I started a topic in the mid-range machines. I have since speculatively increased my budget. Im just wondering if this is necessary? Long post, please skip to the end if you dont wish to see the machines I have considered for the questions.
Originally I was going to go the Gee as to me it seems like the best single boiler option since it has a built in PID and thermoblock for the steam which makes it a cheap alternative to an HX. However a plastic water receptacle, LCD screen and push buttons have me worried about longevity. I plan to be careful but buttons can break/become unusable and electronics can fail. Plus Im a sucker for a pretty machine!
Having said that my main concern is whether Im going to get a better cup and longer life from a machine closer to $2000. Plus the old adage about in for a penny in for a pound.
I then looked at the Oscar as it seemed like a cheap HX machine, then I became worried it was because it is a cheap HX machine i.e. likely to have issues, plastic exterior etc.
My next step up was the Isomac Zaffiro if I buy from a sponsor and have it bench tested with two years full support Im looking at over $1700. However Chris from Talk Coffee and a few other posters have stated that Isomac doesnt measure up to the slightly higher priced machines like Diadema etc. Really dont want to save $200-$300 and ending up with upgraditis due to it.
My eye was then caught byPonte Vecchio Lusso Club Spring Lever espresso machine. Its a good looking machine (hate the red though). My main negatives are finding a tamper, different sized shots, the likelihood of me breaking it by not knowing what to do with it. I like the fact there is no pump so one less thing to go wrong. However this is replaced by the spring loaded lever. The spring has to wear at some point? Plus the stockist is in Sydney so after sales support worries me a touch although this is probably the winning contender at the moment.
Then there is the Diadema Perfetta many seem to place this as the ideal in single boiler machines. But we are talking a top grinder plus a few hundred dollars more than the Gee without the benefit of a PID. Id imagine there must be a similar need to temperature surf as with a Silvia which is something I could learn but does worry me enough to make me wonder if it really offers nearly a $1000 better shot? If its built like a tank and is likely to last me 20 years then the concern disappears. How much does a boiler cost anyway? Obviously that will die but have no clue how much a new one is likely to cost?
My other consideration is that it puts me just a few hundred shy of a HX machine. Is there anything decent at or below $2000. They do worry me a touch in all honesty though, it seems you give up temperature surfing but then have to cool the group head prior to shots etc.
I know that it is best to talk to the sponsors etc. The only issue is that no sponsor carries every machine. Plus unlike most things coffee machines seem extremely hard to find reviews or comparisons of. Its never going to be possible for me to compare every machine in the sub $2000 price bracket for build quality, longevity, etc. I may be able to go to a few shops and pull a few shots but wont be able to see all the machines etc.
I guess what Im asking is is there a massive difference between a $2000 machine and a $1000 machine (removing other variables like a decent grinder)? Are the going to last longer and pull better, more consistent shots or is it mainly cosmetic?
Also if you had up to $2000 (or just over, if I can get a machine at $2200 which is loads better Ill spend it) which machine would you look at and why?
Originally I was going to go the Gee as to me it seems like the best single boiler option since it has a built in PID and thermoblock for the steam which makes it a cheap alternative to an HX. However a plastic water receptacle, LCD screen and push buttons have me worried about longevity. I plan to be careful but buttons can break/become unusable and electronics can fail. Plus Im a sucker for a pretty machine!
Having said that my main concern is whether Im going to get a better cup and longer life from a machine closer to $2000. Plus the old adage about in for a penny in for a pound.
I then looked at the Oscar as it seemed like a cheap HX machine, then I became worried it was because it is a cheap HX machine i.e. likely to have issues, plastic exterior etc.
My next step up was the Isomac Zaffiro if I buy from a sponsor and have it bench tested with two years full support Im looking at over $1700. However Chris from Talk Coffee and a few other posters have stated that Isomac doesnt measure up to the slightly higher priced machines like Diadema etc. Really dont want to save $200-$300 and ending up with upgraditis due to it.
My eye was then caught byPonte Vecchio Lusso Club Spring Lever espresso machine. Its a good looking machine (hate the red though). My main negatives are finding a tamper, different sized shots, the likelihood of me breaking it by not knowing what to do with it. I like the fact there is no pump so one less thing to go wrong. However this is replaced by the spring loaded lever. The spring has to wear at some point? Plus the stockist is in Sydney so after sales support worries me a touch although this is probably the winning contender at the moment.
Then there is the Diadema Perfetta many seem to place this as the ideal in single boiler machines. But we are talking a top grinder plus a few hundred dollars more than the Gee without the benefit of a PID. Id imagine there must be a similar need to temperature surf as with a Silvia which is something I could learn but does worry me enough to make me wonder if it really offers nearly a $1000 better shot? If its built like a tank and is likely to last me 20 years then the concern disappears. How much does a boiler cost anyway? Obviously that will die but have no clue how much a new one is likely to cost?
My other consideration is that it puts me just a few hundred shy of a HX machine. Is there anything decent at or below $2000. They do worry me a touch in all honesty though, it seems you give up temperature surfing but then have to cool the group head prior to shots etc.
I know that it is best to talk to the sponsors etc. The only issue is that no sponsor carries every machine. Plus unlike most things coffee machines seem extremely hard to find reviews or comparisons of. Its never going to be possible for me to compare every machine in the sub $2000 price bracket for build quality, longevity, etc. I may be able to go to a few shops and pull a few shots but wont be able to see all the machines etc.
I guess what Im asking is is there a massive difference between a $2000 machine and a $1000 machine (removing other variables like a decent grinder)? Are the going to last longer and pull better, more consistent shots or is it mainly cosmetic?
Also if you had up to $2000 (or just over, if I can get a machine at $2200 which is loads better Ill spend it) which machine would you look at and why?



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