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  • Budget machine for a friend

    Hi snobs

    I have been asked to find a decent espesso machine under $200. I know, I know, decent is usually $500+ (certainly learned that from my readings here at CS). My friend is a beginner, usually drinks from a plunger, and just wants to dip her toe in the espresso world. Shes on a very very tight budget, and I doubt would ever want to sep up to a real espresso machine.

    I have so far got the Sunbeam Cafe Crema and Brevelle Cafe Roma on my list. I have the Sunbeam and it serves me fine as a beginner - I assume it will someone else too as it comes with the DVD on how to use the machine/make drinks/froth milk. The Brevelle - Ive also read is a good starting block...have never used it, and the brevelle I bought a few years back (Cafe Italia???) was a heap of JUNK!!!.

    Anyway, Im leaning towards telling her to get the Sunbeam. If anyone has any thoughts or any other recommendations Id love to hear your reasoning.

    Im also going to recommend that my friend get a hand grinder. There is no way she can afford an electronic one that will do the job so this seems like the best solution. Whats the best price I could get for a good one online?

    Charlotte.

  • #2
    Re: Budget machine for a friend

    2nd hand on e-bay is probably the way to go!!

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Budget machine for a friend

      Nope, she wants a brand new budget machine. Doesnt like coffee enough to warrant getting anything better.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Budget machine for a friend

        Originally posted by drovers-sunrise link=1193256915/0#2 date=1193265395
        Nope, she wants a brand new budget machine. Doesnt like coffee enough to warrant getting anything better.
        I reckon shes wasting her time. If she doesnt like coffee that much, perhaps she could buy a nice dinner out?

        The cheapest machine thats even worth considering is the Breville Ikon....If she wants cheaper than that Id be suggesting a good entry level grinder, fresh coffee and a plunger....

        Id love a brand new budget Ferrari for $5K too, but thats about as likely... ;D

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Budget machine for a friend

          There are plenty of people in this forum (including myself) that make a nice coffees on a cheap machine (with mods). I know that you can make even nicer coffees on the more pricey machines, but thats not what shes looking for. She wants to upgrade from her plunger onto a very low end espresso machine. She will be sharing it with her sister, and between them theyd only really drink 4 cups a day.

          I know the thermoblock machines arent ideal, but plenty of domestic users have them... and at this stage its all she wants.

          Is there anyone on the forum with a low end machine that could share their thoughts?

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Budget machine for a friend

            How about a Sunbeam Ristretto (EM2300) and Sunbeam EM0450 grinder.

            I have been using an EM2300 at work with Krupps unpressurised baskets and its not too bad, especially considering it only cost $69.

            Pair it up with the EM0450, which is essentially a stripped down plastic EM0480, and Krupps baskets, and you have yourself a budget espresso setup for around $250.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Budget machine for a friend

              Id agree with knaff, not sure how much a Breville Ikon is but maybe look at that one too. We all agree you can get better results from more expensive machines, but if thats their budget and theyre set on a cheap new espresso machine logic aside, then thats what you have to work with.

              With a grinder theyll get the best results possible at that price point, which, with proper use, would have to be classed as at least average, and well above what youd normally get from such a machine using pre-ground and pressurised baskets.

              Good luck!
              Greg

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              • #8
                Re: Budget machine for a friend

                Yep, I plan to get some non-pressurised baskets, and as I stated above Ive recommended a Turkish hand grinder.

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                • #9
                  Re: Budget machine for a friend

                  Sorry D-S, missed the bit about the grinder. So long as the hand grinder is a good one then go for it; however be aware that a lot of the cheaper hand grinders up to $50ish tend to have a fair bit of wobble in the burrs so you end up with a very uneven grind. The Zassenhaus hand grinders are apparently excellent, but at $175 are more than the EM0450 which is normally under $140 I believe, so definitely give it some thought. If you spent $140 on the grinder and $60-$70 on the machine (presuming the EM2300 is that price, or check the price on the Ikon), youd get better results than $200 on a machine and using pre-ground.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Budget machine for a friend

                    Greg - the turkish grinders are very well made, as they are designed to grind very fine and cost around $60. I used mine for a long time before I got the MDF and it was equal to that.

                    I use it for plunger coffee when we go away now and it does a great job of that too.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Budget machine for a friend

                      Originally posted by knaff link=1193256915/0#5 date=1193269251

                      I have been using an EM2300 at work with Krupps unpressurised baskets and its not too bad, especially considering it only cost $69.
                      The Sunbeam Ristretto is $99.95 RRP. It is not $69 unless you get a better deal then the RRP.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Budget machine for a friend

                        Who pays RRP ??  ;D

                        Kmart had them for $69, 2 weeks ago

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                        • #13
                          Re: Budget machine for a friend

                          Kmart had them for $99 two weeks ago - almost got one.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Budget machine for a friend

                            She ended up getting a Cafe Crema and will get a turkish grinder. Thanks everyone for your comments.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Budget machine for a friend

                              Even at $99, Id take one over any Breville/Sunbeam thermoblock (6910 excluded)

                              Pros :

                              Boiler
                              Steam control knob
                              "Krups" compatible
                              1.5L water tank
                              Small footprint
                              Price

                              Cons:

                              Plastic construction
                              Small driptray
                              Steam capacity limited

                              Comment

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