Hi there. Thank God I found this site before I went out and bought a machine from a chain store. I have a limited budget of around $800. I have now learned that the quality of the grinder is paramount in achieving a good result so I was wondering if the Lelit combi would be my best option, or can I do better with a grinder for around $300 and then buy a cheaper coffee machine like a Saeco VV ?( I will be using freshly roasted beans.) Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
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Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
Lelit combi is a very good machine to start on.
Its only failing is that when you upgrade you need to purchase both a grinder and espresso machine at the same time.
You can purchase the grinder that is inside the combi for about $300 (Im a little out of touch so I could be wrong, the lelit pl053 is about $275 and is the same internals).
If you can stretch your budget a GEE would be a good machine but you would be over budget by a couple of hundred dollars. It would be worth it for an investment that will last you for years.
I had a Rancilio Lucy for 6+ years and it was a good machine but I got frustrated waiting for the boiler to get to steam temp so I upgraded to a Hx machine which is way out of your budget.
I think Im rambling :-[
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
Welcome "mishky"... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
I owned the stand-alone version of the grinder installed in these machines, for a number of years. Although a bit noisy (they nearly all are in this category), it performed very well and very reliably and as such, I have no hesitation in recommending one.
The Lelit Combi is an excellent espresso system and though trentskis argument re: upgrading is valid, that all depends on whether you think that is likely in the next few years. The combi is capable of producing excellent espresso so long as you do your part and use high quality, freshly roasted beans.... 8-)
All the best
Mal.
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
thanks for the input . I think $800ish is really the limit I can justify and sadly I am unlikely to be upgrading (as much as I would love to move up a grade). I am committed to only using the best freshly roasted beans and hoping that the Lelit will do the job. Unless anybody can suggest a better grinder and machine package for a similar price??
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
No, not really....Originally posted by 182D262631171F29213C2D3B480 link=1287554521/3#3 date=1287558070thanks for the input . I think $800ish is really the limit I can justify and sadly I am unlikely to be upgrading (as much as I would love to move up a grade). I am committed to only using the best freshly roasted beans and hoping that the Lelit will do the job. Unless anybody can suggest a better grinder and machine package for a similar price??
These represent about the best Bang-for-Buck packages around and especially so considering the build quality and potential for producing continuous excellent quality coffee brews. You wont be sorry - Guarantee it.... 8-)
Mal.
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
Lelit combi sounds like a good match for your needs. You should see many years of good service from it as well 8-)
We are glad you didnt get talked into something at a chain store ;D
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Re: Is the grinder on Lelit combi better than the grinders I can buy for under $300?
;D ;D ;DOriginally posted by 52676C6C7B5D55636B766771020 link=1287554521/7#7 date=1287984768Me too. Cant believe the crazy stuff I was nearly going to buy at a chain store before I discovered CS.
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