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Machine JUST for steam...

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  • colonynofi
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    Ahhhh - so much to think about.
    The ECA machine is what I had in my head - but I hate to think the price. (Are they still even sold???)
    Maybe I need to just learn a little more patience...
    So many good ideas though....Thanks!
    B.

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  • TC
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    ECA used to do this one. Steam city!

    Leave a comment:


  • MorganGT
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    I saw a nice La Scottys Cappucino Maker (basically an espresso machine without a group head) at the Mill Markets in Geelong last weekend - $250 for a collectable old machine in excellent cosmetic condition. If it had a group head I would have brought it home, was almost tempted to buy it anyway but I already have more commercial machines than I can use.
    Would have been perfect for steaming.

    Leave a comment:


  • claraflo
    Guest replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...


    Well if its a budget choice there were 2 Mr Cuppacinos at the Vinnies in Burwood yesterday for $8 a piece.  ;D Or...you could always upgrade to a better machine rather than cluttering up your bench space with a 2nd steam machine.  I hear the Ponte Vecchio Lusso has two groups, thermosyphon, instant steam abilities and is brand new for a touch under $1500. Sell the Sylvia, go retro, problem solved....

    Who needs a nasty pump machine anyway... :-X

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  • scoota_gal
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    I actually think that the Bellman has more than enough steam for its size. Being an owner of one, I am quite impressed with its steam abilities. I will say though that I dont use it to steam a 1 litre jug of milk though. I think that it would steam a 600ml jug no worries and certainly does a smaller jug with ease.

    Just sayin...

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  • coffee_machinist
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    If you can live with a fixed position steam wand, I second (or third) the Europiccola. With a single hole tip, they steam like champions and come up to pressure in a matter of minutes. And, they have the added advantage of having a damn good lever group bolted to them, for days when you want to try something different.

    Leave a comment:


  • TC
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    Theres this, but its probably a touch over budget

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  • aqua3
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    Would you consider a thermo block I use a brevil cafe roma which i bought for $35. Excelent steam and great for camping light.

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  • chopinhauer
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    I second the Pavoni idea. They are brilliant for steaming. Here is one that  should come in less than $400 finishing tonight.

    eBay link removed per site posting policy

    Leave a comment:


  • patric
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    Old la pavoni europiccola, fantastic steamer!

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  • WantRancilio10
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    yes I think youre silly but its all fun!

    A used la cimbali domus recently went unsold on ebay for $150. With a 500ml single boiler it has heaps of steam.

    Leave a comment:


  • iaindb
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    You can get a Bellman or similar stovetop steamer for around $110, but I hear they are a little bit weak to get good results. Perhaps if you had no coffee in it to burn, you might do better. For a little more you could get the whole stovetop & espresso version which could double as a camping / travelling solution.

    Theres also electric milk frothers for under $100 which "do it for you", and Ive seen them create Mt Everest peaks so they can work ok but take out the barista element.

    Stay away from the ultra-cheap thermoblocks like the Sunbeam Cafe Crema 4800 as I think your Silvia would by faster, even including the warm up time

    Beyond that you may be able to get a broken espresso machine that only steams - post a "wanted" in the for sale section and you never know!

    HTH

    Leave a comment:


  • GrahamK
    replied
    Re: Machine JUST for steam...

    I believe you can get something just for steaming, without having to go to the expense of a whole new Espresso machine, although unfortunately I have no personal experience in their use. There were in fact some people purchasing one from Aldi recently really cheap along with a pod espresso (Nespresso type) machine. They were returning the expresso machine, which did not live up to expectations, but keeping the steaming device.

    However that is the limit of my knowledge.

    GrahamK

    Leave a comment:


  • colonynofi
    started a topic Machine JUST for steam...

    Machine JUST for steam...

    Now I know this might be a slightly odd topic, but bare with me...
    I have a V3 Sylvia which I love, and am slowly tinkering with over time. It has its flaws, but it is easy to work on, keep going and pulls shots I quite enjoy when I get it right.

    But we all know that the single boiler design means quite a wait for steam, and constant flushing at the end of a shot. Not a huge problem, but sometimes a little frustrating.

    So - I came up with an idea the other night... and I havent seen anyone here talk about it in the past.

    Could I *keep* my Sylvia, but get a second machine JUST for steaming?

    And... without spending too much cash. Id almost like a poll - which machine makes the best steam for say under $600 - Id prefer to spend less than that.....

    Or - which cheap machine can you modify to make great steam? (Knowing I dont care at all about its weaknesses for pulling shots of the golden elixir)

    Id really like to hear wise thoughts from out there in the coffee world. Am a silly for thinking this is a good idea?

    Looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

    Cheers! Brendan.

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