Convincing the wife

[endisnigh]

Hi All,

This is my first post, but Ive been reading for a while, and have been hit with a major case of upgraditis.
I currently have a Sunbeam EM5800 (I believe thats the model) which is not too bad, but Im being let down with my grinder (a blade grinder). It produces ok shots with pre-ground coffee, but when I grind my own I get a very bitter result.

So the grinder has to go. And theres no point in doing things by halves, so I should get something good, that will last, like a Rocky or a Mazzer. But that will leave the espresso machine looking pretty poor beside it - so that will have to be upgraded too

But Im not going to get away with a spend like this!!! How will I convince my SO, who already has the opinion that I follow fads?

Surely theres many here whove been in this position? What are the tricks? How did you get what you want?

Any tips or tricks appreciated.

[wattgn]

Re: Convincing the wife

endisnigh:

Sometimes you, like Rocky, just have to take a few blows to the head for what you feel passionate about.

Sure it will leave you bleeding and possibly permanently brain damaged too but if you cant handle that then you are not a true snobbie and should remove yourself from this forum fortwith.

Grant

[mattyj]

Re: Convincing the wife

someone once said to me: "Forgiveness is easier to get than permission."

...havent been game enough to try it though.

...geez us blokes are soft!

[wattgn]

Re: Convincing the wife

Matt:

My experience exactly and I have a line of motorcycles and espresso machines to prove that. I have a few scars too.

Seriously, Endisnigh, once the bitterness has subsided and most the swelling has gone down, take her out to dinner (if you can afford it after the $2000 machine purchase).

Grant

PS. I have done counselling courses before this is why I understand women so well.

[Dimal]

Re: Convincing the wife

This is my first post, but Ive been reading for a while, and have been hit with a major case of upgradeitis.
I currently have a Sunbeam EM5800 (I believe thats the model) which is not too bad

First things first.... Welcome to CoffeeSnobs "endisnigh" [smiley=thumbsup.gif], hope you enjoy your time online with us and that you find all youre looking for in the world of great coffee ;D.

If youve only just recently bought this machine, Id stick with it until something fails catastrophically.... it should be capable of producing pretty good shots with fresh coffee and the right grind. Even better if you can convert the Portafilter baskets to non-pressurised components. Mattyj might be able to help you out with advice on this aspect of things.

but Im being let down with my grinder (a blade grinder). It produces ok shots with pre-ground coffee, but when I grind my own I get a very bitter result.

Now, this is where you need to buy yourself a serious coffee grinder/mill to get the best out of your EM5800.
As with everything, it all comes down to budget in the end but given that you already have a capable, if not great espresso machine, Id concentrate on getting the best Grinder that you can afford as it will last you through a lifetime of espresso machine upgrades.

Depending on the budget, you can choose anything from a Lux, Ibertal, Cunhill class of grinder in the $200-$350 range, or up to a Rocky, Mazzer Mini, Macap, etc which range from $420-$800 and even more. Grinders in the second group mentioned can be seriously considered as life-long investments.

But Im not going to get away with a spend like this!!! How will I convince my SO, who already has the opinion that I follow fads?

Surely theres many here whove been in this position? What are the tricks? How did you get what you want?

Any tips or tricks appreciated.

Sorry, but cant buy into the subterfuge of your SO. Far better to convince her of the coffee nirvana that awaits her when the right equipment is used and that providing you buy good quality equipment, how easy it will be to sell and recover most of your outlay when upgradeitis hits or the "fad" fades away. In my experience though, great coffee overcomes the crest of a fad very quickly and very soon, you (and your partner) will be like the rest of us, just hanging out for an excuse to make another brew after just finishing the last one ;D. All the best in your quest,

Cheers,
Mal.

[robusto]

Re: Convincing the wife

I dont see the problem, Endisnigh.

Women are sympathetic, loving, rational, comforting, giving, generous, peaceful, sincere, accommodating and understanding. They know men and their whims. Just calmly tell your wife of your hearts desire, and she will agree.

If that fails, start crying loudly and while jumping up and down on the spot, shout, "I wannit I wannit I wannit boo hoo"

Oh, Im told a raw steak is good for black eyes.

[garglebutt]

Re: Convincing the wife

It all depends on whether your wife is a coffee drinker. Either way, one approach is to upgrade the grinder as first priority and once you have gotten used to the improvement you can then look at a machine upgrade. That way you get two tiers of increased enjoyment and the cost is spread over a longer period.

Some coffeesnobs have gotten into home roasting early in the equation perhaps hoping the wife wont notice new equipment showing up amongst all the smoke. 8-)

[endisnigh]

Re: Convincing the wife

If youve only just recently bought this machine, Id stick with it until something fails catastrophically.... it should be capable of producing pretty good shots with fresh coffee and the right grind. Even better if you can convert the Portafilter baskets to non-pressurised components. Mattyj might be able to help you out with advice on this aspect of things.

Actually, its my second EM5800 - the first one blew up after a cleaning accident. Sunbeam were kind enough to replace it eventhough it was out of warranty.

Now, this is where you need to buy yourself a serious coffee grinder/mill to get the best out of your EM5800.
As with everything, it all comes down to budget in the end but given that you already have a capable, if not great espresso machine, Id concentrate on getting the best Grinder that you can afford as it will last you through a lifetime of espresso machine upgrades.

Depending on the budget, you can choose anything from a Lux, Ibertal, Cunhill class of grinder in the $200-$350 range, or up to a Rocky, Mazzer Mini, Macap, etc which range from $420-$800 and even more. Grinders in the second group mentioned can be seriously considered as life-long investments.

Ok - that sounds like the way to go, rather than splash out too much cash at once.....

Some coffeesnobs have gotten into home roasting early in the equation perhaps hoping the wife wont notice new equipment showing up amongst all the smoke.

Already started! Have done a few small batches already in a Sunbeam air popper (yes, sunbeam again). No problems so far (apart from a brief complaint from the smoke alarm) and it makes the apartment smell great. I just have to start tweaking the batch sizes and roast times a bit.

But first, a grinder.

Thanks All.

[p38arover]

Re: Convincing the wife

it should be capable of producing pretty good shots with fresh coffee and the right grind. Even better if you can convert the Portafilter baskets to non-pressurised components. Mattyj might be able to help you out with advice on this aspect of things.

Im interested in this modification. We have an EM4800 with the "Italian designed Crema system" that cannot deliver equal shots into two cups simulataneously. One cup always get more than the other.

I tried removing the plastic insert (and plugging the consequent screw hole) but that just allowed the jet of coffee out of the single hole in the bottom of the filter basket to spray everywhere.

Ive not been game to cut the second wall off the basket. Will doing so improve things?

Ron

[Dimal]

Re: Convincing the wife

Im interested in this modification. We have an EM4800 with the "Italian designed Crema system" that cannot deliver equal shots into two cups simulataneously. One cup always get more than the other.

I tried removing the plastic insert (and plugging the consequent screw hole) but that just allowed the jet of coffee out of the single hole in the bottom of the filter basket to spray everywhere.

Ive not been game to cut the second wall off the basket. Will doing so improve things?

Ron

Hi Ron,

Im pretty sure mattyj has experience with doing this mod on his previous Sunbeam machine... maybe drop him a PM and see if he can steer you in the right direction,

Cheers,
Mal.