Best machine under $1200

[jymorgan]

Any suggestions regarding my "ease of use" question?
Are any of the machines I mentioned easier to use for a novice than others?
Im assuming a more expensive machine doesn't always mean easier to use?
I want to purchase something that will produce good results but will still be fairly easy to her to use - will a PID model assist with this?

[Javaphile]

Are you suggesting that all pre-ground coffee for espresso is garbage?

What was unclear in my statement?


Java "Clear as a bell" phile

[sam678]

There's a barely used Lelit Dual boiler on the site for sale. I know you want new, but this may be worth a look.

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...al-boiler.html

[Vinitasse]

Welcome to CS jymorgan!



No, you can't add a grinder later. No matter how great the quality of the beans and roast are you will have bad if not downright horrible coffee if the coffee is ground where you buy it. For espresso the coffee beans must be fresh ground at home right before being brewed. The setting on the grinder will need to be changed as the beans age. Depending on the environment and the beans this may have to be done as often as several times a day. There is no way you can get a consistently good, let alone great, cup of espresso using beans that were ground at the point of purchase. This is the physical reality and ignoring it will leave you frustrated and deeply disappointed with any machine you buy.

No matter how good an espresso machine you have if you do not have quality beans being freshly ground just prior to being brewed using a grinder that is capable of doing a good espresso grind you won't get good espresso. Period.


Java "Don't ignore the grinder!" phile

Are you suggesting that all pre-ground coffee for espresso is garbage?

[Boggas]

Gday jyMorgan

Great to hear you are looking to move away from pods, there is something greatly satisfying about a good espresso shot.

Like others have said the grinder cannot be ignored it is essential in the purchase. I have used the lelit machines and they are great! My advice is look at the buying guides and contact the site sponsors [emoji106]

[trentski]

What type of coffee do you and your wife drink? A non hx single boiler may frustrate you if you only drink flat whites or lattes.

Agree with needing a grinder or you are wasting your time and money on making good coffee

[woodenteapot]

Have i missed any machines? Are there any machines in this price bracket that are more user-friendly?

Have you considered the Breville Dual Boiler? When on sale at Good Guys or Harvey Norman, I think you can get the DB and smart grinder bundle for around $1.3k.

As Javaphile said, if you're after a quality coffee at home, there is no way to achieve that when buying pre-ground coffee. In general, coffee in whole bean state kept well in the bag they usually come in (with one way valve) will stay relatively fresh for about a month. Once ground, you've exponentially increased the surface area exposed to the elements, and you should be able to start tasting the difference from about 120 seconds after it is ground.

[Javaphile]

Welcome to CS jymorgan!

I know there is bound to be a comment regarding a quality grinder, but i have access to local fresh ground coffee so I can add a quality grinder at any stage down the track as this upgrade will far exceed her current quality.

No, you can't add a grinder later. No matter how great the quality of the beans and roast are you will have bad if not downright horrible coffee if the coffee is ground where you buy it. For espresso the coffee beans must be fresh ground at home right before being brewed. The setting on the grinder will need to be changed as the beans age. Depending on the environment and the beans this may have to be done as often as several times a day. There is no way you can get a consistently good, let alone great, cup of espresso using beans that were ground at the point of purchase. This is the physical reality and ignoring it will leave you frustrated and deeply disappointed with any machine you buy.

No matter how good an espresso machine you have if you do not have quality beans being freshly ground just prior to being brewed using a grinder that is capable of doing a good espresso grind you won't get good espresso. Period.


Java "Don't ignore the grinder!" phile

[jymorgan]

Hi everyone, although this is my first post, i have been spending a large amount of time on here over the last 2 weeks reading threads, reviews, etc. trying to understand what machine i should buy.

I'm in the process of deciding what machine i should purchase for my wife's birthday.

For the last 5 years she has been using the nespresso pod system, although she also has an aeropress for travel/camping.

The machine would be capable of making 3-5 coffees per day (which shouldn't be as issue in this price bracket) although may need to make more when people are over.

The machine would also need to be VERY user friendly as she isn't the best when it comes to following strict procedures.

My budget is roughly $1000 +- $300 if critical.

Research would suggest that i should be looking in the direction of a Lelit PL042TEMD for an "all-in-one" solution or a Lelit PL041TEMD which im assuming is roughly the same unit as the PL042 without the grinder?

As its a present, i dont really want to purchase anything 2nd hand as someone is selling a ISOMAC Zaffiro Duo a what seams to be a good price.

Is it worth stretching my budget to a new ISOMAC Zaffiro Duo (i think roughly $1500) or will this be overkill for my initial requirements/skill set?

I know there is bound to be a comment regarding a quality grinder, but i have access to local fresh ground coffee so I can add a quality grinder at any stage down the track as this upgrade will far exceed her current quality.

Have i missed any machines? Are there any machines in this price bracket that are more user-friendly?

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.