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  • Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

    Dear Coffee Snobs,

    After uhm-ing and ah-ing for some time now, Ive finally decided to bite the bullet and invest in an espresso machine.  Tempted though I am to dash straight to the store and do my bit to stimulate the economy, I thought Id hold off a bit and seek some proper advice first...

    My budget/wish list are as follows:
    • Looking to spend less than $750
    • Already have a grinder - Breville BarAroma conical burr http://www.breville.com.au/products_detail.asp?prod=370 - is this any good?
    • Machine needs to be a good all-rounder i.e. do good shots but also have good milk steaming capability (I like to think that theres an occasion for every style of coffee )
    • Want a manual or semi-automatic machine  
    • Would typically make 2-3 coffees every weekday, and more on weekends

    Ive read good things about the Sunbeam EM6910 and could lay my hands on it for $466 (thanks to credit card points).  However, Im a little concerned about the reliability issues some people have apparently experienced... should this deter me?

    I also understand that the Breville BES860 isnt bad and could pick this up for $460 (again, thanks to credit card points).  However, since this model has a built-in grinder and I already have an external unit it seems a bit of a waste - unless of course the built-in grinder is superior to my current one - is it?

    Of coures, I dont have my heart set on either of these machines (its the end product that counts), but it does seem like a good opportunity to use my credit card points and save a little money!

    Your advice would be greatly appreciated.  Please let me know if theres any other information I can provide that would help you to make a recommendation.

  • #2
    Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

    this might be a bit one sided but i would recomment the Rancilio Silvia its a great all rounder that will stand up to your daily use.
    the 6910 is also a good choice but just do a search and you will find the topic has been descussed heaps.

    one f your great sponsers would be gad to help you out with buying a machine. just check out the ones in your area

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

      I would recommend for your budget
      A Nemox Fenice @ $ 579.00
      or
      The Nemox Dell Opera with grinder @ $799.00
      From Sponsor Coffee Machine Express



      KK



      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

        You will buy a Silvia at the moment from at least one of our sponsors for less than $700. You will be buying a proper espresso machine as opposed to a kitchen appliance. Silvia will still be going long after the others are just a memory. Not sure about your grinder though.
        One thing is for sure, Silvia will soon let you know if it is up to the job of grinding for excellent espresso.
        KKs suggestion is also a good one.
        All the best with your deliberations.

        Cheers,
        Alan

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

          Your grinder doesnt cut it (pun intended).

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

            Originally posted by 486C656566665C486C706E6C030 link=1243072888/2#2 date=1243075856
            I would recommend for your budget
            A Nemox Fenice @ $ 579.00
            or
            The Nemox Dell Opera with grinder @ $799.00
            From Sponsor Coffee Machine Express

             

            KK
            Welcome "squirrel".... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

            This is a great combo "squirrel" and can be personally recommended as I owned an almost identical (although separate) system. Build quality is very high and the internals are of a similar quality to the Silvia and will provide you with years of reliable and great performance... 8-)

            Cheers,
            Mal.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

              I woiuld certainly go with the nemox with grinder. The grinder has a lux burset and from reviews ive read they are pretty darn good value. The nemox is 9/10ths the machine the silvia is at far less price. Consider a rocky silvia combo is around 1200 and I think you get the picture.

              Good luck with it all.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                Originally posted by 0539243F353423363E35510 link=1243072888/4#4 date=1243079980
                Your grinder doesnt cut it (pun intended).
                Originally posted by 1B242225383F0E133E283D34510 link=1243072888/6#6 date=1243093753
                I woiuld certainly go with the nemox with grinder.  The grinder has a lux burset and from reviews ive read they are pretty darn good value.
                Hmmm... sounds like the grinder factor will need to weigh heavier in my deliberations than I had hoped...

                Excuse my ignorance but what makes my Breville grinder so ordinary compared to the one in the Nemox Dell Opera?  

                Oh - and thank you everyone for your advice so far!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                  the breville wont grind fine enough for a reasonable espresso pour.

                  I had one breifly, and at its finest, was getting 15 - 18 second gushers with my 6910 (that was updosed and tamped hard).

                  Bare minimum recommended on this board is a Sunbeam EM0450 / 0480, but usually recommended (if you can) to push budget a little higher to get a better grinder.

                  In saying that, I like my 0480, now that the burrs seem to have settled in, its pretty consistent (a few notches either way for different beans) and I am now in a routine that I am achieveing consistent shots.

                  The 6910s seem to get a hard time on this forum. Like anything, if its looked after properly (cleaned regularly, not overdosed and manhandled when loading a shot) it "could" last a while, if not, then it will most likely die a quick and painful death, but in general, electronics (PCB boards etc) + heat + moisture <> long life.

                  I would be inclined to go with the machine above with built in grinder and relegate your breville to plunger only duties

                  Sen

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                    Thanks for the advice people.  
                    Does anyone know of a Brisbane-based distributor of Nemox machines? Id really like to try before I buy.


                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                      For what its worth, I have had the Sunbeam EM6910 for two & a half years and to date, no problems. It makes 3-4 cups a day. Cheers.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                        radgy with that little usage you should get another two & a half years out of it if the electronics dont fail.

                        I had one at work where it did a minimum of 12 cups a day and the collar was worn within 12 months.
                        The good thing about the work one was that it showed me what the potential life of a 6910 was.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                          Originally posted by 7F6C696A740D0 link=1243072888/10#10 date=1243209430
                          For what its worth, I have had the Sunbeam EM6910 for two & a half years and to date, no problems. It makes 3-4 cups a day. Cheers.
                          And

                          Originally posted by 5965786369687F6A62690D0 link=1243072888/11#11 date=1243210299
                          radgy with that little usage you should get another two & a half years out of it if the electronics dont fail.

                          I had one at work where it did a minimum of 12 cups a day and the collar was worn within 12 months.
                          The good thing about the work one was that it showed me what the potential life of a 6910 was.
                          Yep... Agree... If looked after, it is more than capable... barring any electronic fails (note can and does happen to the best of them).

                          Normally have at least 6 - 10 runs a day on my home one and over teh last 8 weeks (me being at home) that has increased significantly... Little if any ware, other than changing a group seal recently... And that was just me being anal after a major clean.

                          Like TG said... The one at work has been in use for a about 7 months (average users and some with big pecks) and needs a new collar ASAP. It was second hand and about 12 months old to start with...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                            After reading the other thread with Coffebeasts electronic problem, I went back to my place of purchase yesterday and bought the extended 4 year warranty...machine is only 3 months old so they were happy to do it.

                            Just in case...

                            And hey caffeinated squirrel, heres a present for ya ;D

                            Everyone needs an avatar ;D ;D ;D



                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Caffeinated squirrel requests advice on first espresso machine

                              Originally posted by 262E363C21450 link=1243072888/13#13 date=1243216868
                              After reading the other thread with Coffebeasts electronic problem, I went back to my place of purchase yesterday and bought the extended 4 year warranty...machine is only 3 months old so they were happy to do it.

                              Just in case...

                              And hey caffeinated squirrel, heres a present for ya  ;D

                              Everyone needs an avatar  ;D ;D ;D
                              Interesting and smart in many ways... Sure the collar my be excluded due to use etc... But it is not That expensive and a relative easy replacement process if your handy..

                              However any electronic board problem etc... May well be covered and thus cheep insurance...

                              Oh... I also love the pic...  How long to find a coffee drinking  rat of the trees  

                              Comment

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