pugger Senior Member Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Sydney Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Espresso Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Sun Jan 16, 2005, 3:25am Subject: Espresso Machine Toss-up, and where to shop?
hi everyone, ive been into the coffee thing for a while, and this is my first post. i need help on something.
Ive got a rancilio rocky grinder, and did have a Gaggia 'Coffee'. i lost the gaggia along with my last girlfriend. With that combo, i was pulling decent shots, better than most cafe's.. so i was content.
Now im in the market for another machine. I need something that has the essentials: brass compnenets, decent portafilter & shower, etc.. basically something that can deliver decent espresso/ristretto, and that will last.
The silvia has everything i want on paper, except looks, i think its plain and boring, built like an old italian bus.
I want to stay away from Gaggia's as i question their quality.
The Francis X3 (very funky) may be an option.. and maybe even an Isomac Venus (a little pricey). I also read good things about the Innova Arc (it seems like a well balanced machine). But im not sure where and if these machines are available in Australia. Anyone know?
Are there any other machines i should consider around the $750 mark?
At the end of the day i would appreciate any feedback on my options, as well as any other machines i should consider, and most of all where they may be available in Australia.
Because at the moment im coffeeless.. i just stare at rocky... and he stares right back... i cant wait to fire him up again.
dantheristrettoman Senior Member Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 57 Location: Sydney Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Giotto Premium Grinder: Mazzer mini
Posted Mon Jan 17, 2005, 3:51am Subject: Re: Espresso Machine Toss-up, and where to shop?
A rocky is better than a mdf. I have an mdf and I don't really like it. If you are looking to spend $750 I think most people will say that the silvia is the best. A lot of the other machines which are classed in the same league as the silvia are a lot more expensive in Australia. I reckon the Francis is kind of tacky. I like the traditional look. The silvia is kind of ugly too, but all that metal makes for great temperature stability.
pugger Senior Member Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Sydney Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Espresso Grinder: Rancilio Rocky
Posted Mon Jan 17, 2005, 5:00am Subject: Re: Espresso Machine Toss-up, and where to shop?
Yep i agree, my first grinder was the Rocky, i bought it thinking it would be a wise investment.. and it proved to be.
I also agree the silvia is a safe bet. All that steel, and commercial technology for that price, seems quite reasonable.
I emailed the distributiors of the Innova machines, they replied promptly and say they are on the case. they claim they will be selling the Innova machine here in Aus in about 3-6 months. great new i think.
warren Senior Member Joined: 8 Jun 2004 Posts: 194 Location: melbourne (Aus.) Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Lux Vac Pot: NUP Drip: Yes I am Roaster: $20 heatgun
Posted Mon Jan 17, 2005, 2:03pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine Toss-up, and where to shop?
pugger Said:
I emailed the distributiors of the Innova machines, they replied promptly and say they are on the case. they claim they will be selling the Innova machine here in Aus in about 3-6 months. great new i think.
I've seen Innova Machines, mainly Innova Dream (and grinders) for sale here in Melb ... Here's a couple of retailers that have them. Not what I'd describe as cheap though. Seeing the Dream in the flesh (or is that metal) it's a pretty impressive looking machine ;
Posted Tue Jan 18, 2005, 10:48pm Subject: Re: Espresso Machine Toss-up, and where to shop?
Rocky ain't no looker either (at least by your standards if you don't like Silvia) - get a Silvia. You won't get a better single boiler and it will do what it is supposed to - make good coffee.
I have my doubts about the snazzy looking options.
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