A little guidance for a newbie...

[hintonj]

Hello All...

I am just entering the world of Coffee. I have been reading and I am ready to get a machine and begin learning.. I have been looking for a simple machine to start off on and I have been reading about the twin thermo block sunbeam (which sounds good) or the Saeco Via Venezia machine. I am not sure what would suit me to start.

Any and all guidance would be good. From reading on the forum I see that a little of the quality of the coffee has to do with the grinder and so I plan to get a good grinder in the next month....

Has anyone had some experience with the Saeco and what should I look for if I am planning to buy it second hand....

Thanks
Josh

[mr_gimlet]

Re: A little guidance for a newbie...

Well, I have had a Via Venezia for six years now although it is about to get upgraded due to ill health. I have to be honest and say it was fine - it makes good, though not stunning, coffee and it is easy to use to make a couple of coffees in the morning. Switching from coffee to steam takes a little time but I dont think this problem is solved in anything at that price point. (Doing the multiple cappucino dinner party trick was one of the reasons for the upgrade).

They are very common wedding presents and there always seem to be new ones on ebay so I wouldnt have thought there was much of a saving to be had going second hand given the risk of a turkey. The only thing I have had go wrong with mine is that the handle broke away from the filter.

Although you are right about the grinder, dont forget that coffee is an important part of the equation! Good quality fresh coffee is like having a good CD player - whatever you have downstream cant make the output any better.

[Shorty]

Re: A little guidance for a newbie...

Hi Josh,

Im in much the same boat. Looking to join the coffee cruise (pardon the pun) but without breaking the bank. Given the Gaggia Carezza isnt around any more, Im starting to think the Saeco Via Venezia is a good starting point. I was thinking around $400 was a lot to spend on a coffee machine, but then figured if I was to blow $250 on a Breville etc, itd probably die in a couple of years and wouldnt be making as good coffee in the meantime.

Cant help you with what to look for in 2nd hand though.

[Dimal]

Re: A little guidance for a newbie...

Any and all guidance would be good. From reading on the forum I see that a little of the quality of the coffee has to do with the grinder and so I plan to get a good grinder in the next month....

Has anyone had some experience with the Saeco and what should I look for if I am planning to buy it second hand....

Thanks
Josh

Hi Josh,

I would recommend directing your enquiry to one of our site sponsors. They are an extremely professional bunch with a wealth of knowledge of a wide range of makes and models of machines. It would be time well spent and with no pressure to lock you into any particular make, model or price bracket.

Cheers,
Mal.

[Robster]

Re: A little guidance for a newbie...

Hi Shorty,

I dont know where youre located but Gaggia Carezzas are still on the shelves in some Melbourne shops. Im sure I saw one last week.

- Rob

[TC]

Re: A little guidance for a newbie...

I disagree. Most here would suggest that you avoid a thermoblock machine and pressurised portafilter. There are a million reasons (almost ) to save and buy a boiler machine.....speak to a few people and do a little more reading before you part with your hard earned reddies