Home Coffee Machine

Raoul

😉Sounds like the Via Venezia is the way to go. When I say 8 - 10 coffees at once, I mean within a reasoanbly short period of time, so that everyone has the feeling of having coffees together. The stove top method I mentioned above works quite well, but of course the milk doesn't have that fine bead you get from a commercial machine - and I have to be very careful with the grind/tamp of coffee in the large stove-top, otherwise it burns and tastes lousy. I gather appliance-company models new to the market such as Sunbeam (I've read the comments before on this forum concerning reliability) or the Breville 800 series don't cut it?

[deleted]

The VV is a geat machine, very reliable and sturdy. When steaming milk, remove the plastic tip on the wand, this will produce a much tighter froth with practice. Remember, it is a domestic machine and is not really designed to produce alot of coffees quickly. With practice and a bit of orgasisation, you can do it.

mattyj

sunbeams & brevilles are ok, but they'll take forever to make coffees for groups. And they're all pretty much the same machine - look at the filter baskets, shower screens and group seals: identical!, and all really differently priced. I wouldn't be surprised if they all used identical innards, or even if they all came out of the same factory. The sunbeam 6900 is a slightly different story however ... apparently a much better machine. You can foam milk while pouring espresso, which speeds up the whole coffee making thing.

[deleted]

😉Sounds like the Via Venezia is the way to go. When I say 8 - 10 coffees at once, I mean within a reasoanbly short period of time, so that everyone has the feeling of having coffees together. The stove top method I mentioned above works quite well, but of course the milk doesn't have that fine bead you get from a commercial machine - and I have to be very careful with the grind/tamp of coffee in the large stove-top, otherwise it burns and tastes lousy. I gather appliance-company models new to the market such as Sunbeam (I've read the comments before on this forum concerning reliability) or the Breville 800 series don't cut it?

One other option is you have is that for entertaining, you continue to use your stove top to make the coffee (since you and your guests seem pretty happy with the quality of coffee produced), and you use your new espresso machine (vv or whatever) to steam the milk while the coffee is brewing on the stove top. I would think this would be much quicker than just using a domestic espresso machine for entertaining. Then for your one-two espressos a day you use the espresso machine on it's own. You mention that one problem with the stove top method is that you have to be very careful with the grind/tamp of coffee otherwise it burns and tastes lousy. Unfortunately you don't get excused from this when using an espresso machine. If anything, you may even need to be more carefull with grind and tamp on an espresso machine so don't think getting one will solve this particular problem. Once you have your new espresso machine and you have given yourself a few months (or however long - after 10 months on my silvia I am still trying to get the best of it) to get used to it, you can see whether or not you need to upgrade your grinder. Sounds like you spent enough on it so it may be that it is a well designed one and can do the job. One thing you will work out pretty soon is whether or not it can grind fine enough for your needs. Good luck with your machine selection. Regards, Fabcat

jim

Raoul, I sell coffee machines so my situation is a bit different, I have a VV at one end of my benchtop and a Royal Cappuccino at the other. The Royal is fully automatic including frothing. Now I know deep down that the VV should produce a better espresso etc ... but I walk to the Automatic, press the "epresso" button, and drink a great espresso. It also has twin boilers for simultaneous frothing and coffee making. I haven't used the VV since I got the Automatic. I made 4 espressos and 5 caps/lattes at lunch today in about 4 minutes. The Jura autos also make a decent coffee. I don't know anything about the Delonghi's, Sunbeam's etc. Might be worth a look. The VV was a great machine when it was in use, it was my life support for about 2 years, working without problem. I'm just going to hide now because the puritans will probably shoot me down for recommending that you consider an Auto. 8)

Lovey

[quote]Raoul, I'm just going to hide now because the puritans will probably shoot me down for recommending that you consider an Auto.

Raoul

Thanks for the new advice, Fabcat and Jim. The machine to do the milk when making lots of coffee is a great idea - I used to do that with my Atomic. (Probably still could except for all the aluminium bits on the inside). In regards to the automatic machine, I peronally love the whole experiencing of grinding and making the coffee manually - sounds like I've got too much time on my hands - but I don't, it's my one indulgence when I am at home. I'm going to have a look at a lot of machines this weekend, so I'll let you know what I come up with! :-/

jim

Another thing I always look for is how well the machine matches your personality. The machine has to look right to you, it has to feel right when you use it. It's important to walk up to the machine and anticipate the joy of working with it. Do you like super minimal or lots of dials? Shiny or black? If you like the look and feel of your machine then the coffee will taste better. My auto reflects my internal lazy spirit and love of technology.

FreshCoffee2

Good thinking 99! 😃 Regardz, FC.

[deleted]

Well, that's different !!!!

avitephen

the sunbeam EM6900 is a very good machine for the price and shouldn

Raoul

Thanks for the info. It is hard to buy a machine when one hears so many thoughts on the matter. Coffee seems more complex than wine - almost! I have looked at the Sunbeam and it looks good, although I believe there were some technical difficulties when first released which I gues they have now sorted. The Breville 800 class alos looks good. Trouble is once purchased, your stuck with it - so I guess I just have to take the plunge and swim in my own coffee. Thanks. 😉

« Previous Page