Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

I've been doing a bit more research and now I'm even more confused... I'm still liking the idea of the Barista Express however for that money it seems as it has been suggested I'm better off getting a grinder and something else. I keep reading good things about Baratza Virtuoso, would it be worth getting that and something else instead? I've never done anything like this before and ideally just want to spend out now and not have to worry about it for a good few years. I've basically read myself in to confusion :( but I am still leaning towards the barista express although I keep reading good things about The Rancilio Silvia and the Rocky coffee grinder, this seems like a good price? http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SET-RANCILIO&gclid=CPfThdPTvNACFY8y0wodQD4H2w
 
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Virtuoso is a good grinder. The Encore is quite a bit cheaper and still very good. Will save yourself nearly £100.

Are you wanting espresso coffee? It's personal preference - many people prefer filter coffee.

I ask this because the above grinders are entry level for espresso, but very capable for filter.
 
Dj_Jestar said:
Virtuoso is a good grinder. The Encore is quite a bit cheaper and still very good. Will save yourself nearly £100.

Are you wanting espresso coffee? It's personal preference - many people prefer filter coffee.

I ask this because the above grinders are entry level for espresso, but very capable for filter.
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Hi mate thanks for that, I love espresso and americano so that's kind of the only things I really care about to be honest.
 
The Rocky Grinder is stepped (but seems the two Baratza's are too) so sometimes you find it will not deliver the grind you want -
I currently need 5 1/2 for the Rave Signature blend I am currently using, so have to tamp light on 5 or tamp hard on 6 :)
this is a bit annoying but have lived with it for a (reliable) 5+ years.
 
For espresso you need to have a very well controlled and consistent grinder. Filter you can get away with it a bit, but it's always nice to have consistency ofc.

I would say the Encore is the "lowest" I would allow for an espresso grinder, and that's permitting for some inconsistency.

The Rancilio Rocky or Mahlkonig Vario is marginally better, and something like the Eureka Mignon better still because it isn't stepped and gives you even finer control - however that latter is creeping toward £300+ territory.
 
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if your only going to do espresso and don't need to jump back to filter grind you'd be hard pushed to beat the Iberital MC2 for £140ish from happy donkey.

positives are its got a very fine refinement on the non-stepped adjuster, good burrs and a very good resultant grind, serious value for money.

negative it takes about 5min of turning the dial to get between espresso and cafetiere grind, its a bit noisy, it's not the best thing to look at, i've never got the timer to work properly.
 
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So once I have the grinder what's a good machine to go for? Sorry if I've missed it but the names above (unless I missed one) all are grinders and all look cool!

Thanks :)
 
Does seem good value the MC2, just read the HD review for first time; that explained typo
"i've never got the timeR to work properly"
did you have to mark the grind adjustment knob in some way, as it suggests you might do for repeatability/counting turns.
(I think Raymond had one of these too - have to look back)
Brexit will soon push the price up - Italian import - no.
(am always keeping eyes open for a 2nd hand Mazzer Joly too)
 
I had a Silvia (£355 new it seems now) main drawback is milk steaming capability since only a single boiler, but I was just making pure espresso.
Before getting a HeatExchanger Bezzera model had strongly considered new OSCAR II HE replacement for the classic Oscar, but few reviews 9 months back - brexit working against euro pricing now though; I do not know where you can see one in the flesh ? - that supplier has good reviews.
(just throwing that it in - don't think oscar has come up before here - any comments )
 
Thanks guys for all your help and advice seems I still have more reading and reviews to read before Black Friday in hope there is some killer deal or something haha. I'll have a look on the Bella Batista and see where they are, I'm SE near London so fingers crossed.
 
jpaul said:
...that explained typo...

did you have to mark the grind adjustment knob in some way, as it suggests you might do for repeatability/counting turns.
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oops - sorry!

In terms of counting turns a new bag is usually about 3-4 turns off an old bag of coffee (unless you get a very different bean/roast). I've never bothered marking the dial, just do it on feel :)
 
I am listening but just seeking advice as it's a lot of money but I've seen great things mentioned about the below, are either any good in your opinion?
Melitta Varianza CSP
Melitta Varianza TS
Melitta Varianza TSP
Not sure if it matters about cleaning and stuff, we distill all water in our home and have used the same kettle for 3 years and there is no build up in it at all still looks brand new inside.
What about Jura if going down the BTC route?
 
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Hi Gents,

The wife is going to buy me a coffee machine for christmas.

I want one that has a milk steamer and that uses grounds. I don't want one that uses pods.

I don't think I need one with a bean grinder built in, I'd rather get a seperate grinder and put the money towards a better quality machine.

I like americano's but do have the occasional latte/cappucino. My wife likes lattes so think a steamer is a must.

Looking to spend £100-200.

I have read through the thread and peoples opinions seem to differ! Any suggestions on what to go for?
 
bignev72 said:
Hi Gents,

The wife is going to buy me a coffee machine for christmas.

I want one that has a milk steamer and that uses grounds. I don't want one that uses pods.

I don't think I need one with a bean grinder built in, I'd rather get a seperate grinder and put the money towards a better quality machine.

I like americano's but do have the occasional latte/cappucino. My wife likes lattes so think a steamer is a must.

Looking to spend £100-200.

I have read through the thread and peoples opinions seem to differ! Any suggestions on what to go for?
Click to expand...

For the money, I'd only go for a Gaggia classic. You will need a dedicated grinder and some technique practice before you're able to get decent drinks out of it though.

Used classic's can be had for £80-150 depending on condition. Try the UK coffee forum sales page, they tend to crop up quite often.
 
bignev72 said:
Hi Gents,

The wife is going to buy me a coffee machine for christmas.

I want one that has a milk steamer and that uses grounds. I don't want one that uses pods.

I don't think I need one with a bean grinder built in, I'd rather get a seperate grinder and put the money towards a better quality machine.

I like americano's but do have the occasional latte/cappucino. My wife likes lattes so think a steamer is a must.

Looking to spend £100-200.

I have read through the thread and peoples opinions seem to differ! Any suggestions on what to go for?
Click to expand...

Ducky89 said:
For the money, I'd only go for a Gaggia classic. You will need a dedicated grinder and some technique practice before you're able to get decent drinks out of it though.

Used classic's can be had for £80-150 depending on condition. Try the UK coffee forum sales page, they tend to crop up quite often.
Click to expand...

What he said, however ensure it is not the current model. They automatically shut off after 30 minutes *thanks for that EU* and so you have to keep power cycling it every so often as really, they take the whole 30 minutes to get up to full temperature.
 
The Handground grinder has finally started shipping out to people (not sure about UK, but I know we have some members in the US too). Anyone managed to try one? I really want to replace my Porlex. It's just such a pain in the arse grinding for a good 2-3 minutes straight for a single cup.
 
Heads up guys - Foundry coffee roasters are doing 50% off beans this weekend. Was going to order from them anyway - we now have a collective 5KG on order from our office...!

I can highly recommend their rocko mountain SO :-)
 
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