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CoffeeCrew.com Discussion Forum and Guestbook
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christine
Visitor
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suggest espresso machine & grinder <$400 - 2006/10/31 20:23
Hi...I'm new to coffee--only took me six decades--but I progressed quickly to espresso/cappuccino addict stage. I'm going broke at Starbucks and Panera's. Can you suggest espresso pump machine(s)under $400 for a true newbie and also a grinder while you're at it? (I have a cheap Capresso burr grinder--am I wrecking my beans with it?) Also, I don't really trust the freshness of coffee beans from bins available locally even from the local Co-op which is a good store in every other way. (The sales floor around them is never very busy, so how fresh can the beans be?) Can you suggest reliable on-line sources for fresh espresso and other beans that might be a good fit with the machines you recommend? I live in Kentucky.
Enjoy your web site.
Thanks for any advice!
Christine
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Zazenmaster
User
Zen Master
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Re:suggest espresso machine & grinder <$400 - 2006/11/01 13:11
I've had good luck with my entry level Gaggia Topazio, which you can get with a grinder for CDN $319 (roughly US $280) not including shipping at Espressotec: (http://www.espressotec.com/hegaggiacombo.asp)
If you'd rather deal with a US company, Whole Latte Love has the slightly nicer Gaggia Espresso and grinder for US $398 including shipping: (http://www.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia/espresso_mdf.cfm)
If you want fresh beans, roasting your own is the way to go. But in the meantime, be sure to try Espresso Vivace in Seattle. The owner is obsessive about freshness.
(http://www.espressovivace.com/blends.html)
Robb
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christine
Visitor
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Re:suggest espresso machine & grinder <$400 - 2006/11/01 16:26
Thanks, Robb, for all your suggestions. In spite of a Starbucks on practically every corner now, there is no help from large retailers or specialty shops in this midwest town of 250,000 (!) when it comes to Espresso machines--few machines, no demos, no one's brain to pick for particular coffee goals and/or troubleshooting--so I appreciate an experienced user's testimony. Also "obsessive" speaks to me regarding the on-line coffee bean source as does roasting my own beans. (I'm a specialty baker (German Tortes) which means no amount of trouble is too much trouble.) Can I get green beans from your coffee source as well? Do they provide roasting instructions? Thanks again!!
Christine
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Zazenmaster
User
Zen Master
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Karma: 10
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Re:suggest espresso machine & grinder <$400 - 2006/11/01 20:41
Always a pleasure to help a fellow 'foodie'.
THE place to start looking into home roasting is Sweet Maria's (http://www.sweetmarias.com). Even if you don't buy anything there, you'll find a lot of useful information.
Robb
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