Hi all, Ive been reading through the forums for a few days and have learnt so far that a decent grinder & fresh beans are super important, and also that unpressurised baskets make a difference too.
Im looking for a basic machine because with bubba number 2 due in January I wont be working part time anymore and therefore wont be in the vicinity of a decent caffeine fix 3 days a week, so I reckon its time to look at a home setup.
What Im looking at after doing a bit of research is a Sunbeam EM0480 grinder (found a 2nd hand one for $80) and a Sunbeam Cafe Espresso EM3800 machine.
I know this is a fairly low end machine but I have read some good reviews (and not just from Choice, although I did read that thread
) and am hoping that the decent grinder will help.
I have a few questions though - this whole modifying baskets thing sounds terribly techincal for a totally non-mechanically minded chicky - Im assuming this cheap-ish machine comes with a pressurised basket so does anyone know if its easy to buy a non-pressurised one to fit? Roughly how much are they? Are they easy to source?
Also I usually drink a skim decaf (shame, shame... but Im pregnant so I have an excuse) cappuccino so froth is important but not nearly as important as temperature... I like my coffee scaldingly hot - do these machines have any kind of temperature control? Or is it mostly a matter of how hot I can get the milk without burning it.
Also are these machines usually easy to clean? I know if they are fiddly to clean out I will end up not using it.
thx for your help
Im looking for a basic machine because with bubba number 2 due in January I wont be working part time anymore and therefore wont be in the vicinity of a decent caffeine fix 3 days a week, so I reckon its time to look at a home setup.
What Im looking at after doing a bit of research is a Sunbeam EM0480 grinder (found a 2nd hand one for $80) and a Sunbeam Cafe Espresso EM3800 machine.
I know this is a fairly low end machine but I have read some good reviews (and not just from Choice, although I did read that thread
) and am hoping that the decent grinder will help. I have a few questions though - this whole modifying baskets thing sounds terribly techincal for a totally non-mechanically minded chicky - Im assuming this cheap-ish machine comes with a pressurised basket so does anyone know if its easy to buy a non-pressurised one to fit? Roughly how much are they? Are they easy to source?
Also I usually drink a skim decaf (shame, shame... but Im pregnant so I have an excuse) cappuccino so froth is important but not nearly as important as temperature... I like my coffee scaldingly hot - do these machines have any kind of temperature control? Or is it mostly a matter of how hot I can get the milk without burning it.
Also are these machines usually easy to clean? I know if they are fiddly to clean out I will end up not using it.
thx for your help


. That said you have come to the bet place for advice and it iwll kick you off to a great start
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