Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

[PikeyPriest]

I’ve been looking at a new coffee machine and obviously budget creep has happened.

Has anyone bought from the eBay refurbished site for sage coffee machines?

I’ve been looking at an oracle jet (such as https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33578279...ar=545311639643&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY )

The following are missing:
Water Filter,
Descaling Powder,
Grind Outlet Brush & Tamp Removal Magnet,
Cleaning Brush,
Steam Wand Tip Cleaning Tool,
Allen Key,
Cleaning Disc,
Cleaning Tablets,
Water Hardness Strip,
Drip Tray Guard,
Manual,
Knock Box 10,
Stainless Steel Milk Jug

Are these thing I could just buy separately? Is buying like this a stupid idea? Anyone bought similar before?

 

[starmanwarz]

After many years with a Nespresso pod machine, it is time for an upgrade.

I've been looking at the Sage range for an all in one solution but decided against it and ordered a Profitec Go.

Now I must decide on a grinder, I was set on a Eureka Specialita but I'm also considering the DF64 v2. Which workflow would be better?

 

[Stellios]

After many years with a Nespresso pod machine, it is time for an upgrade.

I've been looking at the Sage range for an all in one solution but decided against it and ordered a Profitec Go.

Now I must decide on a grinder, I was set on a Eureka Specialita but I'm also considering the DF64 v2. Which workflow would be better?

Both are good choices and will serve you well for a long time. The main thing you need to consider is how thourough you want to be when making a brew. The Eureka will let you just pour a bag in the top and do a timed grind to get roughly the weight you want each time you grind. The DF64 you have to weigh your input each time. I'm biased as I own the DF64V, but so far it has been absolutely brilliant.

Theres only a couple of places in the UK selling the DF64, I went with Sigma Coffee and they were amazing. Kept me up to date whenever I was asking about delivery dates (there was a 3 month waiting list at the time) and were truthful and realistic about dates. For a small business, I'd definately recommend them.

 

[jpaul]

HX machine - was finding intermittent flow during brew, and then this week found that back-cleaning caused pump to lock-up(no noise)
now ordered a repair kit for the ulka pump - washer+ball+mushroom.
temporarily swapped in mushroom/flipped-washer and changed red body(are windings failing, even if pump not smoking) from original 15 year old pump,
into new 4 year old, also, wondered if I had not screwed mushroom in far enough for highest spring pressure.
seems better for now, & back-cleaning working, no leaks, will test with brew tonight.

cleaned tubing to pump out with piece of wool attached to fine wire - maybe you can get some real fine pipe-cleaners - but hole is probably less than 2mm dia.

 

[Begbie]

I think the amount you have to invest in the beans themselves is as much part of the quality of drink outcome ... I know those £8-10 bags are nicer,
for which I'd be spending £250/year more (probably peanuts if you drink out in pubs / starbucks 'coffee' shop these days)

It's all about beans for me, I personally get a nicer brew using my old spice grinder and aero press with good beans than I do crap beans out my espresso machine and expensive grinder.

Beans are 70% of the final product from my experience.