Espresso Machines -- advise for new purchase (OT)

CPARKTX2

Well, my super automatic Saeco espresso machine finally died, and I need to replace it -- probably with a manual or semi-automatic (I only got fully automatic originally for my wife's benefit, but I end up making her drinks anyway).  I want to be able to pull good, European style espresso; and I want a dual boiler for quickly frothing milk. Knowing this forum, there are a plenty of espresso connoisseurs here...any advice?  Brands you do or don't like, considerations I should keep in my moving for super automatic to more manual?  Thanks! 

DonWW

This may not be what you are looking for, but I have owned a Nesspresso Lattissmo Pro for years and love it.  Does a great espresso along with other milk drinks as well.  Quick to heat up.  And the benefit of different coffee intensities and flavors. 

4TheGrillOfIt

We love our Specialista, and it’s a lot cheaper than many of the Saecos.  We also dig the cats at Seattle Coffee.
https://new.seattlecoffeegear.com/delonghi-ec9335m-la-specialista-espresso-machine?mkwid=-dt_pcrid_414825570419_pkw__pmt__slid__product_ESH529I0020&pgrid=94341317484&ptaid=pla-868653095185&gclid=CjwKCAjwr_uCBhAFEiwAX8YJgVlF3T87H25gEYUAFsLkcH5N3UjGAuAr6tELP1fC7Mw8yzdS0ssvuBoCOUkQAvD_BwE

OhioEgger

I've been using a Jura for a couple of years now and love it. Don't remember the model number, but check them out.

hoosier_egger

We have a Breville Barista Express. No complaints 

AprèsSki

Sign up for Seattle Coffee Gear's and/or Whole Latte Love's email for a coupon to save ~10% and while there trust their advice.

I love my Rancillio Ms. Silvia and Rocky combo and Ms. Après uses a Nespresso milk frother for lattes. Never found a reasonably priced machine that made good steamed milk.

Personally I would never buy one with a built in grinder. 

HeavyG

There has been at least one pretty lengthy discussion thread on this topic in the past year. Might be worth doing a forum search to turn that one up.

caliking

HeavyG said:

There has been at least one pretty lengthy discussion thread on this topic in the past year. Might be worth doing a forum search to turn that one up.

This happened about a year ago:
https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1223700/espresso-machines/p1

Loads of good coffee/espresso intel. Yes, its yet another rabbithole.

I played, and ended up with a Rancilio Silvia + Rancilio Rocky grinder. Mainly because
1) I'm a cheap bastage
2) I can likely fix any problems, with either the machine or the grinder, myself.

The Rancilio Silvia + Rocky option is not a turnkey solution, but I've enjoyed the challenge/journey so far. Upgraditis makes me think I need a new/better grinder vs. new/better machine, but I talked myself out of it. I'm considering adding in the PID mod, though. 

The Saeco superautomatic is now caliqueen's. She enjoys her coffee, I enjoy mine. We're both happy (caffeinated) campers. 

rcone

I am a big fan of the Profetic Pro 500, and the Sette 270, had them both for a few years now. 

caliking

rcone said:

I am a big fan of the Profetic Pro 500, and the Sette 270, had them both for a few years now. 

What made you settle on the Sette 270? Likes vs. dislikes?

I've been thinking about the Baratza Vario vs. the Eureka Mignon Specialita, but the Sette popped in my searches too. 

SonVolt

What's your budget? And how serious are you about the hobby? 

CPARKTX2

SonVolt said:

What's your budget? And how serious are you about the hobby? 

@SonVolt  I'm okay sinking $2,000 or so for something that I use daily and will last. I like toys and good espresso...but probably not what you would call serious. Still debating semi-automatic (make a Breville Oracle [not the Touch] or similar) vs. going all-in on a traditional, manual system.   What has been your experience, and any recommendations? 

SonVolt

Espresso is one of those things where the only right answer is don't bother unless you're willing to pay for it.  Since your budget is at least $2,000 you've got options, but you'll probably end up spending 50%+ more if you get bit by the bug. 

I wouldn't bother with a manual unless you really know what you're doing and you want it for a specific reason. 

