Hi. First post, but Ive been lurking for a while. Im looking at taking the plunge into the world of home espresso and am weighing up my options.
Im a pretty big coffee fan (the one or two cups a day I drink now are my favourite parts of the day) but Ive never owned a machine before. Ive debated what price point I want to start at. My budget is reasonably flexible; Im not willing to spend several thousand, but something in the realm of $1300-1400 isnt out of the question if I think its worth it.
I debated starting with something simpler, like one of the Sunbeams (or possibly the Gaggia Glassic) and an entry level grinder, but everything I read indicates that:
a) the difference in quality is quite noticeable.
b) a lot of people who buy mid tier setups wind up upgrading quite soon after
Im quite picky about my cafe bought coffee as it is, so Im not sure id be satisfied with starting simple. With that in mind I think ive settled on one of the two above machines. It may be a lot for a novice to take in, but Im willing to put the time into getting better at it.
The Lelit retails for about $950 from Jetblack, the Breville slightly more, but I can argue it down a little at some non-sponsor or buy second hand if I have to. Im still trying to wrap my head around all the terminology, so its a little intimidating trying to differentiate between the two.
Of the machines I was considering, Im pretty certain I understand that:
Gaggia Classic < Rancillio Silvia < Lelit PL41TEMD (due to the built in PID)
But I dont really know where the Breville fits in. Im assuming it might be above them all given its higher price point, but I dont really understand the advantages of a dual boiler. Assuming its better, is it noticeably better? This Lelit has the built in PID, which should up the quality level a reasonable amount, if my reading has been accurate. I know theres a sweet spot for price vs performance in here somewhere heh.
Ill be making almost exclusively milk drinks, and wont need more than two cups at a time. Im likely to pair whatever I buy with either the BSG800 or the K3T. I realise theres a quality difference between the two, but theres also $300 between them. Im still deciding on that front in any case.
If anyone has any compelling evidence one way or the other, or wants to convince me to go another route entirely, then fire away. And if this setup is really going to be to much for a novice to handle then Id like to know that too I guess.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the ramble.
Im a pretty big coffee fan (the one or two cups a day I drink now are my favourite parts of the day) but Ive never owned a machine before. Ive debated what price point I want to start at. My budget is reasonably flexible; Im not willing to spend several thousand, but something in the realm of $1300-1400 isnt out of the question if I think its worth it.
I debated starting with something simpler, like one of the Sunbeams (or possibly the Gaggia Glassic) and an entry level grinder, but everything I read indicates that:
a) the difference in quality is quite noticeable.
b) a lot of people who buy mid tier setups wind up upgrading quite soon after
Im quite picky about my cafe bought coffee as it is, so Im not sure id be satisfied with starting simple. With that in mind I think ive settled on one of the two above machines. It may be a lot for a novice to take in, but Im willing to put the time into getting better at it.
The Lelit retails for about $950 from Jetblack, the Breville slightly more, but I can argue it down a little at some non-sponsor or buy second hand if I have to. Im still trying to wrap my head around all the terminology, so its a little intimidating trying to differentiate between the two.
Of the machines I was considering, Im pretty certain I understand that:
Gaggia Classic < Rancillio Silvia < Lelit PL41TEMD (due to the built in PID)
But I dont really know where the Breville fits in. Im assuming it might be above them all given its higher price point, but I dont really understand the advantages of a dual boiler. Assuming its better, is it noticeably better? This Lelit has the built in PID, which should up the quality level a reasonable amount, if my reading has been accurate. I know theres a sweet spot for price vs performance in here somewhere heh.
Ill be making almost exclusively milk drinks, and wont need more than two cups at a time. Im likely to pair whatever I buy with either the BSG800 or the K3T. I realise theres a quality difference between the two, but theres also $300 between them. Im still deciding on that front in any case.
If anyone has any compelling evidence one way or the other, or wants to convince me to go another route entirely, then fire away. And if this setup is really going to be to much for a novice to handle then Id like to know that too I guess.
Thanks in advance. Sorry for the ramble.


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