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Re: Espresso machine [cloy26] [ In reply to ]
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cloy26 wrote:
Anyone have any suggestions to upgrade my gaggia MDF grinder? I strongly dislike the doser-type grinders... It's a freaking pain.

How much you want to spend? I'd say, based off what I've been able to learn, that the cheapest *good* espresso grinder is the Compak K3, which is also doserless (a plus in my book) at ~$550. https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/...ch-doserless-grinder

There are decent grinders for less than that, sure. But it seems like anything less is a "...but you'll want to upgrade eventually" type of purchase. The K3 seems to be good enough to pair with a machine of any caliber without being a limiter. I have not been able to find anything cheaper than the K3 that seems to be 1) reliable and 2) capable.

"Non est ad astra mollis e terris via." - Seneca | rappstar.com | FB - Rappstar Racing | IG - @jordanrapp
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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For that range, if you're considering machine alone, also consider crossland CC1. If this is cost for machine AND grinder make sure you have room for ~$300-350 on grinder. The new Baratza Sette grinders look to be very good, and the Rancilio Rocky offers a lot of bang for buck in the espresso world (go doserless). FWIW I have a gaggia classic, rancilio rocky, and then run all my other coffee through a baratza virtuoso (it's normal to have espresso and then different coffees for pour over, aeropress, etc. in your home, right?). All equipment is at least 5 years old and has held up well.
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Re: Espresso machine [Rappstar] [ In reply to ]
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What those automatic grinder have that manual grinder like this one don't?

https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/hario-skeleton-skerton-coffee-mill
Last edited by: quickguru: Apr 21, 16 13:34
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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Coffee snob checking in.

Best way to enjoy coffee is black, brewed. Not fancy fluff espresso drinks.

Best way to brew coffee is a $40 French press and a $20 grinder.

You guys are throwing money away on stuff that gives you inferior coffee taste. That's nuts.
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Re: Espresso machine [Dilbert] [ In reply to ]
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^ please.


coffee snob checking in as well.
Brewtus IV rotary pump plumbed in, paired with a Mahlkonig k30 vario grinder. I use an aeropress when on the road.

All of the things above above buying a good grinder are on point. It's kind of like lenses and bodies of cameras.
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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I have the Gaggia Accademia, Gaggia Titanium, Gaggia Classic, and a Nespresso for backup.

The Accademia is pretty good, except for the capacity of the drop tray and dredge drawer. It complains about something all the time (clean drip tray, refill water tank, coffee beans empty etc.)
The titanium was better capacity wise, both are "beans to cup"
The Gaggia Classic is more manual work but I feel like I have more control over everything. But you have to grind the coffee yourself. I kind of like that whole process though, it feels like I am crafting my coffee instead of just pressing a button.

The Nespresso is obviously very convenient, and the coffee pods are actually pretty good. It's more expensive to run though, and you don't get that feeling of control and the "hand crafted" element.

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Re: Espresso machine [robgray] [ In reply to ]
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if you're looking to dip your toe into the pool (and its a very deep pool....believe me) I suggest going used. you can get a lot of machine for very good pricing, and as long as you get it checked over (any decent shop can do this) it should be no issue.

a lot of people seem to buy espresso makers picturing this life where they sip lattes on their porch in the morning sun, and it never gets used and winds up on craigslist 6-12 months later barely used. Seize that opportunity.
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Re: Espresso machine [RONDAL] [ In reply to ]
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RONDAL wrote:
if you're looking to dip your toe into the pool (and its a very deep pool....believe me) I suggest going used. you can get a lot of machine for very good pricing, and as long as you get it checked over (any decent shop can do this) it should be no issue.

a lot of people seem to buy espresso makers picturing this life where they sip lattes on their porch in the morning sun, and it never gets used and winds up on craigslist 6-12 months later barely used. Seize that opportunity.

Or open box. There are some really good deals on open box machines as well.

"Non est ad astra mollis e terris via." - Seneca | rappstar.com | FB - Rappstar Racing | IG - @jordanrapp
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Re: Espresso machine [RONDAL] [ In reply to ]
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RONDAL wrote:
a lot of people seem to buy espresso makers picturing this life where they sip lattes on their porch in the morning sun

Yes that is basically my life. Except in winter I sit inside, next to the deck but not on it. Usually in the sun

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Are you ready to do an Ultraman? | How I calculate Ironman race fueling | Strength Training for Athletes |
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Re: Espresso machine [robgray] [ In reply to ]
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I am also looking to upgrade my set up. I've had a Gaggia Baby Class and Gaggia 8002 MDF Grinder. The grinder seems alright, however, its all I know and the most expensive grinder I've owned.
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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There is only one choice, and that choice is Nespresso!

