Hi
I'm in the process of looking for a new coffee machine to replace my old Sunbeam EM3600 that has died. Having had it for a few years and making (IMHO) decent coffees with it, I thought I knew a little about what I would be looking for. As it turns out, I was right. I know a little ...
It seems that in the price range I'm looking at (under $500, obviously!) the Delonghis tend to get favourable reviews, better than similarly priced Brevilles and Sunbeams.
So, I think I might get a Delonghi (but, then, the fact that I'm asking for advice, I am open to change).
Machines I've been looking at are the Icona ECO310 (~$180 - $249); Dedica EC680 (~$280 - $369); Distinta ECI341 (~$259 -$329) and Scultura EZ351 (~$279 - $329).
Questions:
A couple of things I've found out about which are only adding to my confusion are these:
Pressurised vs non-pressurised baskets: I assume that my former Sunbeam used a pressurised basket (although I didn't know this at the time). I've also read that pressurised baskets make it easier for the machine to make a decent crema and less likely to be hampered by the klutz operating it. I gather that the machines I've listed all used pressurised baskets. Is there anything wrong in me continuing with this. I was generally quite happy with my results (sadly, matching or beating some so-called cafes)
Steam wand: my Sunbeam had a simple steel wand and I found I could generally create a nicely textured milk. But I've now found out that some of the machines have a "panarello" wand which seems to create big bubbles? But I thought the aim was small, micro bubbles? So, if I do buy a machine with a panarello wand, can I remove the plastic cover and use any of them as a straight out steaming wand?
And, some background info that might help the advice process: I have my own grinder and buy beans from a local guy who roasts his own. My drink of choice is just a flat white. And I probably have about 3 a day.
Thanks
I'm in the process of looking for a new coffee machine to replace my old Sunbeam EM3600 that has died. Having had it for a few years and making (IMHO) decent coffees with it, I thought I knew a little about what I would be looking for. As it turns out, I was right. I know a little ...
It seems that in the price range I'm looking at (under $500, obviously!) the Delonghis tend to get favourable reviews, better than similarly priced Brevilles and Sunbeams.
So, I think I might get a Delonghi (but, then, the fact that I'm asking for advice, I am open to change).
Machines I've been looking at are the Icona ECO310 (~$180 - $249); Dedica EC680 (~$280 - $369); Distinta ECI341 (~$259 -$329) and Scultura EZ351 (~$279 - $329).
Questions:
- Opinions?
- Would I notice a big step up from the Icona to any of the other three to justify the higher price?
- Am I wrong in excluding Sunbeams/Brevilles?
A couple of things I've found out about which are only adding to my confusion are these:
Pressurised vs non-pressurised baskets: I assume that my former Sunbeam used a pressurised basket (although I didn't know this at the time). I've also read that pressurised baskets make it easier for the machine to make a decent crema and less likely to be hampered by the klutz operating it. I gather that the machines I've listed all used pressurised baskets. Is there anything wrong in me continuing with this. I was generally quite happy with my results (sadly, matching or beating some so-called cafes)
Steam wand: my Sunbeam had a simple steel wand and I found I could generally create a nicely textured milk. But I've now found out that some of the machines have a "panarello" wand which seems to create big bubbles? But I thought the aim was small, micro bubbles? So, if I do buy a machine with a panarello wand, can I remove the plastic cover and use any of them as a straight out steaming wand?
And, some background info that might help the advice process: I have my own grinder and buy beans from a local guy who roasts his own. My drink of choice is just a flat white. And I probably have about 3 a day.
Thanks
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