Had some good news today, my Seaco Incanto deluxe is DOA,
Forgive me in advance if this forum is incorrect to post this query. First timer!
I have been hunting for the perfect espresso machine for over 30 years.
I finally thought I had almost attained Nirvana when I bought my Seaco Incanto deluxe, but, it never achieved that silky smooth finish that was delivered at a fine restaurant or professional espresso vendor. Little knowing, it was my technique that was crap.
Unfortunately, the day before a quasi professional Barista training course, my Saeco was pronounced dead on arrival! So I never found out if it was the machine or the operator!
During my course, my barista trainer was astounded by my "chops" and thought I had professional experience; even though the majority of my 'pulling power' was mostly via a fully auto machine; plus an intensive few days at a very good friends weddings' preparations, providing multiple 'cappuccinos' out of an old Gaggia, with acclaim from all customers. They were either being kind, or had no knowledge of what coffee should taste like, because I'm sure that at least 50% (or maybe less) of the beverages would've been akin to swill!
Anyhow, after my Saecos' demise and barista course, I have been blown away by currently using a borrowed ancient Baby Gaggia. Better quality brews than the Saeco fully auto, far better milk and reasonable shots with passable crema (don't mock me, using ALDI pre-ground coffee and the occasional excellent really good shot from a local roasters 'Colombian Dark' stock).
Now that I actually have a concept of how to froth milk and what a shot should look like, I have been astounded by both the Baby Gaggia's espresso shots, and microfoaming power. I do believe it is time for me to step up to a "prosumer' model.
My front runners are:
ISOMAC 'Tea"
Vibiemme Domobar Junior HX
Expobar Office Leva
but from sexy looks alone my favorite is the:
Unico Splendor
Please, all you wise people at coffee snobs, should I lured by the Unico's siren calls?
I reside closest to Melbourne VIC - where is the best Unico outlet? Of course, open to suggestions on a grinder to match.
I know I have a lot to learn - but praise the coffee gods, I'm now in the right place to get the correct answers!
Forgive me in advance if this forum is incorrect to post this query. First timer!
I have been hunting for the perfect espresso machine for over 30 years.
I finally thought I had almost attained Nirvana when I bought my Seaco Incanto deluxe, but, it never achieved that silky smooth finish that was delivered at a fine restaurant or professional espresso vendor. Little knowing, it was my technique that was crap.
Unfortunately, the day before a quasi professional Barista training course, my Saeco was pronounced dead on arrival! So I never found out if it was the machine or the operator!
During my course, my barista trainer was astounded by my "chops" and thought I had professional experience; even though the majority of my 'pulling power' was mostly via a fully auto machine; plus an intensive few days at a very good friends weddings' preparations, providing multiple 'cappuccinos' out of an old Gaggia, with acclaim from all customers. They were either being kind, or had no knowledge of what coffee should taste like, because I'm sure that at least 50% (or maybe less) of the beverages would've been akin to swill!
Anyhow, after my Saecos' demise and barista course, I have been blown away by currently using a borrowed ancient Baby Gaggia. Better quality brews than the Saeco fully auto, far better milk and reasonable shots with passable crema (don't mock me, using ALDI pre-ground coffee and the occasional excellent really good shot from a local roasters 'Colombian Dark' stock).
Now that I actually have a concept of how to froth milk and what a shot should look like, I have been astounded by both the Baby Gaggia's espresso shots, and microfoaming power. I do believe it is time for me to step up to a "prosumer' model.
My front runners are:
ISOMAC 'Tea"
Vibiemme Domobar Junior HX
Expobar Office Leva
but from sexy looks alone my favorite is the:
Unico Splendor
Please, all you wise people at coffee snobs, should I lured by the Unico's siren calls?
I reside closest to Melbourne VIC - where is the best Unico outlet? Of course, open to suggestions on a grinder to match.
I know I have a lot to learn - but praise the coffee gods, I'm now in the right place to get the correct answers!

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