ehart28 Senior Member Joined: 7 Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Location: new york Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Nov 7, 2011, 3:24pm Subject: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
Hi All, My boyfriend makes espresso out of a teenie, leaky machine, all day long and for his bday I'd like to get him a really, really nice one. Sadly, I have budget restrictions as to what "really, really nice" can be. Initally, I was going to get one of those $600 Breville ones, but from the reviews, it seems the grinder is crappy, and from what I'm gathering, the grinder is the most important part. I liked the look and the added features it came with, and I'm pretty sure he would, too. From there, I am told the Rancilio Silvia is the machine that has captured the hearts of espresso enthusiasts across the globe, but it sounds like this is a finicky, difficult machine to deal with, and he's not the type to love that. The dream machine would be sexy, semi-automatic, a work horse, not totally scoffed at by coffee geeks (hiii), and under $800. Does such a creature exist? Am I searching for a unicorn? Secondly, I'd like to pick it up in NYC - is there a good store (or stores) that you might recommend? Thank you guys! Ellen
lowellw2 Senior Member Joined: 4 Apr 2010 Posts: 30 Location: Austin TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville BES900XL Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Mon Nov 7, 2011, 3:46pm Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
You might take a look at a Le'Lit PL041QE with a Le'Lit PL53 grinder. That would eat up just a little more than your $600 and you could get them in NJ at 1st-line Equipment. They have other reasonably priced machines with decent bang for the bucks. Le'Lit also has this same model with a PID temperature controller for a little more.
ehart28 Senior Member Joined: 7 Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Location: new york Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Nov 7, 2011, 7:09pm Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
Thank you so much - that is extremely helpful! Due to the very limited counter space, I started looking at the lelit website and found this model: LELIT PL042 EM Classic Style Espresso Maker with integrated Coffee Grinder (http://www.lelitespresso.com/Lelit42.html). What are your thought on that model? Is it bad to have the grinder integrated? Thanks again!!
lowellw2 Senior Member Joined: 4 Apr 2010 Posts: 30 Location: Austin TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville BES900XL Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Mon Nov 7, 2011, 8:09pm Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
I'd stick with the separates IMHO. The PL53 has stepless adjustment and the PL041QE has enhancements not on the PL042 you referenced. I'd give 1st-line a call and discuss it with them. Gaggia has a lot of machines also .
lowellw2 Senior Member Joined: 4 Apr 2010 Posts: 30 Location: Austin TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville BES900XL Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Mon Nov 7, 2011, 8:20pm Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
I forgot to mention you might look at the Baratza Virtuoso grinder and the Crossland CC1 at Chris Coffee Service. Although on the left coast that machine looks very interesting at this price point. Perhaps they would have a demo machine to get to your price point. The CC1 designer was involved with La Marzocco and this is his new design.
ehart28 Senior Member Joined: 7 Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Location: new york Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Nov 8, 2011, 6:41am Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
Thank you so much again :) What would you recommend out of Gaggia? Is it ever OK to buy machine/grinder together? With extremely limited NYC counterspace, would be great to have the two in one...
lowellw2 Senior Member Joined: 4 Apr 2010 Posts: 30 Location: Austin TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville BES900XL Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Tue Nov 8, 2011, 6:43pm Subject: Re: Help me get an awesome gift (please)
I once had a machine/grinder combo and am much much happier with separates. I think the packaged machines cut the corner too much on the grinder. It is a very important element of the setup. Many here will say it is the most important. If you want to go the Gaggia route you could look at wholelattelove.com. The Baby class or Classic might interest you. They have a lot of refurbished ones (which might mean something to you) also and sell combos at a savings. I would still suggest you consult with 1st-Line and see what they may be able to put together as a deal. With the holidays coming up they will be getting ready for "deals" and have been doing this for years with a good reputation on this site and HB. My first recommendation of the LeLit may be a possibility. I understand the counters pace issue but if you/ your boyfriend really like espresso then a little space is warranted. My Vivaldi Mini is as big as a microwave but my wife likes what comes out of it so much it could probably be twice the size and there would be a place made for it.
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