Starting out

[Mrlizard]

Hello snobs 1st time poster long time lurker (as a non member) sorry for the long post.

Im getting ready to make the big leap into brewing my own coffee.
But I'm torn between what models to get each have there own advantages and disadvantages from what I have read
I should also mention that I/we have never used a coffee machine before so we are brand new to this all.
I would like something that is going to make a decent shot but not to hard to use (once dialled in) as the wife will get frustrated with it and end up refusing to use it and in turn forcing me to sell it as it won't get much use except for weekends. But I like to fiddle to try and get the most out of things
The brands and models we have sort of narrowed it down to are, I will put for and against with each one
new breville bes870, for - all in 1 unit, push button design, warranty. Against - thermo block, hopper will heat up,
new bes810, for - Cheap, seperate grinder,ease of use(from what I have read) Against - limited personalisation, throw away once broken
2nd hand rancilio silvia, for - spare parts, can get after market parts, quality name, can customise - Against - price, used unknown history
2nd hand gaggia classic, as above for silvia
brand new breville smart grinder, to go with models above that do not have built in grinder.

Just waiting some further info to help me make my decision. Budget is about $700
Thanks in advance

[Mrlizard]

Lelit is also another choice but very rare on the second hand market have not found any near by me but there is about 5 silvia for sale.
Yeah not going too cheap on the grinder just the basic starter model

[tannyboy]

I can vouch for the gaggia (baby dose) Served me well for 8 years with only a few issues. Great learning machine.

Modded it with with the Silvia steam wand to give it better oomph on the steam front.

Then got the breville grinder to up the stakes some more.

If it were me. Stick with the Italian second handers for your machines. And you'll be in for a great time.

Another plus. The gaggia is easy to tear down and fix. If I can do mod on a machine it's serviceable

Now the gaggia will become the backup machine (or the parents) in the coming month.

[artman]

A lelit combi or silvia combi would also be a good choice and better than the breville equivalent. They pop here used from time to time for way under your budget. Or separate machine and a grinder.

Something like a lelit or silvia are very simple and last for years with basic maintenance and parts available if required.

Keep your eyes peeled in the for sale section.

Cheers

[Mrlizard]

Thanks for the replies so brevile is out of the picture
There is a used twice v5 Silvia near me that is for sale for 600 so if I was to get this I would need to save up again for a grinder or do you think an older v2 or v3 is just as good as I have seen some of these with pid

[artman]

I would go older with PID, will make it easier to be consistent.

Cheers

[Mrlizard]

I don't think i will get a PID one as best to learn on the basic and then mod it. And get your skills that way.
Some more questions -
- Is there any difference between V3 and V5 silvia the only difference I can see is the switch on the front and the boiler issues insulated. Dose the newer one produce a better shot?
- Grinder what one would be better second hand rancilio or new breville smart grinder as they can both be bought for about $250. The reason i ask is the rancilio seems to have a bad name/hard time on here

[DaveD]

V4 Silvia onwards has the screw in element for the boiler. This makes it easier to change if the element burns out, rather than replacing the whole boiler. I don't think you'd find any difference in shot quality, even from a V1 Silvia. They are fantastic machines. The Rocky grinder is great, and is what I would choose over the Breville. We have had a Rocky/Silvia combo at work for the last 5-6 years and neither has missed a beat - that's with 10-12 coffees being made on average each day in the one session. As people have said earlier, as long as you follow a good maintenance regime, they will keep on going for ages.

[artman]

Rocky will outlast several brevilles, that would be my guess. It's a solid grinder, and would be easier to I sell when you upgrade.

Cheers

[magnafunk]

- Grinder what one would be better second hand rancilio or new breville smart grinder as they can both be bought for about $250. The reason i ask is the rancilio seems to have a bad name/hard time on here

If you have the space you're in super jolly territory too