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  • $1000 budget recommendation (machine + grinder)

    Hi CS'ers,

    I'd like to dip my toes into a new hobby so seeking some advice as follows:

    - budget = $1000 for machine + grinder
    - machine needs to have a small foot print
    - single boiler is fine as only needs to make 2 shots a day in the morning
    - steam wand not a priority/we don't make steamed milk
    - minimal maintenance/low servicing/reliable
    - I tend to buy things for the longhaul so needs to last

    I was intrigued by the manual units like the Flair but over time I think the thermal management and strength requirements to press would take its toll on actually wanting to make the daily morning ritual coffee.

    Look forward to your suggestions of a machine + grinder to get started ... and any advice on upcoming any sales or anyone looking to upgrade and selling their machine.

    Thx !

  • #2
    First question

    Do you only want to make espressos in which case a Rancillio Sylvia would do. Would look out for a second hand Grinder like a Macap 2M. Seem to be a lot of sound second hand gtrinders around at reasonable prices at the moment. A Domobar Piccolo would also be great.

    If you also want to make milk coffees I would look around for a good second hand Hx unit but you would probably need to send more than $1000 in total.

    Comment


    • #3
      Don’t forget

      decent tamper
      knockbox

      I would suggest a Macap M2M and a Breville Bambino (not the Plus if you don’t steam much).

      https://www.breville.com/au/en/produ...so/bes450.html

      Instant heat up time and PID temp control and tiny footprint. Buy the stainless steel portafilter and non-pressurised basket from Breville and you have a great starting setup.

      And beware upgraditis....

      Sniff

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Ted2013 View Post
        First question

        Do you only want to make espressos in which case a Rancillio Sylvia would do. Would look out for a second hand Grinder like a Macap 2M. Seem to be a lot of sound second hand gtrinders around at reasonable prices at the moment. A Domobar Piccolo would also be great.

        If you also want to make milk coffees I would look around for a good second hand Hx unit but you would probably need to send more than $1000 in total.
        Confession 🙄... we warm the milk in the microwave and add the shot. Any heat exchanger units you would recommend ?

        Comment


        • Ted2013
          Ted2013 commented
          Editing a comment
          I am very happy with my BFC Junior plus Hx. But there have been a number of well maintained Italian HX units going for about $1000 or a tad more here second hand. I would go for one of those rather than a Breville or a Sunbeam especially if you are handy as they can be maintained for a much longer period with perhaps the odd repair every 5 years or so. Also you get to use 58 mm baskets and groupheads.

      • #5
        You could also consider Lelit PL41 series and the ECM Casa IV new they are right at the top of you budget, used you should find some for $500-$800 range. Also Gaggia Classic is a solid machine and used you can find bargains for $200-$400. These are all single boilers but if you are happy heating milk in the microwave then not really an issue.

        Comment


        • DanBanan
          DanBanan commented
          Editing a comment
          I refurbished my Gaggia Classic and parts for full recon, new pump, s/s shower head, nice shower screen , seals etc costed about $200. It took me 4-5 hours to do it . Now is good to go for another 4-5 years at least. So get second hand one for $2-300 , pull it apart , do the same as I did, and you will get great coffee machine for less than $500.

      • #6
        Originally posted by SniffCoffee View Post
        Don’t forget

        decent tamper
        knockbox

        I would suggest a Macap M2M and a Breville Bambino (not the Plus if you don’t steam much).

        https://www.breville.com/au/en/produ...so/bes450.html

        Instant heat up time and PID temp control and tiny footprint. Buy the stainless steel portafilter and non-pressurised basket from Breville and you have a great starting setup.

        And beware upgraditis....

        Sniff
        Thank you - the Bambino looks interesting and per my confession, maybe the plus is worth looking into in addition to getting a non-pressurized basket ?

        Comment


        • SniffCoffee
          SniffCoffee commented
          Editing a comment
          I have the Bambino Plus and the auto steaming / auto purging is excellent. The switch between steaming and pulling a shot is as fast as an HX.

          I have an enormous spring lever machine in my kitchen which produces amazing coffee but needs at least 40mins to warm up and stabilise. It’s on timer for our morning shots. But the bambino is great for making a great coffee in less than 5 minutes from go to whoa.

      • #7
        Thanks for all the replies and suggestions to date. So analysis paralysis + upgraditis has hit in one go and here is where I am with budget creep:

        Gaggia Classic Pro
        - cheapest of the contenders
        - only downside is the aluminium boiler

        Lelit PL41TEMD
        - non-standard size portafilter
        - PID

        Lelit PL42TEMD
        - is it better to go the 41TEMD and get a separate grinder ?

        Rancilio Silvia
        - V6 now has stainless steel frame so no rust issues

        Nuova Simonelli Oscar II
        - entry level Hx

        Grinder
        - one of Macap M2M, Rancilio Rocky Doserless or Eureka Mignon Manuale

        Comment


        • #8
          After talking to a friend who has a DB, placed an order from a site sponsor for the Profitec 600 - should out last me, cover all future demand and no need to upgrade ! Now finalizing a grinder so posted in that forum section ...

          Comment


          • Haydenjones
            Haydenjones commented
            Editing a comment
            wow, that really escalated quickly

        • #9
          If looking at a machine without steam and will be heating milk via preferred method, have a look at the Nanofoamer as an option for making foam.

          Comment


          • #10
            Originally posted by jafa1970 View Post
            If looking at a machine without steam and will be heating milk via preferred method, have a look at the Nanofoamer as an option for making foam.
            Oh geez that looks good. Now I'm considering cancelling the order and just getting as single top of the line boiler + PID ... could mean getting a better grinder! Also means being able to fit a smaller unit on the limited counter space.

            Comment


            • #11
              There is really active Facebook page for the nanofoamer - search Nanofoamer Home-baristas

              Lots of info about use etc.

              Comment

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