot of coffee or is expecting to get cafe quality coffee out of the machine.
I would say that an "Entry Level" espresso setup, which includes a decent high quality machine, very capable espresso grinder and all of the accessories which he'll need will come to around $1000. Don't let that price scare you. That's what I spent to start and I don't regret it. It was worth every penny.
Now, if you want to make something resembling espresso but for less than your budget, consider buying him a stove top Moka Pot, like a Bialetti Brikka or Moka. Those brew coffee by forcing steam through the grounds. You get very strong coffee brewing this way. They can be found for under $120. As long as you don't put them in the dishwasher, or over heat them on the stove, they last forever.
Alternatively, a decent automatic drip coffee maker, such as a Bonavita or a Technivorm Moccamaster, will be around your price range. It's not espresso, but they still make coffee. Both of those machines are of a high quality, produce excellent quality drip coffee and are built to be very durable. (I personally like the looks of the Technivorm machines myself.)
I don't mean to discourage you, but we get threads like this all the time on this board. It is possible do make espresso on a budget which is less than $200, but serious compromises have to be made in order to do it. I won't bore you with the technical details.
crazy4espresso Senior Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 104 Location: Toronto Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia, La Pavoni... Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Sun Feb 17, 2013, 5:57pm Subject: Re: Espresso machine suggestions?
If I were working with a $150 budget I'd go for a manual mill and a used machine. My local supplier sells Zassenhaus espresso grinders for as little as $59.99, with some being as high as $99. I would then have to look on the local classifieds for a used espresso machine. Around here I routinely see older Gaggias and Saecos go for under $100, even as cheap as $25 sometimes. In fact I purchased a used Saeco awhile back for exactly $25. It was an older machine that didn't have a pressurized portafilter and was capable of a very decent espresso. Yes, it can be done. The only concern is older machines may require some maintenance. I've bought about 10 machines for under $100 that needed only a descale and maybe a portafilter gasket. The list included Saecos, Faemas, Gaggias, and a Quckmill. Good luck with your search.
If I were working with a $150 budget I'd go for a manual mill and a used machine. My local supplier sells Zassenhaus espresso grinders for as little as $59.99, with some being as high as $99. I would then have to look on the local classifieds for a used espresso machine. Around here I routinely see older Gaggias and Saecos go for under $100, even as cheap as $25 sometimes. In fact I purchased a used Saeco awhile back for exactly $25. It was an older machine that didn't have a pressurized portafilter and was capable of a very decent espresso. Yes, it can be done. The only concern is older machines may require some maintenance. I've bought about 10 machines for under $100 that needed only a descale and maybe a portafilter gasket. The list included Saecos, Faemas, Gaggias, and a Quckmill. Good luck with your search.
could you amplify on the Saeco line-up? i just joined and asked elsewhere about a new machine i acquired. it does espresso, regular brew, cappucino... these are considered good machines?
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