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  • new user without a clue

    hi guys, I’ve been reading your forum with interest and after gleaning some information, I now find I need some questions answering.
    I started with a krups espresso machine which my wife received from a reward points program. It was DOA and after a brief visit to the repair I started my first home brewing experience.
    Its got me hooked..but now its dead after a very short life, and I find myself needing a replacement. The biggest hurdle was entertaining four or more guest with this machine, that’s why this time I find myself looking at HX machines that have constant steam and can pull shots at the same time….

    I’ve thought about a Silvia /rocky combo { i realise its not a HX machine}…but will this do the job I’m after?. Id like a one stop machine that has boiling water for tea, endless steam for quick and plentiful cappuccinos and something id be happy with in 5 years time…

    I’ve looked at gimbali juniors, but find them expensive , I’ve looked at used as well only to find expansive rust etc putting me off….
    I’ve looked at Isomac Millennium, then read a bad revue that got me thinking ?

    So any help please would be good……as Im at my wits end looking…Oh and I realize I need a good grinder and fresh beans..all that will come after I have the right tool

  • #2
    Re: new user without a clue

    Welcome to Coffee Snobs tommo.

    Sorry but youve got it the wrong way around.
    A good grinder is your number one priority.
    (Fresh beans are cheap and easy to find.)

    Machine is next priority.


    Let me explain....

    A good machine without a good grinder and fresh beans is nothing more than a waste of space.

    A good grinder and fresh beans will get the best out of a machine.

    - From what I understand, a Silvia will cope with 4 but more is a big stretch.
    - If you want endles steam a Silvia is not the machine for you.

    I suggest you talk to some sponsors.
    Theres an email address at the bottom of the sponsors list (left of screen) that will send a query to them all.

    You need to state your budget so that they can help you get the best bang for your buck.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: new user without a clue

      cheers thundergod.....

      I meant I need to square away the machine choice..then we will move onto the grinder....

      thanks for the email tip for site sponsers....

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: new user without a clue

        Hi Tommo,

        Youve got *lots* of options when it comes to getting a good HX and grinder combo. The Silvia isnt made for making pots of tea - boiler is too small! And its not really the right tool for regular entertaining.

        As for which HX machine is right for you - thats going to take a reasonable amount of Q & A. Happy to do it on the phone if you want to call us,

        charlie

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: new user without a clue

          Hi,

          Definitely talk to, and then book in a visit, to one of the Sponsors.

          Di Bartolis in Sydney encourage you try out any of the machines on their bench (when I was last there, there were about 20 types, not even including the ones they rotate onto the bench) and work out which one suits you the best. They also have grinders on the bench for trialling too. They offer a good deal, as well as one-on-one service to help you choose your machine and then to show you how to use it, and excellent thorough post-purchase contact if you have questions.

          When I bought my VBM from them, Id narrowed down the general group to three machines by reading a lot on this site, then booked time with Renzo to see which one I liked the feel of most. Within an hour or so I was walking out of the store as a proud owner of my VBM. Im immensely glad I did, and the details of why I made my choice are the subject of another thread elsewhere in this category.

          I purchased my grinder (Macap M4) from Chris at Talk Coffee in Melbourne before I upgraded to a VBM coffee machine - he also was fabulous with suggestions and generously upgraded me when the shipment of my grinder of choice was delayed in shipping by a long time.

          Highly recommend the Sponsors.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: new user without a clue

            Hi Tommo and welcome to CS,

            Wed also be happy to assist.

            Were in Sydney and Malbourne and anywhere alse you need us to be via Skype, real phone or E...

            Chris

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: new user without a clue

              hey guys
              awesome response.
              Im in perth so a vist to your shops is out...

              things I want are , reliability, a classic look. cool touch wands and loads of stainless..LOL

              things i dont want are , plastic soft touch buttons. volumemetering , and a machine that breaks often...

              my budget is not large either, id like to spend up to $3000 wihch should include a grinder as well..

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: new user without a clue

                Originally posted by tommo link=1227703805/0#6 date=1227733882
                hey guys
                awesome response.
                Im in perth so a vist to your shops is out...

                things I want are , reliability, a classic look. cool touch wands and loads of stainless..LOL

                things i dont want are , plastic soft touch buttons. volumemetering , and a machine that breaks often...

                my budget is not large either, id like to spend up to $3000 wihch should include a grinder as well..

                Hi Tommo,

                From our range, your want list suggests something like a Giotto, Diadema Junior Extra or a Minore II. Factoring in a good grinder (and your budget), Id suggest that you might set your sights on the Minore II. The updated model is due to dock any day and looks a whole heap better IMHO.

                All CSers will suggest that you dont economise on the grinder- buy the best you can and Id suggest that you budget at least $600 (or more). If the budget can extend a little, your choices will improve dramatically.

                Hope that helps....

                Chris

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: new user without a clue

                  Originally posted by tommo link=1227703805/0#6 date=1227733882
                  hey guys
                  awesome response.
                  Im in perth so a vist to your shops is out...

                  things I want are , reliability, a classic look. cool touch wands and loads of stainless..LOL

                  things i dont want are , plastic soft touch buttons. volumemetering , and a machine that breaks often...

                  my budget is not large either, id like to spend up to $3000 wihch should include a grinder as well..
                  Dont forget the Bezzera Galatea
                  Its got all you have asked for exept the cool touch wands but they can be changed

                  KK

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: new user without a clue

                    Tommo;

                    Look at the Isomac Millennium Due as well or the Isomac Tea. Any of this two machines due to their price range will allow you to get a $ 600.00 or 750.00 price range.

                    Have if you need more information about this two look at my website.


                    Regards

                    Renzo

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: new user without a clue

                      hey guys thanks very much your help..Ive plumbed for a Isomac millenium and an Eureka Mignon Electronic grinder..Ive not got a clue. as the topic says..but im going to enjoy the ride...thanks again for your help lads...oh and it looks great on the bench top..

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: new user without a clue

                        For a guy without a clue you sure made a good choice!!!

                        Its such a good ride, it should come with a seat-belt!




                        Ok ok... I know im not funny


                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: new user without a clue

                          thanks for the vote of confidence there Max…I’ve not a clue how to do the task of pulling a shot, or the grind, but thanks to sites like this one, I’m more confident about the choice of hardware..
                          Like I say to the missus, if you aint got the tools how can you do the job..LOL…that’s my justification anyway..

                          I’m sure this site will be a new place for me to hang around…..also thanks to all the site sponsors for their offers of help. But as I’m in Perth I wanted to source a local supplier,

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: new user without a clue

                            Gday Tommo....

                            The best thing you can do now mate, is shout you (and anyone else in the household) to a Home Barista Course so that you learn the "right" way to do things from the very beginning. Lots of our Site Sponsors run such courses and may have service exchange arrangements with some specialists over in the West, so definitely worth a call....

                            All the best,
                            Mal.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: new user without a clue

                              mal
                              good advice mate..I was thinking of doing just that....any idea how long these course run for. and the cost involved?

                              but yes Im a great beliver in getting expert advice

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