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  • Espresso machine under $250

    Afternoon all

    First time poster, long time reader.

    I have been reading many threads on this site for a quite a while now (it’s a great site) gathering info.

    I currently am using a moka pot and hand grinder and would like to buy an espresso machine and grinder.

    Money restricts me to buy the espresso entry level sunbeam em0480 grinder (or em0450).  It leaves me $250 for the espresso machine.

    My dilemma is I enjoy the good stuff, pure and simple espresso only, but realise a steamer wand is probably handy for when friends, relos etc drop over.

    F I N A L L Y , my question is should I buy a Presso or Ikon? OR another machine you snobs could advise on?

    Thats it ……………………………………………………………… I need a coffee.

    Looking forward to your responses.

    Cheers

  • #2
    Re: Espresso machine under $250

    Welcome to Coffee Snobs.

    I hear good things about the Ikon but I have a Presso and its made a decent espresso the few times Ive used it.
    I bought it for times I might be travelling as the HX machine is a bit big to lug around.

    The problem with the Presso is no steaming capability.
    For you, no problem; when your guests drop in, a problem.

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    • #3
      Re: Espresso machine under $250

      I would just get a factory second Ikon. I did, had no problems, came with warranty etc.

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      • #4
        Re: Espresso machine under $250

        Where are you located?

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        • #5
          Re: Espresso machine under $250

          Im in Sydney (just updated profile).

          The ikon sounds great for the $160 asking price at the factory outlet but the only thing that makes me lean towards the presso is its pretty much instant. Hooked, how long does the ikon take to be ready?

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Espresso machine under $250

            I was happy to pull a shot out of it after about 15-20 minutes ( I used to run a little hot water through the group after 5 minutes then play with the steam a bit to heat things up if i was in a rush). I am pretty sure there is a thread on here about the Ikon going into standby mode after a certain amount of time....cant remember the details.

            Good luck either way.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Espresso machine under $250

              For a good shot out of the Presso you still should warm it up.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Espresso machine under $250

                Maybe you should wait a bit and save some $ and buy something second hand like this :P
                http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1236253502

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                • #9
                  Re: Espresso machine under $250

                  Thanks for the advice fellas.

                  Think ill go with the ikon/em0480 combo then upgrade when i have the moolah.

                  Cheers

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                  • #10
                    Re: Espresso machine under $250

                    To be honest i was hoping you would go down that route, personally I think the presso should be your first machine, impressing your friends with those milk based coffees will be half the fun

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                    • #11
                      Re: Espresso machine under $250

                      You can pick up a factory second Ikon for about $150. I was at a Breville service centre today and saw a whole heap of brand new cheap machines.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Espresso machine under $250

                        I am still amazed at how well the Ikon at work is performing. Unpressurized basket and fresh ground coffee and things are looking fantastic. The one thing you will need to fiddle with is the right grind to get the extraction right. The other thing that will take a little time is getting comfortable with tamping. We only have a crappy plastic tamper at work, but if you are careful and take your time you will get the right pressure.

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