SimplexCoda Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Ok im in the market for a an espresso machine. As the title suggests im looking for suggestions on which one to get. My requirements would be: 1. must be in the under 300 dollar range (i know i know, but its going on my wedding registry, so if i want someone to buy it i have to at least make it concievable) 2. must have a frothing wand. 3. have the highest possible bar pump pressure in this price range 4. must be durable 5. maybe include some 2 ounce glasses I have been searching and searching. A good combo of these would be great, i know you cant have the best of everything in this price range, but i have put things in order of importance to me. Thanks guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimplexCoda Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 So no one can help in anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcane Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 sorry coda, i dunno much about espresso machines...except the girls behind the espresso machine at the coffee bean and tea leaf or starbucks are usually hot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chreees Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 [quote name='Arcane' date='09 January 2010 - 09:50 PM' timestamp='1263095406' post='444258'] sorry coda, i dunno much about espresso machines...[b]except the girls behind the espresso machine at the coffee bean and tea leaf or starbucks are usually hot![/b] [/quote] Hell's yeah! Sorry Coda, I'm in the same boat as Jay... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantastik Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 [quote name='Arcane' date='09 January 2010 - 08:50 PM' timestamp='1263095406' post='444258'] sorry coda, i dunno much about espresso machines...except the girls behind the espresso machine at the coffee bean and tea leaf or starbucks are usually hot! [/quote] like the one that made the drink on your avatar hmm? *Cough* Anyway, with my experience with espresso machines, i'd suggest anything from Saeco, mainly because starbucks re-brands saeco machines. I've never heard of a costumer returning said espresso machine either, otherwise if there were a return i'd snatch that up with employee discount Some models i suggets checking out in this price range would be the rebranded Saeco "Starbucks barista" espresso machine, also the Classico. Shoot, i might just do a little poking around to see if i can net myself a starbucks barista espresso machine under the employee discount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuie Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Coda, let me check a few things...in the meantime... First for home use if you don't get it on your registry is Expobar, these things are beasts, Got one at home, it's out of commission at the moment, been in storage for 2 years, needs a good cleaning. Second, Return anyone you get that's under 150...trust me on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuie Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Ah I found it. http://www.wholelattelove.com/Espressione/Espressione_cafe_charme_anthrcte.cfm A friend of mine bought this one. I won't say it's good as the high dollar ones, but for the price, it's pretty damn good!!!! Oh and as a place to checkout wholelattelove.com is good retailer. When I had a coffee biz, these guys were great. Wonderful Customer service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 French press is the way to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elektrobot Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 In my experience, the Saeco Aroma is the best model in the sub $300 market. It's fast, easy, reliable and a consistent starter machine. It can frequently be found on sale for $250 or so. You will soon find espresso is not unlike hookah in getting things right. Selecting the right grind, packing it properly, getting the right temperature, finding the correct extraction time..... As a side note, along with any first espresso machine usually comes a first "real" coffee grinder. A blade grinder will not do for espresso. A quality burr mill is a requirement. If you want to put off buying your own, buy your espresso roast from a small local shop that can pre-grind to request- but you've got a very short shelf life after its ground. The freshness of the bean and quality of the grind has just as much to do with final result as the machine that's making it. Make sure not to focus on just one aspect of equipping your self to make espresso at home. The right machine is only half the battle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimplexCoda Posted January 12, 2010 Author Share Posted January 12, 2010 thanks for the help guys, ill check out this saeco machine...I found one i really really really want, but its around 3,500...its the Olympia Maximatic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectrum055 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 DO Turkish Coffee...when I get my Turkish Coffee set I'll invite a few people from HJ over to my place we'll sit back with Turkish coffee, and smoke a Coffee type shisha or a vanilla shisha ... But sorry I'm of no help... For me espresso is out of my league till I open my lounge and even then I'll probably rent to own or some crap like that ... or just make my own in my now non-existent blender since I killed it making a simple smoothie T^T EDIT: Stuie that espresso or latte machine is addorable ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuie Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 This is what I have at home: http://www.wholelattelove.com/Expobar/officecontrol.cfm [img]http://www.wholelattelove.com/itemImages/29/1037XLarge.gif[/img] http://www.wholelattelove.com/Rancilio/rockyracilio.cfm [img]http://www.wholelattelove.com/itemImages/83/1031XLarge.gif[/img] Keep in mind I bought these originally for coffee catering. And since my partner isn't a coffee drinker, I got them after we closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcane Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 [quote name='phantastik' date='09 January 2010 - 08:48 PM' timestamp='1263106134' post='444297'] [quote name='Arcane' date='09 January 2010 - 08:50 PM' timestamp='1263095406' post='444258'] sorry coda, i dunno much about espresso machines...except the girls behind the espresso machine at the coffee bean and tea leaf or starbucks are usually hot! [/quote] like the one that made the drink on your avatar hmm? *Cough* [/quote] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxx Posted January 13, 2010 Share Posted January 13, 2010 espresso machine are really picky, I have had espresso from $2.5k