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Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

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  • #16
    Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

    Originally posted by 7B5654525F5E5A370 link=1255089893/14#14 date=1255413308
    Thanks for the help but I did have a good look though, but I just cant find any that sell a manual type in my budget.  I might try the yellowpages or have a long think about the Lelit.  I would just have preferred to buy a machine local so that I can get local support and maybe some training with it seeing as Im new to all this.

    I just cant justify a $2000 to the wife when I havent even made an espresso before + shes a tea lover at heart.

    FYI I did visit Pioneer @ Yandina but didnt see much in the way of domestic machines for sale.
    A good quality machine can be had for less than $2K..

    Sponsors have lots of support networks... Dont be fooled by a local seller... They do not always have what you think and often send away for service etc...

    The Lelit will see you up and running with a grinder etc and producing good coffee in no time... A EM6910 will need a Grinder.. A Silvia is good, but you will need a grinder and then a PID...

    Contact the sponsors and be open as to the TOTAL costs and PRE LOVED *******   Every one deserves a second chance...

    My was pre loved and now is the Number ONE...


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    • #17
      Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

      How much of a difference does the 57mm portafilter make compared to the 58mm of the Silivia??

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      • #18
        Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

        Originally posted by 292A2823262A25254B0 link=1255089893/16#16 date=1255649640
        How much of a difference does the 57mm portafilter make compared to the 58mm of the Silivia??
        I would not be concerned at about the 1mm size difference between the Lelit & the Silvia. There are so many other potential variables that would make a much bigger difference to the end result.

        The Lelit is on it’s own in this price bracket. I own one and I also own an EM6910.
        The Lelit gets used every day; the Sunbeam is sitting in the shed as a back up. I think that says it all really.



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        • #19
          Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

          Caffeine Junky, I spoke to Chris at Talk Coffee and he told me the downsides to the Lelit. One was the 57mm group and the other thing he mentioned was something about having to manually refill the boiler so that the element doesnt get stuffed (he specifically mentioned that the silvia didnt require it, maybe he was trying to sell me one of those instead?).

          Is this a good machine to start out? Im up on the Sunshine Coast Qld and Ive never owned or made and espresso!

          I also considered going to a department store to check out the Gaggia (sp?) machines. Are they any good? I would really just love to have a go on a couple and get some training. Its a pity there arent more sponsers up here in SE Qld with machines in my budget.

          Also I would like to buy a starter kit, can anyone advise what to I will need to start out?

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          • #20
            Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

            Originally posted by 082527212C2D29440 link=1255089893/18#18 date=1255652592
            Caffeine Junky, I spoke to Chris at Talk Coffee and he told me the downsides to the Lelit.  One was the 57mm group and the other thing he mentioned was something about having to manually refill the boiler so that the element doesnt get stuffed (he specifically mentioned that the silvia didnt require it, maybe he was trying to sell me one of those instead?).

            Is this a good machine to start out?  Im up on the Sunshine Coast Qld and Ive never owned or made and espresso!

            I also considered going to a department store to check out the Gaggia (sp?) machines.  Are they any good?  I would really just love to have a go on a couple and get some training.  Its a pity there arent more sponsers up here in SE Qld with machines in my budget.

            Also I would like to buy a starter kit, can anyone advise what to I will need to start out?
            It’s a shame you’re not in Adelaide, I’d be more than happy for you to come and have a go on any of my 3 machines.

            Yes Chris is correct in that you have to manually fill the boiler after steaming milk on the Lelit.  It’s a very simple process – flick and switch and turn on the steam knob until water comes out.  Takes a few seconds and just becomes something you do without thinking after a while.  I don’t find it tiresome or frustrating even though I don’t need to do that on my Giotto at home.

            The types of machines you may want to consider if you’re going to the department stores or major retailers are:

            Gaggia Classic
            58mm basket. Aluminium boiler which have a limited life span especially if you’re not careful with the water quality you use.

            Saeco Via Venezia
            Has a pressurised group handle which can very easily be converted to unpressurised.

            Sunbeam EM6910
            During this month you can get one with a free EM0480 grinder (worth ~$200).  With a bit of shopping around/haggling you can probably find one for around $700.  Has 2 thermoblocks so you can steam/brew at the same time. Only machine in this price range that can do that.  

            Breville Fresca
            Built-in grinder, similar in concept to the Lelit.  Has a 2 year warranty.

