Thanks for the last two postings; i appreciate the help. I'll make the calls this morning, but my bet is that the free shipping won't apply to Honolulu, Hawaii.
While it's true that they offer free shipping, remember that the OP lives in Hawai'i -- it may be that "free shipping" applies only to the "continental United States." This is often the case.
Tony, one more piece of recommended reading for you, this time on the various Types of Machines.
The Silvia is a very good machine, but is overpriced in today's market for what it is. That said, they are solid, well-built, and durable -- you may wish to check out the availability of a USED Silvia via craigslist, etc. If buying new, I absolutely agree that the Gaggia Classic is a much better way to go than the Rancilio Silvia. In terms of shipping, you may be able to get away with it completely via a store like Sur la Table, Williams-Sonoma, or other "high(er)-end" kitchen store.
That said, look at the Gaggia Classic ($399) and the Le'lit PL041 ($429). These are two SBDU machines often recommended instead of the Silvia, and are priced where the Silvia should be.
In terms of a grinder, in an ideal situation, I'd suggest either the Baratza Vario or the Baratza Vario-W. These, too, you should be able to find in Hawai'i, and thereby avoid shipping changes. Another option would be to look for a USED grinder -- either a , or a Mazzer Super Jolly, and then purchase a new set of burrs.
Ok, I'm back. The people at 1st Line and Whole Latta Love were very helpful. The guy at 1st In Coffee not as much. So far, a Lelit machine/grinder package for $650 delivered or a Gaggia Classic with MDF grinder for a little bit less. I'll stay away from Amazon and patronize the coffee people. Decision likely by the end of the day, but will wait to see if further postings further confuse me. Thanks!
Ok, I'm back. The people at 1st Line and Whole Latta Love were very helpful. The guy at 1st In Coffee not as much. So far, a Lelit machine/grinder package for $650 delivered or a Gaggia Classic with MDF grinder for a little bit less. I'll stay away from Amazon and patronize the coffee people. Decision likely by the end of the day, but will wait to see if further postings further confuse me. Thanks!
a) no one really recommends 1st in Coffee all that much, especially in comparison to 1st-Line, Chris' Coffee Service, Seattle Coffee Gear, and WLL (along with a few others).
b) depending upon what your budget allows, try for the Baratza over the Le'Lit grinder, and the Le'Lit grinder over the MDF . . . I had a Gaggia MDF for 25 years, and it will do -- but you'll be happier with the Baratza. Two reasons: 1) it's a better grinder; and 2) if you decide in the future to upgrade your machine (I know, I know, you haven't even bought it yet!), the Baratza can carry you to the next level; an MDF will not.
Just my 2¢,probably worth far less, keep the change . . . .
Got it Jason; thank you. Off to work soon. Will ponder tonight and order mañana. Heavily leaning towards the Lelit package as the Baratza will bump it $260, money that I'll no doubt be able to spend elsewhere in this pending habit. I have another 24 hours to waffle...
Robert, sorry to hear about the outcome on the cats surgery - my father's first eye failed miserably; we hope it was low pressure glaucoma, but he's now preparing to undergo the other eye here in the spring. I hear you about the reading glasses... I used that dodge for prescription glass as long as I could.
One thing I might suggest you look in to is called Superfocus . They market direct on the web, as well as have some Opthamologist/Optometrists glasses shops in their network. You may have seen a promo on television. Anyway, the product is another early adopter thingie (like Brev 900xl s :) ) but the idea is, using an oil filled lens you can change the culmination point to whatever reading distance you need between under your nose to about 48 inches out. I've been wearing mine daily since September last and so far they work - they work VERY well. As you can imagine though, being new fangled they do not have the support of subsidy with VSP or any of the other insurance companies yet. That said expect a cost of admission around 500 $US. I would also note, they ground my astigmatism correction perfectly - first time ever. And this is something which is a secondary lens over the adjustable focal length oil assembly; so you can update as you may need to for changing geometry of the eyes over your life.
/end shameless plug of a product I'll never see a penny of referral benefit for... (oh well, I do need to find some way to supplement my retirement - some day...) Regards, -Chris
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