machines that tastes liek shit, and the ones from 1.5k really erally good, so I cant imagine a $300 espresso machine making great coffee. Then again, I have an $100 espresso kettle that makes decent coffeee lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantastik Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 (edited) [quote name='taxx' date='13 January 2010 - 01:01 PM' timestamp='1263412911' post='445066'] espresso machine are really picky, I have had espresso from $2.5k machines that tastes liek shit, and the ones from 1.5k really erally good, so I cant imagine a $300 espresso machine making great coffee. Then again, I have an $100 espresso kettle that makes decent coffeee lol. [/quote] its not the machines that make great coffee, its all of the components and process really. in hookah terms, its not the type of km that makes the best clouds, but the bowl/pack/management that contributes to the session. The expensive machines just puts you in a closer direction towards a good cup of coffee/pulling great shots As far as coffee goes, theres many thing you need to consider for a good brew, such as... type of beans (region grown, soil grown in, etc.) Roast and roast temperature Amount of time fermenting (to collect them sexy oils) Grind and grind level Amount of time used in pulling the shot (short shots = watery, long shots = dead) and i guess with the personal espresso machines, there are also individual factors that commercial coffee companies don't have to face, such as machine temperature tampering, and etc. so in reality, a $1k+ espresso machine will Never make a good cup of coffee if the dried up espresso beans were ground too fine... Then you'll just be sippin on stale tasting coffee grinds! Edited January 18, 2010 by phantastik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellaxovita Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 whoa! sorry i've been out of this for a while lol. i work at starbucks and have worked at many other coffee shops...really anything in that price range will do you fine. you really only have to worry about ones that are $20 lol. just check it out when you look at it...is the steam wand durable, [pull on it, tug it, push it back and forth, because these are the things you'll be doing with it all the time and you want to make sure it can stand up to that], is the part you put the espresso in sturdy....but like i said anything that is relatively 200-300 dollars you wont have to worry about... It's a whole lot about quality and a little bit about what looks good in your kitchen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantastik Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Bella! what're your numbers? i'm a 158xxxx, can you believe there are already 170xxxx numbered partners?! Also, if you do decide on the saeco aroma and you Do get it, let me know! my store was getting rid of the starbucks branded saeco aroma coffee filters, and i managed to nab myself like 4 boxes... 'll be more than happy to send em your way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellaxovita Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 [quote name='phantastik' date='21 January 2010 - 09:47 AM' timestamp='1264085247' post='446823'] Bella! what're your numbers? i'm a 158xxxx, can you believe there are already 170xxxx numbered partners?! Also, if you do decide on the saeco aroma and you Do get it, let me know! my store was getting rid of the starbucks branded saeco aroma coffee filters, and i managed to nab myself like 4 boxes... 'll be more than happy to send em your way! [/quote] lol holy crap!! my number was 148xxxx. but i now work at one in target and they don't have partner numbers i still have my card though lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delSol_si Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 damn...my mom bought me a $20 coffee maker from walmart and I'm totally stoked with it....and you guys are spending $2k on a coffee maker??? jeepers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellaxovita Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 [quote name='delSol_si' date='21 January 2010 - 11:00 AM' timestamp='1264089646' post='446839'] damn...my mom bought me a $20 coffee maker from walmart and I'm totally stoked with it....and you guys are spending $2k on a coffee maker??? jeepers [/quote] lol del there is a difference. coffee makers absolutely 20 bucks will do. espresso machines straight crap at 20. my coffee maker was free lol...and my french press was 12 bucks from ikea....as oppose to 40 at starbucks...there are some things you can spare expense on but usually espresso machines aren't one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodsytheowl Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 The most important advice I can give you is to invest in a really good grinder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delSol_si Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 ok, found the perfect combo just now, caramel truffle decaf+ Bailey's with a hint of caramel= amazingness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amn_sinclair Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 man i feel like a loser lol. my esspresso thing was like 40 and i love it lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellaxovita Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 haha hey man, if it works it works. money isn't everything. i don't even have one and i work in a coffee shop. i mean after playing with one all day i don't really have the desire to come home and make my own. plus i'm not all about the crafty drinks lol. i'll stick with my $12 french press. that's where good coffee is really at. not to mention there is more caffeine in a 12oz cup of coffee then there is in a shot of espresso. so on the caffeine end of it... it's kinda a waste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosepotatoes Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 There's a new machine they have at starbucks (i used to work there as well) but it's a recreation of the Starbucks Barista machine called the Via Venezia and it's by Saeco and it's only like $199. It works well for the occasional daily espresso. It's difficult to pull many shots because even with the espresso pods you can buy for it, it sometimes needs to warm between each shot (but this doesn't take too long). But pulling 2 shots for a latte wouldn't be an issue. It also has a steam wand that works pretty well. I think the machine is great for casual espresso drinker. But stressing what they say above, it's not about the machine, it's the coffee you put it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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