Recommend me a coffee machine

dazzlaa · 23 Nov 2022 at 21:59

As above,

Looking for a decent machine, not just a pod one. I like nice coffee and have looked at sage etc but they’re mega expensive. Has anyone had experience with the Breville barista models?

dazzlaa · 24 Nov 2022 at 10:00

Thanks for the suggestions, it really is a minefield and, like everything; there really is no perfect product it seems.

Found a few decent looking machines but my budget seems to be expanding further to accommodate. I do like the idea of a wider machine rather than a longer one. I feel it would fit into my kitchen arrangement better. However, the coffee has to be good!

So far, I like the look of the dedica for price and features, but continue to search.

dazzlaa · 24 Nov 2022 at 13:20

Scam said:
You may want to look here https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/siliconslaves-how-to-make-espresso-thread.17887005/

On a completely honest note- as a good coffee lover I would never go down the route of an espresso machine. Reasons..

You need a very good grinder to go with it (need to spend more on the grinder than machine)

You go through beans like nobody's business. Every time you change beans you'll waste 100s of grams of them dialling in the grind. If you're buying an espresso machine to drink good coffee then those beans are going to be £7+ per 250g minimum.

Cleaning etc. seems like a chore/full time job

It's very hard to be consistent when pulling espresso

(I just dont have the space for a machine!)

I actually thought I had more points than that (!!), but a friend of mine has a machine and is endlessly frustrated by it. He's really put me off.

For me, because I only drink a white Americano I simply have a decent grinder and an Aeropress and buy good beans. It's all I need. It's easy, consistent and quite a bit cheaper than a machine! I try a cafetiere every now and again, and I will get a moka pot if I fancy something shorter.

On a positive note, I always thought the Gaggia Classic was the de facto best home espresso machine. Lots of parts available, big community etc.

Thanks for that detailed reply. I have never owned an espresso machine so its very helpful. It is a Christmas gift so I'll let my wife buy one and see how I get on. Have been looking into the Sage machines and managed to stretch the budget out to get one. (It was alwasy going to happen to be fair!

)

dazzlaa · 24 Nov 2022 at 13:20

ddoubleep said:
A family member has the The Barista Express which makes some great coffee. It is expensive but any Black Friday offers?

Bit too much unfortunately, looking into the duo pro or the bambino plus right now.

dazzlaa · 26 Nov 2022 at 07:42

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was actually put onto the DeLonghi ebay store to check out their refurbs yesterday, they did have some great deals indeed.
I did go for the Sage Bambino Plus in the end though, I like the simplicity of it and the dimensions will allow it to not take up too much counter space. Wish I could report back on my thoughts but it's going into Santas sack ready for the big day.... Well at least I can wake up properly with a nice coffee after the kids (and me) wake up at 4am with excitement! :cry:

dazzlaa · 26 Nov 2022 at 14:03

jpaul said:
with an accompanying grinder ? from sage too ?

e: I use mine 50:50 for hot chocolate now , a potentially cheaper childs drink

Haha unfortunately not, that will be a cheaper one to get started with

dazzlaa · 26 Nov 2022 at 14:04

Scam said:
Yeah @dazzlaa I thought it fairly obvious to mention but supermarket beans aren’t going to be much cop for espresso. If you really want decent coffee you need to have the grinder - and grind beans right before pulling your espresso. The difference is night and day. It’s a bit like the difference between using for example dried Basil in a sauce, compared to fresh.

Good coffee is like 90% fresh beans and 10% brewing method, especially if you’re drinking espresso/non milky drinks.

Appreciate that, I think to start with I'll get a pack of pre-ground and then start to experiment further.

GeX said:
Espresso ground from somewhere like Pact or Dark Arts is good too, not as fresh as grinding your own but leagues ahead of supermarket.

Legend, I'll get some for the first run, thanks!

dazzlaa · 26 Nov 2022 at 18:07

NickK said:
I will probably annoy you - the perfect coffee:

1. The beans.
2. The grind.
3. The machine.

Seriously - a good coffee is in that order. I would look at a better coffee grinder and beans with a Chemex or French press first (dial up the granularity). Then when you're ready go for the machine (and dial in the grind).

This is going to end up being as costly and addictive as PC upgrades isn't it haha...... *goes to investigate grinders*

dazzlaa · 27 Nov 2022 at 10:55

NickK said:
You'll want to ask in Siliconslaves coffee thread (https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/siliconslaves-how-to-make-espresso-thread.17887005/)

I have two - a Tissimo pod thing. Coffee is.. well caffeinated and coffee coloured. It does for any adhoc coffee. I also have an Elektra Microcasa a Leva which is a spring loaded manual coffee machine that also steams so good the milk is like velvet. Only issue is it takes 15 minutes to heat up and has enough water for two cappuccinos (ie two shots + steam for two cups of milk). It's also a diva and you must have freshly roasted (<6days) and ground (<6mins) or the spring will simply push the water through the puck too fast. Also need a good grinder (I have a MCap 4 bag grinder). The espresso is something to die for.. and the milky drinks are just jaw dropping.

That machine does look classy. It would be enough just to have it sat on the side looking cool. I have spoken in the coffee thread now too, there real;ly is a thread for everything on OCUK :cry: