HX machine and grinder package circa $2K - advice?

[DaveD]

If you are willing to consider a second hand purchase, then something like this would be brilliant!
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...cessories.html

FYI I don't think the K3 touch is worth the extra money. I would go for the K3 push, or preferably the M2M - considering the reviews on here.

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

I'd love to get a K3touch (the M2M was what was offered with the Levetta for $2K).

I have both a K3 and an M2M. You lose nothing 'in the cup' with the M2M. Both great grinders, and the M2M has a smaller footprint.

[Dimal]

G'day mate...

Why not head into CosmoreX Coffee in your neck of the woods? They have a range of machines and grinders that you will be able to demo on the bench...
By far the best way to make the right decision for you...

Mal.

[therev]

Sorry, forgot to add that I'm in the ACT.

[therev]

Thanks Barry - I appreciate the clarification. Didn't mean to incorrectly reference the different type of "lever" machines.
Just interested in the difference between an electronic switch activated machine and the Levetta style which is far more common on the E61 HX machines. I've had a few people say the Levetta would be better in the long run - something to do with control boards or switches. It can be pretty hard to tell what the improvements are when going from a basic machine at a good price ($1500) through to mid-range ($2-2500) and then up to the premium ones closer to $3000 or more. I understand there are things like better pressurestats and more solid build etc but it can be very hard to quantify.
I'd love to get a K3touch (the M2M was what was offered with the Levetta for $2K).

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Where are you located?

The Levetta is not a lever machine (i.e. it uses a pump to push the water through the brew head). There's not too much wrong with the Diadema range (nor similar level HX producers). If set up with care, will go like a train for many years. I've had my Reale (aka Regal) for about 5 years now and it hasn't missed a beat, and makes superb coffee. I'd seriously consider going for an 'entry level' HX like some you are considering, and use whatever you save on a grinder (Macap M4D if you can, but Compak K3/Macap M2M otherwise).

[therev]

Hi folks

Finally the time is right for an upgrade from my faithful Silvia/Rocky combo to a HX machine, hopefully with new grinder as well. As with all upgrade projects it starts small and grows, and I'm at a point where I'd love some input.
Initially the option came up when I saw an entry-level Diadema/BFC for $1500 new, which was very tempting. It's the "Junior semi-auto" I believe, with the big red buttons. My wife quickly vetoed it on style grounds, and I've been told it would be worth stretching to a lever machine in the same range. A few weeks ago a local supplier had the "Junior Levetta" and a basic grinder for the magic price of $2000. Unfortunately, I only realised how good that deal was this week when tax returns finally came back and made it all look possible - but now the package is sold out and new stock prices have suffered due to the exchange rate. A similar setup now seems to be at least 30% more expensive.

To be honest, the budget is pretty stretched at $2K or just over, and there's not much chance of it going up anytime soon. I'd love some input on a few key questions:
- what are the real negatives of the cheaper, "electronic" Diadema vs the lever models? (I've heard the steam/water valves are the non-crush type, but also that the lever setup is more reliable?)
- are there any other options to consider around this price-point? Either package deals going atm or just good value machines worth considering around $2K?

I'm steering away from the bigger, bulkier and often more expensive machines that do seem very popular (many in the $2500 -$3500 range), like the Profitecs, Rockets, ECMs etc. I understand that you get what you pay for in these machines, but can't justify the extra $700-1000 that you often pay for these, and we are looking for a more compact unit.

The Diadema/BFC range seems great, especially at old prices, but things sadly seem to be slipping away in terms of my budget. I'm struggling with the idea of paying over $2K for a machine on its own when the package I saw was less than that.

Grateful for any advice/input.