Hello Snobs,
This is my first post here and probably has been covered many times before however the field is constantly changing so here goes.
We have a Sunbeam EM7000 Cafe Series machine that has provided good service for the last 7 years or so but has developed a fault (steam supply pump runs continuously), it also leaks around the group head. We had it repaired about 1 year ago but do not want to spend another $300 on fixing up an old machine. A replacement would after all only be about $700.
BUT
I find the model is discontinued and the Torino that sort of replaces it has an awful reputation.
So
Where do I go from here. We use the machine quite a bit (3-4 times/day, more ate w/ends when we have guests). Mostly espresso but also milk coffees. We have a decent burr grinder and like to vary our beans but generally go for a medium to dark roast. I could get decent crema and tiger stripes from the EM7000 which allowed customisation of temps and timings (but not pressure) to suit the bean/grind.
Criteria are then - double boiler, an ability to preset/tailor a recipe, I am not sure about pressure profiles being necessary but I do like to see the pressure and be able to control manually/program the buttons. As it is for home use heat up time is important as is size (not too much larger than the current machine) and noise I also want a machine that will last so a good service reputation and available parts are important. Budget is around $2000 but are flexible.
Candidates I have identified are
Breville dual Boiler (might be out of production)
Cream One Dual Boiler
Lelit Elizabeth
A couple of questions - what are the pros and cons of machines with an E61 group head? Is a rotary pump based machine worth the premium. If I was to go to that level then is the Lelit Bianca a good option?
All suggestions and ideas welcome!
This is my first post here and probably has been covered many times before however the field is constantly changing so here goes.
We have a Sunbeam EM7000 Cafe Series machine that has provided good service for the last 7 years or so but has developed a fault (steam supply pump runs continuously), it also leaks around the group head. We had it repaired about 1 year ago but do not want to spend another $300 on fixing up an old machine. A replacement would after all only be about $700.
BUT
I find the model is discontinued and the Torino that sort of replaces it has an awful reputation.
So
Where do I go from here. We use the machine quite a bit (3-4 times/day, more ate w/ends when we have guests). Mostly espresso but also milk coffees. We have a decent burr grinder and like to vary our beans but generally go for a medium to dark roast. I could get decent crema and tiger stripes from the EM7000 which allowed customisation of temps and timings (but not pressure) to suit the bean/grind.
Criteria are then - double boiler, an ability to preset/tailor a recipe, I am not sure about pressure profiles being necessary but I do like to see the pressure and be able to control manually/program the buttons. As it is for home use heat up time is important as is size (not too much larger than the current machine) and noise I also want a machine that will last so a good service reputation and available parts are important. Budget is around $2000 but are flexible.
Candidates I have identified are
Breville dual Boiler (might be out of production)
Cream One Dual Boiler
Lelit Elizabeth
A couple of questions - what are the pros and cons of machines with an E61 group head? Is a rotary pump based machine worth the premium. If I was to go to that level then is the Lelit Bianca a good option?
All suggestions and ideas welcome!

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