            Other than the machine and grinder you will also need the following:

            Tamper ($25 - $130)
            All machines, even the most expensive ones come with a crappy plastic tamper.  The Sunbeam & Breville ones are probably usable but eventually you’ll want to upgrade.  It can definitely make a big difference to what’s in the cup.

            Grinds bin
            It’s very annoying trying to empty your filter basket without one.  Something like a Grindstein for ~$30 will do the job.  

            Cleaning Products
            These will depend on which machine you get.  I believe with Sunbeam you can void your warranty by not using their specified products.

            Milk Jug and Thermometer ($30)

            Those are the basics I guess although Im sure Ive left something out.  There are plenty of other things coffee snobs can and do spend their money on.

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            • #21
              Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

              There are a few other options you may want to consider:

              1. Buy yourself a decent grinder e.g. a Rocky for ~$450. Keep drinking (better quality) plunger coffee until you can afford a nice machine.

              2. Buy yourself a decent grinder and a stove top coffee maker such as this one
              http://www.coffeecraft.com.au/itemdetailspage/5123
              I can’t say I’ve used something like this but they’re apparently built very well and can be taken away camping too.

              3. Buy second hand, ideally from a CS member. Keep an eye on the Coffee Hardware for Sale section, or you could put up a wanted ad there.

              I know it’s difficult to convince people to consider other options once they’ve decided to buy themselves an espresso machine. Just keep in mind that spending $700 on an espresso machine is not going to guarantee you good quality coffee. Without a reasonable quality grinder you’re never going to get the best out of your equipment.

              Good coffee is all about using freshly roasted, good quality beans and preparing your brew with attention and passion. Espresso is just one of several ways to enjoy coffee so don’t restrict yourself.

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              • #22
                Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                Im going to take your advise and buy a decent grinder first (probably something like a Rocky), then wait patiently for a pre-loved silvia or similar to appear in the forsale ads here or ebay or classifieds.

                Just a quick Q with the Rocky, can the grinder do a grind for plunger or is it espresso only? Ive seen a new one in the FS section for sale.

                Also are there better ways to enjoy coffee rather than plunger? The coffee is okay but it always has a residue from the coffee in the cup.

                Thanks for all your help. Its been very informative.

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                • #23
                  Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                  what about http://pressoaustralia.com/ ?
                  or stove top / moka pot
                  or syphon
                  or ???

                  yes rocky can do it all, very capable little grinder

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                  • #24
                    Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                    Originally posted by 765B595F5253573A0 link=1255089893/18#18 date=1255652592
                    One was the 57mm group and the other thing he mentioned was something about having to manually refill the boiler so that the element doesnt get stuffed (he specifically mentioned that the silvia didnt require it, maybe he was trying to sell me one of those instead?).
                    Umm... The silvia definitely requires you to manually refill the boiler.

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                    • #25
                      Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                      Originally posted by 406D6F696465610C0 link=1255089893/21#21 date=1255943765
                      Also are there better ways to enjoy coffee rather than plunger?The coffee is okay but it always has a residue from the coffee in the cup.
                      An Aeropress will solve the sediment problem.
                      Ask Cuppacoffee if he has new stock in yet.

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                      • #26
                        Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                        ooooooooohhh aeropress forgot about that

                        all i want for xmas is an aeropress....lalalala and a hand grinder, and a... and a ...


                        thanks TG will tell the wife lol

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                        • #27
                          Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                          Thanks, I will check them out. Might order one of the above to play around with.

                          I knew about the manual refil on the Silvia but the lelit that I was considering was manual refit anyway. I nearly bought the Lelit but just thought I would have a good look around first.

                          Any other machines I should keep an eye out for preloved?

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                          • #28
                            Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                            Can anyone tell me if a 2 year old Bezzera Domus Galatea would be any good?

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                            • #29
                              Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                              Originally posted by 1F3230363B3A3E530 link=1255089893/27#27 date=1256024954
                              Can anyone tell me if a 2 year old Bezzera Domus Galatea would be any good?
                              All depends on how it has been previously treated and the $$$


                              Its like asking if a 2 year old Prado would be any good ?

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                              • #30
                                Re: Seeking advice for my first espresso machine and grinder

                                No its not AM! A brand new prado isnt any good let alone a two year old one ;D

                                jokes mate

                                Youd wanna give the machine a serious going over,ultimately take it to a sponsor to check out....obviously that isnt always possible, dont forget there are some good deals on them at the moment....with warranty! 8-)

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