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CoffeeCrew.com Discussion Forum and Guestbook
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hunter57
Visitor
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new espresso machine - 2006/07/29 09:46
I am in St. John's,Newfoundland.Due to the dismally low quality and quantity of espresso machines in my area,I am faced with the prospect of ordering one through mail.In your opinion,ladies and gents,with around $500.00 as the outside limit,could you recommend certain machines.I do very much like espresso and coffee.I am the only one of two people in a household who drink coffee so you may take that into consideration.I prefer as good quality as i can afford to spend,hence the 500.00 limit!Merci people and thanks ahead of time.
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Zazenmaster
User
Zen Master
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Karma: 10
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Re:new espresso machine - 2006/07/30 19:06
Although I risk being dragged into the street and clubbed with commercial grade brass portafilters for saying so, I've always thought my entry level Gaggia Topazio produced espresso as good as my Rancilio Silvia. (Steaming is another matter, but for espresso, they're darned close.) So I wouldn't hesitate to buy the best Gaggia you can get for your money (e.g. the Gaggia Coffee).
Since Colin regularly endorses Espressotec, I'm sure he won't mind if I say they're good folks to deal with.
Robb
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Dave
Visitor
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Re:new espresso machine - 2006/07/31 09:33
Hunter,
I would also recommend the Gaggia machines as very capable of producing good espresso, without breaking the bank. I use a Gaggia Espresso and have been very happy with it. You can steam sufficient milk for one or two drinks with this machine, but I would not suggest any single boiler machine for use regularly serving company (you indicated that you are not). Look at the Gaggia Espresso, Carezza, or Evolution. They are all essentially the same with different exteriors,though the espresso has a much larger drip tray than the Carezza.
Keep in mind that you will also need a GOOD burr grinder to complement any espresso machine. That generally rules out any grinder that you ever see in a department store, even if they call it a burr grinder. The grinder is very important in being able to produce quality espresso, or even espresso at all.
For your budget, a Gaggia machine combined with a good grinder might squeak into your desired price range.
Dave
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