Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

    Hi all,


    I was wondering if there are other sponsor machines around this price that are better or similar to a Gaggia Classic or Breville Ikon?

    I need a really strong frother because I need it for practicing (i.e. moreso than a good espresso).

    Also, are there any good cheaper grinders from our sponsors as well?

  • #2
    Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

    In short none of the sponsors I am aware of sell machines in this price range.

    Do you already have a grinder?

    If not the Lelit/Nemox combi machines are a ood one but above your budget.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

      You might find the Saeco Via Venecia from some of the sponsors, which you might be able to get a little outside that budget (low $400s?).

      FWIW, I recently purchased the Ikon that you mentioned. It just edged out the Saeco VV due to tight budgetary constraints for me... but you wont get an Ikon from a sponsor!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

        I have a brand new Ikon lined up for this weekends purchase but Im just having second thoughts because my main issue is milk and frothing... and I dont think the lower end machines are going to let me practice freepouring - correct me if Im wrong.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

          Youre doing well if you can still source an Ikon brand new... I looked everywhere, and in the end factory 2nd was the best I could do!

          Anyway, I find the Ikon quite adequate for steaming. Perhaps due to it being a boiler unit, I do find it noticeably better than the cheaper thermoblock machine I had previously, but I cant compare to any higher quality machines as my experience is limited to a small handful of lower end machines.

          Have you tried googling/youtubing for videos of the Ikon (or other contenders) in action? Theres a few out there that I watched when making my decision, and it may give you a better idea of what to expect before you hand over the cash.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

            Originally posted by 696C6968606D050 link=1284372610/3#3 date=1284445334
            I have a brand new Ikon lined up for this weekends purchase but Im just having second thoughts because my main issue is milk and frothing... and I dont think the lower end machines are going to let me practice freepouring - correct me if Im wrong.
            Ill correct you

            I used one a fair bit when I was teaching at the coffee academy amd for mine, its excellent value and performs really well. Best bang for buck <$300 by a mile.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Best Sponsor Machine for $300-$350

              Originally posted by 5C696463574B676E6E6D6D080 link=1284372610/5#5 date=1284506838
              for mine, its excellent value and performs really well. Best bang for buck <$300 by a mile.  
              Thanks TC, nice to have some extra confirmation that I havent wasted my hard earned on a dud of a machine... does confirm my opinion of the Ikon after the initial few weeks with the machine : )

              Comment

              Working...
              X