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My max budget is about $750 and I'm in Canada so will most likely buy from Espressotec (unless Starbucks or Home Outfitters has a decent machine)..
I thought about a super-auto, but would like to get a true espresso shot, so I think that puts me in the semi-auto category.
Some other points.. My wife likes to drink chai-lattes, so the ability to do just a steam cycle would be great.
Is there anything that can pour into 2 cups at the same time?
Also, I often have to do 4 standard cups at once when the in-laws come over, but would like to burry the drip machine in the basement for ever, so the ability to to do 4 americanos in a decent amount of time would be ideal, or perhaps lattes as I read some have a longer wait to go from steam back to coffee.
I'm not that experienced, having only used a Krups Steam machine, but these days use a press pot or sometimes a 'mukka pot'... But even a $1000 machine will saves us money after a year with less trips to our local coffee shop.
Thanks!
Oh, the Gaggia Baby and Classic are on my list so far..
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colin
Admin Admin
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/18 13:08How about the Rancilio Silvia and Baratza Virtuoso combo from EspressoTec.com? linkColin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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Bobby
User Senior Barista
Posts: 24
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/19 17:49Just a couple questions to narrow things down: Is the $750 budget for the espresso machine, espresso machine & grinder or espresso machine, grinder & accessories you need to get started? Will the grinder be used just for espresso, or will you be grinding beans for your press and moka pots as well? How much time/effort do you want to spend on learning barista skills? Some machines are considered more 'forgiving' of poor technique (grind, dose or tamp) than others.
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colin
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/19 18:28The Baratza grinder does it all -
The Rancilio Silvia is moderately unforgiving of grind and tamp.
Want the easy road? Get a SuperAutoMatic machine and enjoy tepid shots of pseudo-espresso!
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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jason26
User Coffee Lover
Posts: 4
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/19 18:52That $750 would be without grinder.. I think my max would be $1000 or a little higher..
To be honest, I'm quite happy with sbux lattes, and have never had a really good shot of espresso. Americanos will be my normal drink - 2 or 3 a day as I work from home.
As for the grinder, just for espresso if I can pull of 4 americanos or lattes in quick succession, then there would be no need to break out the drip machine or press when we have visitors.
Height is also a concern.. Needs to fit in 15" or less. And ideally a width of under 20" (with grinder if to go side by side).
There are no decent shops here in Saskatoon which is why I'm posting. It sounds like I might be in Victoria in the next month or so, so I may hold out till I can go visit a shop there with people who know what they are talking about.
Thanks.
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colin
Admin Admin
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/20 09:49Silvia and Rocky then!
Coming to Victoria? E-Mail me... Coffee is on me. Pick up a free Aeropress... I have a crate of them reserved for local area coffee enthusiasts - and a crate that are due to be shipped one of these days to people across Canada.Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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tmplo
User Senior Barista
Posts: 32
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/20 13:14Silvia is almost 14" high. You should take that into consideration before you actually buy one.Tmplo is a Vancouver area resident and coffee expert
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jason26
User Coffee Lover
Posts: 4
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Re:Machine advice please. - 2008/03/22 21:04Monitoring my routine the past few days - I'm in the one who gets up with a 1 and 2 year old in the morning and keep them busy for the first hour or 2. I can barely grind my coffee and and prepare a press pot, so I'm changing my focus to super-autos for a bit. But its hard to find one in the sub $1250 range that doesn't have multiple reports of repairs in the first year or 2.
The Silvia, being picky, when I may have 2 toddlers does concern me a bit, so I may look at ones a little less picky. I'm awaiting the Oscar review, while the price may be a tad high, if its more forgiving, and can help me quickly prepare my wifes soy-chai's, might be worth the extra $$$.
Thanks.
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