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Help - which machine ?

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  • #16
    Re: Help - which machine ?

    Ok, whats a HX ?

    I know its a heat exchanger, but what does it do, how does it work, and what machines have them ?

    Are they completely different from other machines ?

    (Oh man, this really shows my lack of knowledge) :-[

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    • #17
      Re: Help - which machine ?

      Originally posted by C-Train link=1223521907/0#15 date=1223638003
      Ok, whats a HX ?

      I know its a heat exchanger, but what does it do, how does it work, and what machines have them ?

      Are they completely different from other machines ?

      (Oh man, this really shows my lack of knowledge) :-[
      Try some espresso 101 C-T http://www.home-barista.com/forums/espresso-machines-101-t368.html

      Hope it helps...

      2mcm

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      • #18
        Re: Help - which machine ?

        I have had the 6910 for a few days now (my first machine) and all is going well. It heats up very quickly and recovers quick as well. I am still trying to get the hang of steaming milk, but the steam is available very quickly and on demand from then on. I make lattes mainly and it takes around 25s to steam a jug for 2 people.

        The grinder works good too, but there seems to be a rather coarse variance between steps (but for $170 its cheap).

        Makes a good coffee, but so far not a great coffee. This is largely due to the operator in training .

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        • #19
          Re: Help - which machine ?

          Hi C-Train, Id like to add a particular heat exchanger and grinder combo to your list - a VBM Domobar Super Lever and a Macap M4 (or Mazzer Mini), which I purchased around 4 months ago for under the 3K mark. I mention this mainly because of your stated usage and original start-price and desire for great coffee. The VBM + Macap can meet your needs.

          Because of the stability of its heat-exchanger and E-61 group head, which does require a 45 minute pre-heat, the VBM can easily handle larger quantities of coffees back-to-back (great for entertaining), as well as simultaneous brew/steam capacity.

          For $10 at Coles you can buy a 24-hour timer which can switch your machine on and off during the day to meet your preferred needs. I understand the VBM also has the build to survive being left on from morning until evening, although like any piece of equipment it would eventually reduce the lifespan of the machine.

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          • #20
            Re: Help - which machine ?

            As someone who has already moved along the upgrade path (Im on my 3rd machine) I think you will be sorely disappointed if you underspend. While the machines you list are good in their own way (and I have not owned any of these) you claim the following:

            - you want to make 10+ cups per day
            - you want good coffee
            - you want the machine to be ready to make coffee quickly
            - you want to steam milk quickly
            - price isnt the biggest consideration

            Given that info, I wouldnt be aiming any less than a good quality single boiler $1500+ . For less than the $3K you were prepared to spend on the Cimbali, you get get an excellent HX +grinder combo. This is what you should be looking at.
            C Train
            I asked a good question based on your coffee drinking habits a few posts above

            You will be disappointed with the performance of any machine that is not capable of your coffee drinking needs
            I agree with Flynn. A good HX machine is you best choice

            Note I am responding with my answer that is based on the amount of coffee you make
            Let me put it in parable form

            Now would you tow a 30 FT boat with a 4 cylinder car?
            If you answer is YES? See response 1 if you answer NO? see response 3

            (1) This is your Sunbeam 6910
            Towing a 30 foot boat with a 4 cylinder car - will wear out the car and I am sure you will not reach highway speeds, also very poor driver control, the fish would have moved on  :

            (2) This is your Silvia
            It’s now a six cylinder car - you won’t wear it out but due to lack of power you still find it lacking in your overall control as it can run out of steam,  you will find that you can’t go up hills while the air conditioner is on

            (3) Now this is a HX machine
            Its now an 8 cylinder car – and you feel comfortable with its ability to do the task at hand you find that you can fit 4 of your 100kg mates in with you air conditioner is on and you don’t notice any strain because you have matched the correct combination to do the job

            So what are you going to do  
            KK

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            • #21
              Re: Help - which machine ?

              Originally posted by venno link=1223521907/0#17 date=1223639636
              I have had the 6910 for a few days now (my first machine) and all is going well. It heats up very quickly and recovers quick as well. I am still trying to get the hang of steaming milk, but the steam is available very quickly and on demand from then on. I make lattes mainly and it takes around 25s to steam a jug for 2 people.

              The grinder works good too, but there seems to be a rather coarse variance between steps (but for $170 its cheap).

              Makes a good coffee, but so far not a great coffee. This is largely due to the operator in training .
              10 cups a day will wear out a 6910 very quickly.
              They are OK to a certain point but not designed to play in the big league no matter what Sunbeam says.

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              • #22
                Re: Help - which machine ?

                Id say the Lelit combi is the best bet for anything below $1000. I think it performs as well as a Silvia and the grinder that is built in to the machine is of decent quality.

                If I were restricted in what I could afford, the Lelit would be the one Id pick.

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