The best part of their offering is the number of varieties they have for you to choose from. I think they're up to around 14 different varieties now and it really makes a difference. They have an easy way to recycle pods and ship the pods easily as well.

It's certainly worth a look!
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Re: Espresso machine [RONDAL] [ In reply to ]
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another coffee snob here.

The grinder and FRESH BEANS really are key, you can make great espresso with a good grinder, good beans and a entry level espresso machine.

I have a Rocket r58 paired with a Eureka Mignon Instantanio. Highly recommend the grinder for the price.
I have a lot pricier Elektra that collects dust because its a doser and makes a mess, the grind quality might be a touch better but I enjoy the convenience of the doser less.

I also have a aeropress, french press, percolator, kuerig, moka pot, drip filter and my personal preference is espresso or long black, and a flat white in the evening.
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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I have had a few cheap-er espresso units over the years, but seem to have stepped up my espresso making abilities with the Breville Barista Express.

https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/...ess-espresso-machine

I like that the grinder is built into the package, the pressure gauge is great for getting a feedback on the grind size and tamp pressure, and most importantly, I think it can make a decent cup.

It's certainly in your price range too!
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Re: Espresso machine [trainlighter] [ In reply to ]
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trainlighter wrote:
There is only one choice, and that choice is Nespresso!

The best part of their offering is the number of varieties they have for you to choose from. I think they're up to around 14 different varieties now and it really makes a difference. They have an easy way to recycle pods and ship the pods easily as well.

It's certainly worth a look!

wrong wrong wrong, just plain wrong
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Re: Espresso machine [echappist] [ In reply to ]
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echappist wrote:
trainlighter wrote:
There is only one choice, and that choice is Nespresso!

The best part of their offering is the number of varieties they have for you to choose from. I think they're up to around 14 different varieties now and it really makes a difference. They have an easy way to recycle pods and ship the pods easily as well.

It's certainly worth a look!

wrong wrong wrong, just plain wrong

I see, an artist... While I'll admit that a pulled espresso from an expert hand is pretty damn unbeatable, I am not that hand and dropping a pod into one of those machines is too easy to pass up. In fact, I average about 6 daily!
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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Not automatic, but there's always this.

http://www.target.com/...FUw&gclsrc=aw.ds

It's what I use.
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Re: Espresso machine [quickguru] [ In reply to ]
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+1 on fresh beans, closer to the roasting date makes a huge difference.

A double boiler allows one to brew a latte or mocha in quick succession, otherwise a single boiler will have you waiting about 2 minutes for steam for the milk. Also, doing any succession of pull shot, froth, pull shot--goes to hell with a single boiler.

I have a Rancilio Silvia & a Rocky Rancilio grinder. No regrets, but wish I had sprung for the higher end, semi commercial double boiler model.

You will never regret spending more money on a higher quality expresso machine (unless your afib is a pre-existing condition).
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Re: Espresso machine [trainlighter] [ In reply to ]
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trainlighter wrote:
There is only one choice, and that choice is Nespresso!

The best part of their offering is the number of varieties they have for you to choose from. I think they're up to around 14 different varieties now and it really makes a difference. They have an easy way to recycle pods and ship the pods easily as well.

It's certainly worth a look!


STOP IT!

Having a Nespresso is like masturbating, where a good espresso is like having good sex with a beautiful woman.

Plus, coffee is only black. Coffee flavors is the worst thing that happened to coffee.


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Re: Espresso machine [Tri Nut] [ In reply to ]
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Everyone needs a little instant gratification once and a while...

Seriously, when I said varieties I meant that as different types of coffee beans, not vanilla, hazelnut, etc. if you find yourself in a store that has their machines try a couple of their shots for the sake of argument.

I get it, there's no romance in dropping a pod into a machine and then push one little button for your shot. That said, I've had other, more expensive machines and also tried espresso shots at tons of coffee shops. Rarely, outside of Italy that is, have I found a better consistent shot of espresso than via my Nespresso machine. Their coffee quality is excellent, there's a nice crema on the top of the shot and no matter what style of coffee you like they've got you covered.

