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  • New machine

    Hi All
    I have come to ask for help im new to manual machines i have a saeco xelsis and is a great machine but it is time to learn how to make a great coffee
    1st step get a good machine one that will last for years if looked after this is where im confused so many on the market do i go for a cheaper machine or is it you get what you pay for
    These are the machines im looking at
    Isomac tea due or the Pro 6.1
    Brezzera Mitica or the Magica
    or is there another machine i should consider
    i live on the Central Coast NSW and service agents will come into play or can most agents work on just about any machine
    Thanks for your input

  • #2
    Hi Phill0, a bit more information would be helpful. How many coffees a day are you making? What type of coffees? Do you often entertain large groups and want to be able to make lots of coffees back to back? Do you have a budget? Does this budget include a grinder as well? (Do you already have a grinder?) What drew you to these four machines? Are you intent on buying new or would a good second hand machine be ok?

    If you're not comfortable servicing yourself (at least the basics) then a local service agent you can trust is important. If there are some neat you get in touch with them and see what they specialise in. At the $1500-$3000 range there are a number of machines that do a great job, so if you like two similar machines and have a local service agent for one but not the other I would advise the former.

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    • #3
      Hi Ninja
      Thanks for the reply
      Where I got the names of the machines from a couple of coffee machine shops
      we make about 8 cups a day of cappuccino no grinder as yet budget $3000 to $3500 with grinder cheaper is ok as longas machine easy to use but will last years
      Can you recommend any
      thank

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      • #4
        Check out these grinders: Mahlkoenig Vario, Eureka Mignon Specialità, Eureka Atom, Macap M2D, Company K3 Touch, Baratza Settle Wi.

        The Bezzeras will probably last longer than the Isomacs, though there's nothing wrong with the Isomacs. Other machines to consider include the Bezzera BZ10, Lelit Elizabeth PL92T (longevity-wise I'd put this in a similar group to the Isomacs, but it's a dual boiler), Vibiemme Domobar Junior (similar to Tea), Profitec Pro 300 (small very high quality dual boiler- if you make 1-2 cappuccinos 4-8 times a day this week be a great machine for you, if you make 4 cappuccinos at a time the small boilers will slow you down when they recover), Expobar Minore IV (larger dual boiler, build quality good not great), Rocket Appartamento (great bling factor), ECM Mechanika Slim (very high quality).

        That'll give you enough to get started and once you see what you like we can narrow it further from there.

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        • #5
          Welcome Phil,

          Given you're in Sydney, my recommendation would be that you visit both of the CS sponsors there: DiBartoli and Jetblack.

          Both companies will consider your requirements and make recommendations based on their professional opinions of what's best for your requirements. A good heat exchanger machine will be more than adequate for you. You don't need a dual boiler.

          FWIW and grinderwise I wouldn't touch anything with Baratza branding with a barge pole. Very much bitten and now perpetually shy.

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          • #6
            Also don't forget water filtration, few things kill good quality machines like bad (or straight tap) water. Something like a Brita C150 (or if the boilers are stainless instead of brass, C150 Finest)

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            • #7
              My advice.

              Sort the water out first, second by a good second hand grinder. Mazzer mini electric are slow but in your budget I would say are amazing. Macap m4d second hand is also another good option. Get these grinders for 5-600. Water filtration another 300.

              That’s leaves you 2.5k and get a new machine. If you aren’t use to a dual boiler then go middle range ecm heat exchange. Otherwise my advice is up your budget and go for a dual boiler like pro 700.

              I personally find the high end heat exchange machines in no mans land.

              Don’t discount second hand grinders though. That’s where you can save over new.

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks for the advice when i built the house i installed a hole of house water filter a big bugger on the main pipe into the house as i like filtered water
                Thanks ninja for the other machines to look at im going to take caffeinator advise and do a day trip and visit the sponsors shops before i make my purchase
                Am i asking form trouble buying a second hand grinder as most of them would have come from a coffee shop and well used or is it like most second hand things the luck of the draw
                saving money would be good

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Phill0 View Post
                  Thanks for the advice when i built the house i installed a hole of house water filter a big bugger on the main pipe into the house as i like filtered water...
                  Drinking water is different to coffee water which in most cases will need to be softened as well. Have your post filter water tested professionally and take the results along to your chosen sponsor for comment.

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                  • #10
                    Phil there are plenty of home use grinders sold on this forum https://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-hardware-sale/ often sold because the owner has upgraded. There is a lot less happening inside a grinder, the largest component being an electric motor and burrs which are a consumable item, so while things can go wrong far less than an espresso machine. Great resource right here, look whats for sale then search the grinder to see if it suits. Many here suggest to get the best grinder you can afford even if spending less on the coffee machine. Plenty of reading in front of you..

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                    • #11
                      Buying a second hand grinder really isn’t much of an issue. Buy the ones here that are listed as used in a home. At worse case you’ll be up for new burrs which aren’t that expensive. Motors generally don’t fail on home grinders.

                      Unless your budget increased 2k I’d be buying a second hand grinder.

                      I’ve bought new grinders for 1100 and sold a year later for 600.

                      That’s a great saving for people.

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                      • #12
                        Thanks for all the great suggestions i now have a lot of work i will come back and tell you how i went

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                        • #13
                          Thanks to all with your help
                          Just waiting on a delivery Bezzera Mitica top and a Eureka Atom 60 grinder lots to learn on how to use them both
                          Im sure i will be asking for some advice down the track

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