buying a machine

sb

Hi all,
I'm new to all this so i hope someone out there can point me in the right direction. I am looking to buy a machine for home (not automatic) that isn't too bulky. My price range is b/w $700 - $1000. I've seen the 'coffee for connoisseurs' website, they have a silvia machine in my price range. Any advise or suggestions?

FrankA

Hi Sb. I'm surprised noone replied to your post before. I must admit there there a lot of machines in the lower end price range - $500-$600 or less , then there are a lot in the upper price range - $2000 or thereabouts, but not much in between. But I think the Silvia is a good choice. I can't speak from experience, but I know someone who has one and is very happy. Also, I have read a lot of good things about it on various coffee sites. One machine I do have some experience with is the Saeco Via Venezia - that is actually about $400-$500 but it gives a pretty good shot and has good frothing power. You might want to check it out. Other than than there is the Gaggia classic for about the same price as the Via Venezia I think. Another is the new Sunbeam EM6900 twin boiler. I have a friend who recently bought one and is very happy indeed. I think again it is in the $500 range. Cheers, Frank.

Lovey

G'day SB, one thing to consider when deciding on your machine, is that you'll need a decent grinder, if you don't already have one. Have a look at the top of the page at the 'grinders' banner and have a look through that. I'd suggest giving 'Fresh Coffee' a ring or send him a PM. He'll be able to give you some good advice about the machine and the grinder. Hope this helps. Steve.

mattyj

hey mate, tell us about your coffee making habits. If you're making one or two milk coffee's a day, silvia (with some practise) will rock your socks. But once a few friends come over, expect to be in the kitchen for most of the night. If you're making a couple of coffee's in the morning before work, and you regularly have people over for coffee, then I'd start looking at either the sunbeam 6900, or a heat-exchange machine. Most of the HX machines come in at $2000 and more, but if you look around, you can find expobar office machines at slightly over $1000. Some sweet talking will get you one for about $1000. And then there's the grinder. A Rancilio Rocky will do the job, as will the sunbeam em0480 (around $200, I've heard of some people buying them for $170). You might also consider saving a bit more money and getting a grinder that's way above the machine ... like a mazzer mini, or the other grinder that looks a bit like it ... the macap m4. Except I'd be asking vendors if they can get the macap in stepless. But that's just me. Pretty much the case is that if you get a great machine, but use preground coffee, you'll be disappointed with your machine.

nzroaster

My advice in that price range would be something like the Gaggia Classic & MDF Combo. Or splash out a little and get the Sylvia & Rocky Combo. There are alot of machines out there, go for something that was designed down from a commercial machine and not designed up from a domestic machine. Remember to that the grinder is very important.