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Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

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  • strongarm
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Thanks for all your advice!

    Ill have a look at grinders too, but that still doesn t help steam milk... and to be honest, I love the looks of machines like the VBM Lavetta and Unico Splendor :

    I checked out the Talk Coffee website after you guys mentioned it, looks like thats a great place to start.

    Thanks again!

    Leave a comment:


  • Ghost_Who_Walks
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    My first machine was a "little serious" Viebemme Domobar Lavetta, and Mazzer Super Jolly, both from Talk Coffee.
    As others have already said, speak to Chris at Talk Coffee...
    I did, and was very happy with the service, prices, and the fact that he didnt blink when I asked to have it sent to me in Perth...

    My 3 cents

    Leave a comment:


  • Thundergod
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Welcome to Coffee Snobs strongarm.

    You said "more serious".

    I think you meant "serious".
    In which case as Dennis and JavaB said, you need to get a better grinder first.
    You could probably sell the 0480 to somone starting out and get say $150 for it if its not too old, in good nick and you still have the box and all its goodies.

    Depends then on whether you spend $3-400 or say $700+ on the grinder.
    The more you spend the longer it will last and the more value it will retain.

    My first grinder was my Macap which I see lasting longer than me.
    I bought a 0450 for use at work but soon upgraded it to an MDF.

    My Sunbeam is back in its box for emergencies, but I have been tempted to sell it to a guy at work.

    The grinder really does make a big difference to the quality of your coffee.

    I recommend you spend up on the grinder.
    Youll should notice an improvement in the coffee coming out of your Gaggia and then you can save up some more for a serious machine to match your grinder.
    Hopefully youll then have many, many years of excellent coffee.

    Leave a comment:


  • JavaB
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    strongarm,

    Welcome to coffeesnobs!

    I agree with Dennis, the EM0480 will hold back all but the cheapest machines.... even the EM6910 (which it supposedly is a match with) will produce considerably better espresso with a quality grinder - like a mazzer.

    If you are going to spend serious dollars on a machine then you really need to think about a better grinder.

    The grinder is FAR more important to the making of quality espresso than the machine is - assuming the machine is adequate of course (only barista skills and the quality and freshness of the beans being more important than the grinder).......

    Leave a comment:


  • Dennis
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Welcome to CS strongarm

    Personally, I think once you contemplate an upgrade to the likes of a Silvia, it would be counterproductive not to match it with a better grinder than the EM0480. ie. good grinder 1st, machine 2nd.

    You might consider something like a Mazzer Mini grinder to match your machine, and there happen to be a couple of 2nd hand ones in the for sale section at the moment that Im sure are in excellent condition and will save you $$$s.

    As for the machine itself, I suggest you contact one of the site sponsors, eg. Chris from Talk Coffee. Hell give you an honest account of the pros and cons of each machine and his reputation and service are impeccable.

    All the best - well look forward to hearing how you decide to spend your life savings!

    Leave a comment:


  • Gavin1
    replied
    Re: Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Id say the VBM domobar lever?

    Same class as the silvia with an E61 group.

    Talk coffee sells them and I think theres a good deal going on atm.

    I cant say how good the Expobars are is cuz i havent own one.

    Leave a comment:


  • strongarm
    started a topic Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Midrange Machine + EM0480 Recommendations

    Hi,

    Ive had a Gaggia Evolution for a few years and Im thinking its time to upgrade to something more serious.  Im looking for both better tasting coffee and better steaming performance.  I have a Sunbeam Cafe Series Grinder (EM0480) that I hope to keep using.

    Does anyone have any suggestions of a midrange machine that this grinder could keep up with?  I was thinking of a Racilio Silvia, but Im under the impression a lot of people end up spending an extra few hundred bucks on the PID mod, so Im kind of resigned to factoring that cost in and looking in the $1000-1500 range.

    Thanks!


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