Coffee machine

[Lukep]

Any experinces with this machine

http://hirschs.co.za/shop/index.php/delonghi-ecam23-450.html

[Jaco-fiets]

Any experinces with this machine

http://hirschs.co.za...ecam23-450.html

 

I have one! Great machine. I drink about 8 espressos a day (sometimes more) and never had any problems with this machine. Also makes a great cuppacino! 1 year old soon.

[dee jay]

Guys, any thoughts on this pretty lady: http://www.brevilleu...ta-express.html

 

Doesn't have a double/dual boiler though, so not able to make espresso & steam simultaneously but has an Auto-purge function to speed up the switch between the two.

 

After being a barista for 4 years during my studies I definitely think there is something special about a freshly ground, hand-made espresso... although Nespresso is superb & the ease of use is virtually unparalleled.

Edited November 28, 2012 by dee jay

[HappyMartin]

Guys, any thoughts on this pretty lady: http://www.brevilleusa.com/beverages/espresso/the-barista-express.html

 

Doesn't have a double/dual boiler though, so not able to make espresso & steam simultaneously but has an Auto-purge function to speed up the switch between the two.

 

After being a barista for 4 years during my studies I definitely think there is something special about a freshly ground, hand-made espresso... although Nespresso is superb & the ease of use is virtually unparalelled.

 

I have been using this machine for about a year. It has given no trouble. Not the worlds best and I struggle a little with the finer grinds as the pressure does not seem to be quite enough

 

Still I get a great coffee from it. Quite predictable. Decent grinder

[dee jay]

I have been using this machine for about a year. It has given no trouble. Not the worlds best and I struggle a little with the finer grinds as the pressure does not seem to be quite enough

 

Still I get a great coffee from it. Quite predictable. Decent grinder

 

Thanks HM. Much appreciated. They are going for a song at @home at the moment - 20% discount. Did not expect to be torn between the simplicity of the Nespresso range & the purity/passion of a true espresso machine!

[Christie]

 

 

On the Crealto issue, I used my last pod this morning - think I am gonna cry.!

 

 

Im down to my last 3 boxes of Kazaar, will be a sad day when they are all gone. Still have 2 boxes of Crealto, but I like the Kazaar more. I dont like the flavoured pods at all.

Edited November 27, 2012 by Christie

[HappyMartin]

 

 

Thanks HM. Much appreciated. They are going for a song at @home at the moment - 20% discount. Did not expect to be torn between the simplicity of the Nespresso range & the purity/passion of a true espresso machine!

 

With a small learning curve, some consistency in your processes and decent beans you will produce a far superior cup of coffee with the Breville. You will also save a lot of money

 

Some people find the espresso machine too much effort and that is a valid point of view. I happen to enjoy making the coffee and find it no trouble at all.

[Grebel]

Guys, any thoughts on this pretty lady: http://www.brevilleu...ta-express.html

 

Doesn't have a double/dual boiler though, so not able to make espresso & steam simultaneously but has an Auto-purge function to speed up the switch between the two.

 

After being a barista for 4 years during my studies I definitely think there is something special about a freshly ground, hand-made espresso... although Nespresso is superb & the ease of use is virtually unparalelled.

 

I couldn't agree more!

[Grebel]

With a small learning curve, some consistency in your processes and decent beans you will produce a far superior cup of coffee with the Breville. You will also save a lot of money

 

Some people find the espresso machine too much effort and that is a valid point of view. I happen to enjoy making the coffee and find it no trouble at all.

 

A man after my own heart!

[Grebel]

So for my birthday recently, my wife got me a grinder. She bought the Krupps. Now that I have experienced the pleasure of freshly ground beans in a cup of coffee I understand what all the fuss earlier in this thread was about regarding grinding as you need them. You can't compare the two!

 

I like to think that I pulled my first (Hopefully of many!) God shot! The grind was right, the draw time was perfect and the cup of coffee tasted fantastic!!

 

We spent the weekend down the coast this past weekend and stopped at a roadside restaurant to have breakfast after spending the morning on the beach with the kids. I ordered an Americano because it was too early to get a cappuccino down. Must have been the worst cup of coffee that I have had the displeasure of drinking to date.

 

We really are spoilt once you acquire your own machine and grinder. As simple and inexpensive as my equipment may be, I reckon I could pull a better shot than most "barristers" out there at these commercial coffee shops....

[nishiki]

So for my birthday recently, my wife got me a grinder. She bought the Krupps. Now that I have experienced the pleasure of freshly ground beans in a cup of coffee I understand what all the fuss earlier in this thread was about regarding grinding as you need them. You can't compare the two!

 

I like to think that I pulled my first (Hopefully of many!) God shot! The grind was right, the draw time was perfect and the cup of coffee tasted fantastic!!

 

We spent the weekend down the coast this past weekend and stopped at a roadside restaurant to have breakfast after spending the morning on the beach with the kids. I ordered an Americano because it was too early to get a cappuccino down. Must have been the worst cup of coffee that I have had the displeasure of drinking to date.

 

We really are spoilt once you acquire your own machine and grinder. As simple and inexpensive as my equipment may be, I reckon I could pull a better shot than most "barristers" out there at these commercial coffee shops....

and there is the problem: once you've tasted how a decent coffee should taste, it's almost never that I get a cup that compares when going out. Often these restaurants have all the right equipment too, often they're supplied by a decent coffee supplier too, yet it's the art of drawing a decent shot that is lacking.

If it's a coffee shop that I'm at, and I get given a poor cup, it gets sent back, and I'll ask the manager why.

 

That's what is so great about Nespresso, especially for my business. I can't think of anything worse than giving my clients dodgy coffee. They deserve quality. Best part is that once I've shown them how to make a cup, they actually want to do it themselves every time, bringing the idea of self service to fruition.

[DaLoCo]

So for my birthday recently, my wife got me a grinder. She bought the Krupps. Now that I have experienced the pleasure of freshly ground beans in a cup of coffee I understand what all the fuss earlier in this thread was about regarding grinding as you need them. You can't compare the two!

 

I like to think that I pulled my first (Hopefully of many!) God shot! The grind was right, the draw time was perfect and the cup of coffee tasted fantastic!!

 

We spent the weekend down the coast this past weekend and stopped at a roadside restaurant to have breakfast after spending the morning on the beach with the kids. I ordered an Americano because it was too early to get a cappuccino down. Must have been the worst cup of coffee that I have had the displeasure of drinking to date.

 

We really are spoilt once you acquire your own machine and grinder. As simple and inexpensive as my equipment may be, I reckon I could pull a better shot than most "barristers" out there at these commercial coffee shops....

Therein lies the rub....

 

There are two coffee shops in Jbay that have barristas that I like, the one was best barrista in EC a few years back, and she trained the other. I mentally prepare myself for bad coffee if I go anywhere else, or I drink tea. The biggest issue I have found is that they draw the coffee for too long.

[HappyMartin]

Thin acidic coffee is the general tendency at restaurants. Hate it

[Grebel]

Thin acidic coffee is the general tendency at restaurants. Hate it

 

That's close to what I got... Very bitter and almost undrinkable. I added an extra sugar but only managed half a cup. Seemed like too much effort to send it back.

[Weight Weenie]

In PTA most proper coffee shops make a decent flat white, but don't expect a good espresso. Milk can hide some very bad shots I tell you!

[TiBones]

If you get a chance, drop into the Food Lover's Market at Nicollway Center. They sell a Nicaraguan Sovereign bean there that is by far and away my favourite. They can grind for you too.