Coffee machine

[cadenceblur]

Have a Maranello machine, imported from Italy, good coffee, has a steam wand for frothing as well. Works with the pod system though. They sell for about R2500.

[GBguy]

After reading through all the pages, I still can't find an answer. We have a bean-to-cup machine at home, but after drinking a couple of espressos in Italy, this is not gonna cut it anymore.

 

So, can anyone recommend a good semi-auto espresso machine available in SA. (Not nespresso)

Also don't want to pay more than around R4k.

 

Ah, I hear the plaintive cry of a true convert. I honestly wish there was some way of making coffee like an Italian espresso bar for that kind of money. The closest you will get is an Aeropress with a professional grade grinder. Then save up at least R15k and let's talk again.

[stewie911]

Ah, I hear the plaintive cry of a true convert. I honestly wish there was some way of making coffee like an Italian espresso bar for that kind of money. The closest you will get is an Aeropress with a professional grade grinder. Then save up at least R15k and let's talk again.

 

So it seems like I need to up my budget.

 

Looks like I need something with a boiler and not thermo block. Preferably not aluminum because of galvanic corrosion etc.

 

Was looking at the gaggia classic and Rancilio machines (http://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-Espresso-Machine-Silvia/dp/B00076SCVG/ref=pd_sbs_k_2)

 

They are maybe within the new budget.

[Weight Weenie]

So it seems like I need to up my budget.

 

Looks like I need something with a boiler and not thermo block. Preferably not aluminum because of galvanic corrosion etc.

 

Was looking at the gaggia classic and Rancilio machines (http://www.amazon.co.../ref=pd_sbs_k_2)

 

They are maybe within the new budget.

 

Ranchilio Rocky and Silvia combo would be my pick.

 

Go check on youtube for the seatlle coffee company they have awesome video reviews.

 

You'll need to invest in more than something like the Krups I have, which is in for repair allready anyway.

I think the Gaggia machines are a little below what you are actually looking for.

[GBguy]

Now you're talking! I have a double-boiler machine (the Expobar Brewtus), but I think a well-implemented single-boiler can do the job - in fact a lot of professional machines are single boilers with heat-exchangers. For up-to-date comments on these machines there are US-based websites like coffee geek, whole latte love (without the spaces) and others.

 

I know that Gourmet Coffee Roasters import and support some good equipment, such as Rocket. If I were starting again, I'd look at entry level professional machines, which are around the same price as high-end home machines - but better supported. If you're a Rolls Royce kinda guy, look at the single-station models from La Marzocco.

 

One thing - I cannot stress enough that the quality of your grinder is critical to good espresso. Home grinders - even some nice-looking conical burr grinders, just don't cut it. Go professional from the start - even a second-hand commercial grinder - and save yourself some bucks in the long run. To me, the quality of the espresso machine is only third on the list of priorities, behind freshly roasted beans and a serious grinder.

[stewie911]

Thanks for the great info guys. Was actually looking at that cheap burr grinder of WW.

 

So maybe a good grinder and avg espresso machine for a start. Then save up for the entry level pro machine.

[101SCC]

 

If you're a Rolls Royce kinda guy, look at the single-station models from La Marzocco.

 

 

I have a GS3 which I now use at my office. Making Espresso at home is a nightmare!

Now the machine is in it's element for all the guys in the office to use.

 

http://gourmetroasters.co.za/?page_id=204

 

GBguy has the input on grinders spot on, add to that sharp blades and a few other tricks...

[CAAD4]

Bought myself a cheap Tevo auto milk frother on promo from Dion Wired last week. With coffee from my stove top Bialetti, I have a really nice cuppucino combo for under R600.

[Stretch]

Bought myself a cheap Tevo auto milk frother on promo from Dion Wired last week. With coffee from my stove top Bialetti, I have a really nice cuppucino combo for under R600.

even my little hand frother makes a great cappuccino using my bialetti

[GBguy]

Thanks for the great info guys. Was actually looking at that cheap burr grinder of WW.

 

So maybe a good grinder and avg espresso machine for a start. Then save up for the entry level pro machine.

 

[Grebel]

Even cheaper option is to find a descent coffee roaster and get them to grind for you. 250g freshly ground beans in an airtight container should be good for around 2 weeks. Obviously not as good as from the grinder to the cup but a lot cheaper than a professional grinder!!

[stewie911]

So how much are we talking about for a proper grinder? Or what should I look out for.

 

http://www.yuppieche...spresso-Machine

 

The machine in the link has a grinder included in the prise. Can't figure from the specs what the quality of the machine is, but what about the grinder?

Edited July 11, 2012 by stewie911

[101SCC]

So how much are we talking about for a proper grinder? Or what should I look out for.

 

http://www.yuppieche...spresso-Machine

 

The machine in the link has a grinder included in the prise. Can't figure from the specs what the quality of the machine is, but what about the grinder?

 

Not sure on the price, but we have used kitchen aid stuff in the past and at that price will definitely do the business.

Need to get a good understanding of how to pull a great espresso shot, then learn to perfect your steaming and you're good to go.

[Riario]

http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/27/milk-brother-by-po-chih-lai/

[Brian Fantana]

Bought myself a cheap Tevo auto milk frother on promo from Dion Wired last week. With coffee from my stove top Bialetti, I have a really nice cuppucino combo for under R600.

 

Then you must really try Aeropress. I have two Stainless Steel Bialettis, and since I got an Aeropress, I have not really used them at all.

 

Bialetti coffee is great don't get me wrong, but Aeropress is much closer to real espresso than Moka pot. The Bialetti yields coffee with less flavour and more bitterness than the Aeropress.

 

My Aeropress even makes a better espresso than the super automatic Saeco at my work using the same beans.

[DaLoCo]

Then you must really try Aeropress. I have two Stainless Steel Bialettis, and since I got an Aeropress, I have not really used them at all.

 

Bialetti coffee is great don't get me wrong, but Aeropress is much closer to real espresso than Moka pot. The Bialetti yields coffee with less flavour and more bitterness than the Aeropress.

 

My Aeropress even makes a better espresso than the super automatic Saeco at my work using the same beans.

Does that mean you will part with a Bialetti for meager compensation...