Hi there,
Im looking for a very cheap entry-level machine. Im looking in particular at the Sunbeams EM2300 (Ristretto), 4800C (Crema) and 5600 (Latte). Im the sterotypical poor student, but Im hoping to pick up a grinder as well and hopefully a non-pressurised basket (if its possible for these machines). As far as I can see the pros and cons of each machine (in my situation) are as follows:
Ristretto:
- Pros: Cheap. Allows me to get a grinder and leaves me with leftover cash to modify it a little.
- Cons: Cheap. Lacking in features, the lack of a cup warming tray worries me.
- Other: Someone on this forum has said it makes a decent espresso, true or false?
Crema:
- Pros: Allows me to (just) get a grinder, which Ive read is essential to making a good coffee. Has a cup warming tray.
- Cons: Havent heard anything about the espresso quality. It reminds me of a digital camera I once bought: not bad, but not good.
Latte:
- Pros: Programming and temperature LCD - good for a newbie like me who has no idea about these things.
- Cons: The fatal con of being too expensive to allow for purchase of a grinder (for a while at least).
Now, this may seem strange coming from someone whos looking to buy a coffee machine - but I dont drink much coffee. I probably drink one espresso per day, when its readily available. While I dont drink much coffee, I want a good one when I do. I realise that Im choosing from three very low end machines here, but its very important that I dont break the bank.
So why am I getting a coffee machine? I love making coffee.
I will be getting a lot of use out of the steam wand - for hot chocolates and such, so that part of the machine in very important.
I dont really know much about coffee machines and cant really find in-depth techincal specifications of the above machines or Id research them. If there are any comprably priced machines that are better technically (Id prefer around $200 for the machine, so I can get a decent grinder) feel free to inform me
I may also be recieving additional funding which would allow for the purchase of a more expensive machine (Im looking at the EM5900, but open to suggestions again) but Im really not counting on it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, but please bear in mind that I have very little room to move on the budget at the moment.
Thanks,
Evan.
Im looking for a very cheap entry-level machine. Im looking in particular at the Sunbeams EM2300 (Ristretto), 4800C (Crema) and 5600 (Latte). Im the sterotypical poor student, but Im hoping to pick up a grinder as well and hopefully a non-pressurised basket (if its possible for these machines). As far as I can see the pros and cons of each machine (in my situation) are as follows:
Ristretto:
- Pros: Cheap. Allows me to get a grinder and leaves me with leftover cash to modify it a little.
- Cons: Cheap. Lacking in features, the lack of a cup warming tray worries me.
- Other: Someone on this forum has said it makes a decent espresso, true or false?
Crema:
- Pros: Allows me to (just) get a grinder, which Ive read is essential to making a good coffee. Has a cup warming tray.
- Cons: Havent heard anything about the espresso quality. It reminds me of a digital camera I once bought: not bad, but not good.
Latte:
- Pros: Programming and temperature LCD - good for a newbie like me who has no idea about these things.
- Cons: The fatal con of being too expensive to allow for purchase of a grinder (for a while at least).
Now, this may seem strange coming from someone whos looking to buy a coffee machine - but I dont drink much coffee. I probably drink one espresso per day, when its readily available. While I dont drink much coffee, I want a good one when I do. I realise that Im choosing from three very low end machines here, but its very important that I dont break the bank.
So why am I getting a coffee machine? I love making coffee.
I will be getting a lot of use out of the steam wand - for hot chocolates and such, so that part of the machine in very important.
I dont really know much about coffee machines and cant really find in-depth techincal specifications of the above machines or Id research them. If there are any comprably priced machines that are better technically (Id prefer around $200 for the machine, so I can get a decent grinder) feel free to inform me
I may also be recieving additional funding which would allow for the purchase of a more expensive machine (Im looking at the EM5900, but open to suggestions again) but Im really not counting on it.Any advice would be greatly appreciated, but please bear in mind that I have very little room to move on the budget at the moment.
Thanks,
Evan.

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