Personally I'm not a fan of the Breville line b/c you can't repair them. All espresso machines will at some point need maintenance and repairs.  Breville is a closed system of proprietary parts. Plus, well, they're plastic. If I'm dropping $2,000 on an Espresso it's gotta be stainless steel and made in Italy, not China. This may or may not bother you. 

There's a lot of good true European machines on the market - Rocket, Profitec, ECM, Lelit, etc. 

I went with a Profitec Pro 700 dual-boiler plus Ceado E37S grinder and couldn't be happier. 

Find the vendor that's closest to you geographically. I went with Whole Latte Love. Seattle Coffee Gear and Clive Coffee are also well known and respected. 

4TheGrillOfIt

SonVolt said:

Espresso is one of those things where the only right answer is don't bother unless you're willing to pay for it.  Since your budget is at least $2,000 you've got options, but you'll probably end up spending 50%+ more if you get bit by the bug. 

I wouldn't bother with a manual unless you really know what you're doing and you want it for a specific reason. 

Personally I'm not a fan of the Breville line b/c you can't repair them. All espresso machines will at some point need maintenance and repairs.  Breville is a closed system of proprietary parts. Plus, well, they're plastic. If I'm dropping $2,000 on an Espresso it's gotta be stainless steel and made in Italy, not China. This may or may not bother you. 

There's a lot of good true European machines on the market - Rocket, Profitec, ECM, Lelit, etc. 

I went with a Profitec Pro 700 dual-boiler plus Ceado E37S grinder and couldn't be happier. 

Find the vendor that's closest to you geographically. I went with Whole Latte Love. Seattle Coffee Gear and Clive Coffee are also well known and respected. 

That is bad a$$!

CPARKTX2

@SonVolt
 Do you roast your own beans? 

lentsboy007

https://youtu.be/6A8W77m-ZTw

rcone

caliking said:

rcone said:

I am a big fan of the Profetic Pro 500, and the Sette 270, had them both for a few years now. 

What made you settle on the Sette 270? Likes vs. dislikes?

I've been thinking about the Baratza Vario vs. the Eureka Mignon Specialita, but the Sette popped in my searches too. 

It is very easy to clean. 

SonVolt

CPARKTX2 said:

@SonVolt
 Do you roast your own beans? 

Nope. I have a subscription with Counter Culture. I really like their FORTY-SIX. 

Mark_B_Good

@4TheGrillOfIt what did that set you back?

@CPARKTX2 for $2k ... why aren't you reconsidering a Saeco? I have an Exprelia, which I'm very happy with ... cost a little more than $2k ... but it's in that price range.  If I change it, I'm going to be upgrading to a commercial unit ... but I know that's going to cost me more like $5k+ territory. 

CPARKTX2

Mark_B_Good said:

@4TheGrillOfIt what did that set you back?

@CPARKTX2 for $2k ... why aren't you reconsidering a Saeco? I have an Exprelia, which I'm very happy with ... cost a little more than $2k ... but it's in that price range.  If I change it, I'm going to be upgrading to a commercial unit ... but I know that's going to cost me more like $5k+ territory. 

@Mark_B_Good it was actually my Saeco that just died after about 5 years.  It was good...not great.  Definitely want a manual milk frothing wand.  

Mark_B_Good

CPARKTX2 said:

Mark_B_Good said:

@4TheGrillOfIt what did that set you back?

@CPARKTX2 for $2k ... why aren't you reconsidering a Saeco? I have an Exprelia, which I'm very happy with ... cost a little more than $2k ... but it's in that price range.  If I change it, I'm going to be upgrading to a commercial unit ... but I know that's going to cost me more like $5k+ territory. 

@Mark_B_Good it was actually my Saeco that just died after about 5 years.  It was good...not great.  Definitely want a manual milk frothing wand.  

I also replace a Saeco with another Saeco ... the Exprelia. It can automatically make froth, and it has a manual froth station too. Both options. Anyhow, I think sub-$2500 the Saeco makes a good machine. Perhaps consider some of their newer models.

Canadianegger2020

I have an ECM Syncronika with Flow Control and the ECM - 54 Manuel Grinder. Love my set up. I did much research before deciding on the ECM. High recommend .