I am going to take the plunge and buy an espresso machine and grinder, I have made the decision to buy quality this time, my previous machine was a breville ikon, with bought pre ground coffee, from supermarkets or gift packets that family and friends would buy on holiday trips, the combination didn't give the best results, but it was a starting point.
I am considering a HX or small double boiler, the reason for the smaller boilers is that for 95% of the time I am the only coffee drinker in the house, and don't see the point in having the machine running to heat up and keep hot 3l or more of water all the time, the three ladies in my life, drink tea or hot chocolate, so if required, when I make my coffee, I could also pour off hot water and steam milk for a tea or hot chocolate.
These are a few question I'm looking for help with:
1. Have you bought site unseen, what was the out come, did the equipment work as stated, did you need to make repairs, if so, how much extra did it cost you in the end.
2. What questions, (assuming they will be answered truthfully) did you ask. not having had a HX or double boiler before I'm not sure what problems they develop.
3. Is the age of the machine important,(depending on use of course) when do parts start to wear out, such as, seals, springs, taps and working parts.
4. Would you do it all again, or this time spend the extra to get brand new, have warranty and peace of mind.
5. Any advice, or other helpful info that you can offer.
I am looking at a few machines right now, from CS members, ebay, gumtree and second hand or demo models from a couple of site sponsors, you may of seen them yourselves, I only have $1500 to spend, and I guess like everyone else I need to make the right decision, and have equipment that will last me for a number of years to come.
Thanks everyone
Tony
I am considering a HX or small double boiler, the reason for the smaller boilers is that for 95% of the time I am the only coffee drinker in the house, and don't see the point in having the machine running to heat up and keep hot 3l or more of water all the time, the three ladies in my life, drink tea or hot chocolate, so if required, when I make my coffee, I could also pour off hot water and steam milk for a tea or hot chocolate.
These are a few question I'm looking for help with:
1. Have you bought site unseen, what was the out come, did the equipment work as stated, did you need to make repairs, if so, how much extra did it cost you in the end.
2. What questions, (assuming they will be answered truthfully) did you ask. not having had a HX or double boiler before I'm not sure what problems they develop.
3. Is the age of the machine important,(depending on use of course) when do parts start to wear out, such as, seals, springs, taps and working parts.
4. Would you do it all again, or this time spend the extra to get brand new, have warranty and peace of mind.
5. Any advice, or other helpful info that you can offer.
I am looking at a few machines right now, from CS members, ebay, gumtree and second hand or demo models from a couple of site sponsors, you may of seen them yourselves, I only have $1500 to spend, and I guess like everyone else I need to make the right decision, and have equipment that will last me for a number of years to come.
Thanks everyone
Tony

, if it's too good to be true, most of the time it is.
) as well as my current machine. I was very fortunate with both and have had many years of great coffee from 2nd hand gear. When I upgrade my machine unless I get really lucky it will once again be bought 2nd hand from here. So long as you research and read the posts (including the persons who is selling the item in case they have had issues in the past and asked for help here) things can work out well buying 2nd hand - especially if you need both items with your budget.
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