Single boilers for a coffee novice

[erinkate84]

Hi all,
I've just gotten into espresso and am looking at a shiny new machine for my birthday later this year. I currently have a breville 800 and a sunbeam 480 grinder.
My real question is how tricky are the single boiler machines? I am concerned about the need to temp surf, as I have a toddler and can't always stand next to the machine and time things. Would I be better off getting a single boiler with a pid or something like the sunbeam 7000?
In terms of use I generally make one or two milk drinks at a time, once or twice a week I would make four at a time. My budget is about $1000, although this may stretch a bit with a good tax return.

[Dragunov21]

What area are you in?

[tanethomas]

Get yourself the bes920! Awesome little dual boiler. Order the shim kit for the grinder from breville before you make your haggle.

[erinkate84]

I am in Canberra. I will include a trip to a bricks and mortar shop as well but I figure the more I know the better.
As I said, I have done some looking at temp surfing, and am wondering if it is necessary to a good shot. I am looking for something that can do a good coffee when I am in a hurry, but will give me a great coffee when I have a bit of time to tinker.
The dual boiler looks good, but may be overkill for the low workload at my house. Ideally I am looking to buy a machine that will last, hence the lean towards the italian boiler machines. How true is the idea that the breville/sunbeam machines won't last, there seem to be a fair few people here who have had them last a fair while?
Thanks for the help.

[Yelta]

Have a look through this thread erinkate http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-eq...rs-thread.html probably the busiest thread on Coffee Snobs, may help you decide.

FWIW I've had two single boiler Italian machines over the past 15 years, have never had to take either in for repairs, perhaps I'm just fortunate.

Cosmorex Coffee in Fyshwick have an excellent reputation.

[balwoges]

I have had a Sunbeam 6910 for nearly 5 years and it makes about the same amount of coffee as you do - been to the repair shop once, will be buying the Sunbeam 7000 next.

[SniffCoffee]

I would also throw into the mix the Lelit PL41TEMD

Lelit PL41TEMD Espresso Machine

Single boiler, with factory installed PD. Just remember to prime the boiler after steaming your milk. Very compact for trips away too.

Sniff

[russellm]

Just remember to prime the boiler after steaming your milk.

Sniff

Important to remember, but actually no trouble because you're going to want to purge your steam wand anyway.

Best wishes, Russell

[rodw]

I would also throw into the mix the Lelit PL41TEMD

Lelit PL41TEMD Espresso Machine

Single boiler, with factory installed PD. Just remember to prime the boiler after steaming your milk. Very compact for trips away too.

Sniff

I am not even sure you need the PID version. The only issue I have with my Lelit based machine is that I can run out of steam while making milk so I start steaming before it gets to temp and the light goes out. I think the Lelit will outperform the Sunbeam. I can do cofee for six easilly but 8 is a struggle.

[TC]

Hmm...Single boiler machines scare me in offices and busy families.

There is the need to boiler prime and to remember to switch the steam off once done- all very good and well until the phone rings, a knee gets grazed etc and then ultimately the element blows. I really believe that they are actually better for experienced users.

As an example, I had a client who killed 3 elements in a month for $100s in repairs. This was despite our advice was that it was an inappropriate choice in her circumstances. She ultimately sold her machine for a Breville.

In this case, I think an appliance might be a safer purchase.

[erinkate84]

So, just to clarify, by boiler prime and turn the steam off, what exactly is meant? My usual routine (after pulling the shot and steaming the milk) is to run a bit of steam through the wand, run a bit of water through the group to clean it, and rinse everything and put it in the sink to drain. Would this suffice, or is there more to it?

[russellm]

With the Lelit having steamed your milk you would shift the switch to the Hot Water poitiion switch on the pump and open the wand until a steady stream of water flows through. Failure to do this has disastrous consequences, but for me it is normal routine. If you are not inclined to this discipline single boiler is not for you.
Best wishes, Russell

[erinkate84]

Thanks Russell, it's a different routine to what I have now, but doesn't sound too hard. Might have to write a checklist and stick it on the wall to remind myself.
As to temp surfing, how necessary to people feel it is? Really that is my major concern. If I don't have time (or a child who will let me) to wait and purge and time (as people seem to indicate is required), will I still be able to get reasonable (to my noob palate) results? Or would I be better served by a thermoblock machine and look at getting a boiler when family circumstances allow me to focus on the coffee?

[russellm]

My version of the Lelit comes equipped with PID so temperature surfing is not required. My experiences with thermoblock machines are now in the distant past, but my coffee journey has included a Sunbeam 6910. Unless thermoblock machines have improved (and they may have with the passage of time) I think you would probably taste the difference. My main machine is the Rocket Giotto and I am constantly amazed at how the Lelit performs beside it.

Regarding how well it fits your young family, I think only you can say.

Best wishes, Russell

[Barry_Duncan]

Welcome erikate84,

I have been using my Breville Dual boiler almost every day for more than 2 ½ years with only minor repairs to replace a perished O ring.

Last weekend I made coffee for a dozen friends with no trouble. I can brew coffee and froth milk at the same time. The BDB costs little more than a Lelit. It has many additional things on it and can be bought at many electrical discount stores and department stores. It is the cheapest dual boiler machine.

It is designed by Australian engineers and coffee experts. While it is not made in Italy, some moving parts such as pumps and valves are from Italy.

I believe that boilers make better coffee than thermoblocks.

Research the different machines and try out what you can. Buy what fills your requirements, within your budget and what you would like in your kitchen. Only you can decide.

Barry