Best Machine for Latte & Cappuccino?

MacMiniBoy said:
i have been heavy dolce gusto for years, i like them, but I have had restaurant coffee which I imagine is B2C which is definately better, and B2C is cheaper longterm i think?
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I suppose logically B2C would be cheaper as Nescafe will have a markup on their cups. That is unless you factor in the flavours and other additions which could bring them close/same in price?
 
Good overview of a bean to cup. To be honest though, if you like the coffee from a pod machine and don't want any more they're great.
 
Scottland said:
Good overview of a bean to cup. To be honest though, if you like the coffee from a pod machine and don't want any more they're great.
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That looks like a decent B2C machine. To be honest though I'm starting to think that for someone like me who has latte/cappuccinos infrequently and isn't the most skilled coffee maker the pod machines may be a tad more economical/easy albeit slightly underwhelming.
 
MacMiniBoy said:
this is the problem with stuff these days, the brand use to make their own stuff now its all licensed out.

how do you know you are getting an original italiano?
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Definitely :(.

Older second hand ones will more likely be the Italian ones I believe. There's various designs and subtle font changes during the different years models which you can likely use to figure it out - there's loads of forums pointing out these things.

Participant said:
Look into what it involves making a latte with that ^ and you'll have your answer. YouTube is a good start.

It's a whole bloody science and I personally cannot be arsed, by any stretch.
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Heh, that's half the fun :). I only really use it at the weekend as a treat. Probably takes about five minutes to make a cup and grinding about a minute - even using a stepless hand-grinder set to grind to a very fine espresso grind.
 
For sheer ease, Sage Oracle.
Grinds, tamps and even steams the milk. You just have to press a couple of buttons. Spent some time playing with one and it actually does a good job.

It's a touch pricey though.
 
monkeyspank said:
How long for cleaning up, getting things out etc ?
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Getting "things" out?

the grinder is sitting next to the machine, which has beans in. The portafilter is sitting loose on the spill tray on the machine so...

1 - pick up portafilter
2 - place it under the mouth of the grinder, which triggers the start of the grinder. Hold it there for 5 seconds or so until it stops itself.
3 - press down with press.
4 - put it in Gaggia
5 - place espresso cup underneath
6 - press the button to start
7 - press the button again to stop
8 - pour it into a mug, add milk and hot water.

As for cleaning up the machine.

I run some water through it by pressing the on button. Grab a piece of kitchen paper and wipe the shower head. Turn it off.

Back the portafilter on the kitchen counter to get out the grind, rinse it under the tap and wash my mug.

I don't drink latte, 99% Americano so boil the kettle like you make a cup of tea. It doesn't add anything to the washing up apart from the portafilter.
 
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Classic + MC2 is the best starter combo imo. Just about to put mine up for sale as the upgrade is due any day soon :-) certainly served me well.
 
La pavoni + Mazzer SJ

WRT grinding as well, takes about 5seconds on the MC2 to fill the portafilter... It's just dialling it in that's time consuming
 
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I've been considering getting the sage bean-to-cup coffee machine for some time. It's not the cheapest on the market but I figured seeing as I'm often spending £7 a day on coffee it should pay for itself after a while.

I wish I could drink filter/instant coffee but they just taste a bit naff to me.

I was at a hotel in London recently and they had a nespresso machine which you could use with breakfast and I was very impressed by the quality espresso it made. Just not keen on being locked into a brand of coffee.
 
We got a bean to cup machine. It's pretty damn fantastic. A brand I'd never heard of, until I came across it one day and purchased it (turns out its German made) Melitta caffeo CI.

A bit pricey but very recommended by me.

Edit. Forgot to say it comes with a little jug you fill with milk, that you hook up to the machine with a rubber tube. It'll then steam the milk for you and add it into your coffee.

https://youtu.be/FWShLspPW7w
 
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so to sum it up would everyone say no pod machine can match bean to cup?

the reason i ask is trusted reviews say different about the AEG lavazza fantasia machine?
 
MacMiniBoy said:
so to sum it up would everyone say no pod machine can match bean to cup?

the reason i ask is trusted reviews say different about the AEG lavazza fantasia machine?
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I think this will depend on where you plan to get your coffee. If you will go to the supermarket and buy the same bag of stale beans each time - then there's probably not as much in it compared to pod machines. If you would probably order fresher beans on-line, and mix it up a little by trying different ones out - then you'll probably get more out of a bean2cup.

Or another way, a pod machine will give you the exact same cup of coffee every time. Whereas a 'proper' espresso machine will vary depending on beans, grind etc but will often be 'technically' a better cup.

Trifid said:
I thought this looked interesting for the price (especially with the free grinder). What do you all think?


http://www.johnlewis.com/de-longhi-...resso-coffee-machine-stainless-steel/p1759289
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I think De'Longhi machines are usually pretty good - but the grinder won't be brilliant. If you could pick up the machine cheaper elsewhere (e.g. a refurb or something) and try to pick up a better grinder.
 
Just got one. But as said will end up changing the grinder at some point. Plus its JL so can always return the whole set if its rubbish!

Edit: So been playing around and got some nice results.in my.opinion. Probably not the best comparison but I made a vanilla latte better then McDonalds earlier.
 
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Scottland said:
I think this will depend on where you plan to get your coffee. If you will go to the supermarket and buy the same bag of stale beans each time - then there's probably not as much in it compared to pod machines. If you would probably order fresher beans on-line, and mix it up a little by trying different ones out - then you'll probably get more out of a bean2cup.

Or another way, a pod machine will give you the exact same cup of coffee every time. Whereas a 'proper' espresso machine will vary depending on beans, grind etc but will often be 'technically' a better cup.




I think De'Longhi machines are usually pretty good - but the grinder won't be brilliant. If you could pick up the machine cheaper elsewhere (e.g. a refurb or something) and try to pick up a better grinder.
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technically better and long term cheaper yes?
 
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