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Boardwalk :: Forum List Espresso in General Entry level < 400 dollars!
jono80
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Coffee Lover
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Help: Cafe Roma vs. Starbucks Sirena - 2008/08/14 20:49 I enjoy espresso and latte and decided (admittedly on a whim) to purchase an entry level machine. I went out and bought a Breville Cafe Roma last night. THEN I did some reading and now I am questioning my decision.

- Thermoblock vs. boiler
- lack of steam control
- overall quality

I am wondering now if I should return the rig and look at something with a little more 'oomph'. I have recently heard about the Starbucks Sirena machine which is a boiler system with steam control - but it seems to have some gimmicky features (like auto tamping and one- or two-shot selection buttons).

Has anyone heard anything about this machine (Starbucks Sirena) or should I stick with my Breville?

Also, where in the Kitchener-Waterloo area can one go to find machines (other then Sears or Linens N' Things??)
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colin
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Admin
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Re:Help: Cafe Roma vs. Starbucks Sirena - 2008/08/14 21:57 Before saying too much...
remember our motto:

"Coffee is a journey, not a destination..."

I started out with a Multichef Aluminum boiler steam toy - I learned a lot on that little unit.

You are way better off with a basic Breville with a T-Block that a starbucks unit with gidgets and gadgets built in.

Stay with your machine - get the most out of it -- over 6 months or so... then move on.
Give it to someone you love (or like) when you are ready for the next step. Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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Bobby
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Senior Barista
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Re:Help: Cafe Roma vs. Starbucks Sirena - 2008/08/18 16:19 Since you've posted in the $400 I'd say return the Breville and get a single boiler machine.

In this price range you can easily get an entry level Saeco or Gaggia, or a lesser known name like Mokita. Those machines will give you more to work with and learn on and make better espresso.

I don't know if Breville has changed their products much in the last year, but I was warned off this machine. Run from thermoblocks
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mattabi528
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Coffee Lover
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Re:Help: Cafe Roma vs. Starbucks Sirena - 2008/08/27 21:38 The Breville was my first machine. It has been a good machine no complaints. When you are ready, move up but you did not make a mistake. I can make a Mocha that will bring tears to your eye's with mine. Master it grasshoper.
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Espresso in General Entry level < 400 dollars!

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