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  • Looking to get a new machine

    Hello.

    I am looking for some advice about what sort of machine and grinder I should buy. I make on average 4 coffees a day (currently on an old gaggia) and looking to upgrade to a much better machine. I am pretty new to this forum so hopefully this is not repeating a lot of things asked before me.

    Budget wise - probably starting to look at $1500 for a machine and $500 grinder? Is this enough to get a decent machine? There are so many machines out there that I dont know whats suitable in my situation.

    I also want to make sure the machine can cope with making up to 6 coffees at one time for one off dinner parties.

    My machine is dying due to old age and would be greatly appreciated for any advice.

  • #2
    Re: Looking to get a new machine

    Welcome to CoffeeSnobs dano..... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

    If you peruse through the information in these two (Sticky) threads, Im sure you will be a lot better informed on how to narrow down your options.

    This one for espresso machines..... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1163234999
    This one for grinders..... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1163235531

    Hope that helps ,

    Mal.

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    • #3
      Re: Looking to get a new machine

      Hi Dano and welcome,
      I was in the same boat as you 3 months ago, slightly tighter budget. The posts on here are great. How often would you be likely to make 6 shots in one hit? What would your normal daily use be? My machine is a VBM Levetta. It requires a waiting period (60 - 90 secs) before texturing the milk, but it could do up to 6 shots in a row. But often there are good deals on HX machines on this site that you may be able to stretch your budget to afford.

      Depending on where you are I would also recommend looking at the sponsors sites on the side panel. Each one will have their own particular thoughts and ideas. I am in melbourne and went through Chris at talk coffee. He will show you the different machines he stocks and you can see them in operation. He doesnt push a particular machine but looks at what you need. So pay one of the sponsors a visit on site also - I found that was the big help.

      Happy hunting - for that budget you will find a combo that will give you much coffee pleasure.

      Cheers
      Crowie

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      • #4
        Re: Looking to get a new machine

        Thanks Mal for the links - definitely worth a read.

        As for Crowie - 6 shots at one time probably once a month or so but besides that at one go would be 2 shots in the morning and two in the evening every day. What kind of grinder did you end up getting?

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        • #5
          Re: Looking to get a new machine

          Hi Dano,
          my grinder is the ascaso mini. It was a case of spend a bit more on the machine and then get the best possible grinder with the money left over. Others on this site will suggest more on the grinder. In the long run I can see myself upgrading my grinder, but I certainly have been very happy with my set up for the past few months. I normally do 1 shot in the morning and another 1 or 2 at the end of the day. The weekend gets a bigger work out.

          As I mentioned, have a look at the sponsors sites and see which one is close to you. I can only recommend Chris at talk coffee, but highly recommend him also. Having a look at the machines is a good start. Chris has got a special on my machine at the moment (See his add in the site sponsors section) which would mean you could spend more on your grinder which I am sure many on this site would recommend. Plus if you buy a combo from chris the grinder is 10% off retail.

          I dont think my machine is any slower at producing 6 shots than a more expensive machine. The difference would be in the size of the boiler and water tank, therefore not having to refill as often. Also, the next level machine would probably give you simultaneous steam while pulling the shot. As I mentioned, not a major issue for me. If I had $2500 I would have bought a HX machine ........ but I am very happy with what I have purchased.

          Good luck shopping ...... it will be worth it.

          Crowie

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          • #6
            Re: Looking to get a new machine

            Had a Gaggia about 4 years old - replaced with the 6910. Bought it on sale for $559 from DJs. Had it for one week - noticed that water would drip from the hot water wand whenever I made espresso. Rang Sunbeam and was told to take it back to DJs for a new one. Got a new machine. Unpacked and out of the box, ready to go, no drip from hot water wand ... only to find that when using the hot water wand, water would start coming out of the portafilter water outlet. Took it back to DJs. Was offered a third new machine. Decided on a refund instead. Personally would NOT go for the 6910.

            Too many quality control issues with the 6910 - you never know what youll get. Read http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1213336232 - after a few machines

            Went and picked up the Rancilio Silvia with an Iberital Challenge grinder (was my first choice in the first place) - from Di Bartolis (on the left). Couldnt be happier - made my first cuppa tonight on the Silvia with freshly grounded beans. Im glad I didnt get the 6910 and spent a bit more on the Silvia. Definitely do not go for the 6910 even if it means saving some money.

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            • #7
              Re: Looking to get a new machine

              Hi Dano,

              I too was in a similar situation to you about 2 months ago. After extensive reading of the CS site and others like Coffeegeek, I settled on the combination of Simonelli Oscar with an Ascaso i-mini grinder and am very happy with the fantastic results. Both have been described as great "bang for your buck" selections, which appealed to me.

              With your slightly higher budget, you could perhaps go to the Compak K-3 Touch grinder.

              Our number of shots is similar to yours - we wanted the ability to make up to 6 - 8 coffees in succession, with milk-based drinks (eg lattes) included. Our kids also enjoy the hot chocolates!

              Easy to use, easy to clean and quality shots produced at a reasonable price. You do need to like the black plastic rather than stainless steel, but if you seek a machine which will steam a sauna as well as make lattes (ok almost) ) then I would highly recommend the Oscar with either of the above grinders and be within your budget.

              We bought ours from Veneziano Caffe in Melbourne (a sponsor - look at the left for a link) and found their advice & service to be both friendly and knowledgable - good prices too

              If you are looking at other alternatives, we found Chris at Talk Coffee also very helpful with keen pricing - but doesnt stock the Oscar.

              Hope this helps you. Good luck and have fun looking.

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