Home Coffee Machine

Raoul

I want to buy a machine for home use. I like to drink 1 -2 cups of nice espresso a day, and like to host dinner parties from time to time. I don't want to spend too much, but want a machine that can may 8 - 10 espressos (flat whites etc) without having to wait ages while water heats up etc.

Can any one suggest a machine that can do this and isn't too costly?

lars

Depends whether you like a manual machine or an automatic. If you want a manual (getting your hands dirty), you should be able to pick up a Saeco Via Venezia for around $450, a Gaggia Classic for $500 or a Rancilio Sylvia for around $750. Remember you'll also want a good grinder. There are plenty of options if you want an automatic, but decent ones start from around $1000. They're convenient, but remember, if you're serious about your espresso, they don't give you the same control as a manual. Hope that helps. L

FreshCoffee2

Need information as to your realistic total budget in order to give any kind of real advice. As already stated really need to budget a grinder or money on coffee machine is kind of wasted due to not being able to get the very best out of the machine if using pre ground (stales quickly, & invariably not ground correctly for any paticular machine). Regardz, FC.

Raoul

Thanks for the reply. I am after a manual machine - up to $600 and I have an entry level grinder (basic burr type grinder). I didn't think that the Via Venezia or Gaggia Classic could make more than a couple of coffees without taking time to heat up. If they can, I would be happy with either.

Unknown

FC is sure to reply with more in depth info but even with a machine like a the Giotto ($2500 worth), it will take considerable time to make 10 milk based coffees.  The temperature the water needs to be for extraction is roughly 90-95 degrees and the temperature required to make steam is over 100 degrees.  Most of the time is taken up when the mode is switched time and time again.. hope this helps.. I have a Silvia + EM0480 Grinder.  It usually takes me a good 6-8 minutes to make two milk based coffee's, I'm fairly particular though.  I use a slightly different method (sequence) when I need to make more (like 6-8 milk based coffees). Cheers, Paulie

Raoul

I currently make 8 or so espressos when I have guests using my stove top (I have a few different sizes and for this I use the largest). To do the milk I do what is probably unthinkable to some of you experts - I microwave the milk to the correct temp and then I use a plunger to froth it, bit by bit, and trasnfer it to a metal jug where I prepare it. Surprisingly, the coffee is excellent, to me and to my guests. I am now a bit confused about what machine to buy. I don't mind paying $1000 or so, but want a machine that I can make pair of espressos in quick succession, and then do the milk, so I can make 8 - 10 and serve them almost at the same time.

FreshCoffee2

OK. Firstly, this question has been asked here many times before so it may be of interest to you to search around in the site & look for topics of a similar nature to yours. In fact I think there has been so much discussion on this in the past that I should just mention that it could get a little confusing if you read it all. Having said that lets try and make this as simple as possible in terms of the models mentioned above: Via Venezia: Well built, solid, brass boiler construction BUT uses pressurized filter handle and therefore you get a different style of espresso than commercial style, if that is what you

Raoul

Thank you fresh coffee. This is most helpful. My grinder was around $250 and seems OK, but I am aware I eventually need to get a better one. There doesn't seem to be one obvious choice. I will investigate more . . .

mattyj

... but want a machine that I can make pair of espressos in quick succession, and then do the milk, so I can make 8 - 10 and serve them almost at the same time.

hmmm ... I don't know of any cafes that can serve 8-10 coffees at almost the same time. It seems to me that one group machines (ie: one brewing group ... all home machines) can serve 2 coffee's at a time. two groups can serve 4 coffee's at a time. 8-10 coffees at the same time? 4-5 group machine, several thousand $$$

Unknown

I own a Via Venezia and have no problems with it. Even with the pressurized handle, it is capable of producing a coffee which alot of people would be happy with. But using a non-pressurized handle will produce a much more superior coffee. When making milk based coffees, the thing you need to remember is how capable the machine is in steaming large volumn of milk in one go. The espressos are fist made and then the milk is steamed. The problem is that the espressos will be sitting while you steam milk. I found that Via Venezia is capable of steaming milk for three but have not tried for more as I don't have a larger jug that a 600ml. In regards on the time between shots, the VV is fairly quick.

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?

Unknown

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.

Unknown

;)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

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!  :D Regardz, FC.

Unknown

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.