Spec me a coffee maker

Sarduk

Sarduk

Sarduk

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25 Mar 2007
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I am looking for a coffee maker that can make all kinds of coffee. Preferably bean-to-coffee, not looking to spend more than £100 - £150.

I love coffee, but don't know where to start with this.

I checked out the Tassimo.. but I think it would restrict my café sélection too much!

Would like to hear from those who have decent ones :)
 
Not sure you'll get a bean to cup maker that's any good for 100-150 mate.

you can get re-con gaggia machines direct from them for sub 150, c/w warranty. and you can order some superb coffee grinds from a place called hasbean (google them).

i have a recon gaggia coffee (it's actually called the "coffee") makes superb espresso (as long as you have a decent coffee to start with) and has a steamer for heating / frothing milk too.

you know tassimo? look into the eyes not around the eyes...and you're under...

forget tassimo ever existed.

3,2,1 and back in the room
 
The thing with tassimo is you are always at the mercy of the manufacturer. Soon as that hype is over and sale drop they eventually cut back on production and stop making those pods all together. What do you do then? Spent a bit more on a gaggia machine and grinder and it'll last literally forever
 
If I can offer a note of caution. Many years back I bought a reasonable quality Dualit coffee maker (£250 I think). It makes a very nice cup of Espresso. The only trouble is the hassle. I've always associated the 'occasion' of having a really nice cup of coffee with being sat in a coffee shop, having a laugh with my mates and relaxing. It's my opinion that you can't replicate this with a home coffee machine. You have to change the grinds after every cup. Frothing the milk is exciting for the first couple of times but after that you can't be bothered having to clean the machine or stand there holding a cup under the wand. Also, I don't know if it's an issue with all mid-price home coffee machines, but mine won't produce coffee that's quite hot enough.

So if you're going to buy, bear in mind how much extra effort you have to put in so that you can enjoy a nicer coffee and a nice-smelling house. It might not be an issue for you, but for me I was spending longer on the preparation and cleaning that I was with the coffee itself.
 
I think it's worth it. Takes 5 seconds to rinse the coffee holder. I don't drink macchiato or cappuccino so I don't froth milk, but the missus does.

The smell of freshly made espresso and the tingles you get when you drink one in the morning.... ooh... shudder. :)
 
Bean to coffee wise as said above your not gonna get a lot. 2nd hand Gaggia Classic probably your best bet. However there are running costs involved.

Be cheaper to get a Tasimo to be honest..

Also, I don't know if it's an issue with all mid-price home coffee machines, but mine won't produce coffee that's quite hot enough.
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(by the sounds of it..) this is maintenance. In this case heating element has probably got lots of limescale. You'll need to buy products like puly caff/powder to keep an espresso machine tip top.
 
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Tassimo... Nespresso... why do I feel like I am building a computer again?

Nespresso seems to be a bit above tassimo, with a bigger range of coffee. Still tied down though, and the fun of going out to buy beans goes.
 
mulpsmebeauty said:
If I can offer a note of caution. Many years back I bought a reasonable quality Dualit coffee maker (£250 I think). It makes a very nice cup of Espresso. The only trouble is the hassle. I've always associated the 'occasion' of having a really nice cup of coffee with being sat in a coffee shop, having a laugh with my mates and relaxing. It's my opinion that you can't replicate this with a home coffee machine. You have to change the grinds after every cup. Frothing the milk is exciting for the first couple of times but after that you can't be bothered having to clean the machine or stand there holding a cup under the wand. Also, I don't know if it's an issue with all mid-price home coffee machines, but mine won't produce coffee that's quite hot enough.

So if you're going to buy, bear in mind how much extra effort you have to put in so that you can enjoy a nicer coffee and a nice-smelling house. It might not be an issue for you, but for me I was spending longer on the preparation and cleaning that I was with the coffee itself.
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Yep, I have to agree with you entirely, I bought a Gaggia Classic and Gaggia MDF Grinder from eBay, a great coffe making combo. Enjoyed it at first but after a while the novelty just wore off and it was a pain to make a cup of coffee.
It did indeed take longer to make than drink and whilst this is fine for some people it spoilt it for me, I sold the lot back on eBay for what I had paid for it and now just enjoy instant.
 
Coffee might be a bit cooler than boiled water from a kettle as coffee is meant to be made with water that's less than boiling temp.
 
JimpsEd said:
Then why is the proper way to make espresso by forcing steam through the coffee grinds?
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:confused:

Water should be circa 94c, and forced through medium ground beans in a filter basket. It should take circa 30seconds from the first drip of water to the last. (bearing in mind we are talking about espresso machines here)
 
also be aware that to get the most out of any coffee machine you'll need a grinder of at least reasonable coffee and to be using fresh beans, otherwise any investment in the coffee machine will be limited by the other parts
 
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