Now if you'll excuse me I'm off for my morning masturbation.
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Re: Espresso machine [Rover24] [ In reply to ]
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Nuff said.......




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Re: Espresso machine [Rappstar] [ In reply to ]
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Rappstar wrote:
RONDAL wrote:
if you're looking to dip your toe into the pool (and its a very deep pool....believe me) I suggest going used. you can get a lot of machine for very good pricing, and as long as you get it checked over (any decent shop can do this) it should be no issue.

a lot of people seem to buy espresso makers picturing this life where they sip lattes on their porch in the morning sun, and it never gets used and winds up on craigslist 6-12 months later barely used. Seize that opportunity.


Or open box. There are some really good deals on open box machines as well.

Good point. Open box is actually how I got my grinder.
A friend bought a store demo model saved over 40% on a machine that would sit and be used for the odd demo over a 12mth span.
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Re: Espresso machine [Cooker] [ In reply to ]
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Cooker wrote:
+1 on fresh beans, closer to the roasting date makes a huge difference.

A double boiler allows one to brew a latte or mocha in quick succession, otherwise a single boiler will have you waiting about 2 minutes for steam for the milk. Also, doing any succession of pull shot, froth, pull shot--goes to hell with a single boiler.

I have a Rancilio Silvia & a Rocky Rancilio grinder. No regrets, but wish I had sprung for the higher end, semi commercial double boiler model.

You will never regret spending more money on a higher quality expresso machine (unless your afib is a pre-existing condition).

i have a Silvia with PID and no longer steam as i suck at doing latte art; which reminds me, anyone wants to show off their latte art work?

also, weighing your grinds is very important to consistency of your espresso
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Re: Espresso machine [trainlighter] [ In reply to ]
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trainlighter wrote:
There is only one choice, and that choice is Nespresso!

The best part of their offering is the number of varieties they have for you to choose from. I think they're up to around 14 different varieties now and it really makes a difference. They have an easy way to recycle pods and ship the pods easily as well.

It's certainly worth a look!

Just. Say. NO!

14 different varieties? With a real espresso machine you have thousands if not millions.
You go buy beans, either from large producer or small roasters, and you grind them and extract.
You can dial in the flavor and do some pretty incredible things.

There will come a time in your life where you will try a shot of espresso that truly is life changing. Mine happened to be from a slayer single group so my life is now ruined. The sweetness, the buttery smoothness. Changes the way you taste and see coffee. You simply can't do that with a machine where everything is preset. The guys in the factories making the pods are simply trying to mimic the fresh espresso taste. Or you could just go pull a shot of fresh espresso.
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Re: Espresso machine [RONDAL] [ In reply to ]
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Like you, I'm also ruined for life by the perfect pull of espresso. It happened to me the first time I tried one in Florence, Italy and I'll always remember it! Because of that shot I now really only drink espresso and average around 6 shots daily.

Since then, I've had very few shots that could come close to nirvana. Instead, it's a frustrating experience of almost or not even close to what I expect when trying shots. I've owned several different types of machines and tried countless different beans as well (Illy remains my favorite). Maybe I just don't have the skill set to make a good shot but I really do know what to expect and Nespresso delivers a really good shot with a beautiful crema.

Stop by a store that will allow you to try a shot and make sure to ask for the OriginalLine. I'm not kidding, you'll be impressed. They may be pods but after a little research you'll find its not just some lame Keurig, it is indeed the real deal.

Finally, a shout out to my favorite espresso shot in the US. If ever you're in Long Beach on 2nd St in Belmont Shore, stop by Aroma Di Roma. They deliver a beautiful shot and their dry cappuccino is divine.
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Re: Espresso machine [beston] [ In reply to ]
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beston wrote:
I have had a few cheap-er espresso units over the years, but seem to have stepped up my espresso making abilities with the Breville Barista Express.

https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/...ess-espresso-machine

I like that the grinder is built into the package, the pressure gauge is great for getting a feedback on the grind size and tamp pressure, and most importantly, I think it can make a decent cup.

It's certainly in your price range too!


We have this machine and it is Very good. Not sexy Italian but well made and reliable. Easy to clean too. The only thing which can catch you out is that the filter basket is smaller than most (54mm I think - most are 58) and so you can't get yourself a fancy after-market tamper unless you're very lucky. Or you have enough $$ for a Chris King - they come in different sizes. According to two friends of mine who're in the coffee business, a deeper/smaller basket enables a better result from a modest machine and (importantly) without much barista expertise.
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