espresso machines

[eddyz]

I recently started working as a barista, and im really enjoying it.. I want to have my own little espresso machine, but I have no idea where online to get one.. I'm from Canada, and there seems to be no stores that carry a decent slection of espresso machine other than starbucks *which cost a fortune*

What espresso machine would you guys recommend that is cheap yet can do the job well?

[gimmegimme]

I "Invested" in this one:

If you're on a budget though...look at Krups.

[eddyz]

thats a nice looking machine.. how much did that cost?

[englandmj7]

Great thread. I've been looking into one as well.

[gimmegimme]

thats a nice looking machine.. how much did that cost?

Its around $500 I think...like I said, an investment. A friend of mine just got the little Krups machine and apparently it works really well. I like mine (Francis Francis X3 btw) because you can use Illy "pods" or normal espresso.

[thelightthatnevergoesout]

rancilio silvia all the way. and get a good grinder! can't go wrong this one of these!

you can buy an adapter to use ESE pods as well (if you're lazy).

or...if you're REALLY lazy, get a nespresso machine. they're a bit overpriced, but work well and the espresso is pretty consistent. their customer service is also good. i had one for a while as my g/f doesn't drink coffee, so it seemed pointless to buy beans, have them go stale, etc. the downside is you have no choice but to order the capsules from nespresso.

[polishmike]

I know a lot of people with Jura espresso machines and they all taste great but also look pretty expensive.

[ProfMonnitoff]

Before I post my answer, I have to mention that I have lived in Vienna for a significant portion of my life and our cafe culture is one of the strongest worldwide.

That being said I own a nespresso machine

The reason is that I'm lazy as fuck, and I can't taste the difference 15 minutes after waking up anyways. With this machine all I have to do is put a cup under it and press a single button. I've only fucked that up 2 or 3 times. I'm retarded in the morning. In the afternoon, I'm usually out with friends anyways, and there's no lack of good espresso in the 1st district. I don't drink coffee later than 6 or so.

[eddyz]

Humm. the Krup steam one seems pretty god for 90 bucks canadian...

[gimmegimme]

I don't really like the Nespresso machines, because the only ones that are nice looking are the tiny ones that don't steam milk. And you're stuck with their little pod things...which are pricey. And I only like Illy

[eddyz]

I have decided to get the krups. best for the price + they seem to have plenty of retailers arond my area.

or i cound build this instead ...

http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/15/how-to-make-a-cheap-portable-espresso-machine/

[thelightthatnevergoesout]

not sure how much the krups is, but i would seriously consider a rancilio silvia & rancilio rocky grinder. you'd be looking at around $1000 canadian, but for that price it can't be beat.

btw...if illy is your fave, you need to do some more tasting!

edit: i just noticed the post above which says that the krups is $90 canadian...in that case, forget the rancilio (it's slightly more expensive!).

[eddyz]

ya.. just slighty more expensive haha..

I've have to check it out.. If the quality seems bad *like full pastic shell* then i rather spend a few more bucks for some stainless steel espresso machine.

[gimmegimme]

not sure how much the krups is, but i would seriously consider a rancilio silvia & rancilio rocky grinder. you'd be looking at around $1000 canadian, but for that price it can't be beat.

btw...if illy is your fave, you need to do some more tasting!

edit: i just noticed the post above which says that the krups is $90 canadian...in that case, forget the rancilio (it's slightly more expensive!).

Come on...you can't tell me that Nespresso is THAT much better than Illy?

Eddy - I was going to mention that...buy whatever machine has the least amount of plastic! You'll notice if you look at the expensive machines, the only piece that's plastic is the water container.

[eddyz]

ya, i never like the idea of hot running water with plastic.

i am checking this site out http://www.espressotec.com/ , but damn they are so expensive....

[gimmegimme]

There are reviews and info on this site:

www.wholelattelove.com

[the wit of the staircase]

i've been looking into one too. but everyone i know who has spent money on one seems pissed off about it. halp!

[thelightthatnevergoesout]

Come on...you can't tell me that Nespresso is THAT much better than Illy?

i wasn't referring to nespresso!

espressotec carries the rancilio line. go for it! if you do, you won't be tempted to upgrade as soon!

[I_miss_lily]

http://coffeegeek.com/

All you need to know.

[dnarnya]

whats up with the "Attention California residents: Proposition 65 WARNING"? It says something about lead being in the Francis machines on the illy.com website? I was going to buy one of their machines and get the coffee subscription, but then I was like... wait a second. LEAD? didnt that mess the romans up?

http://www.illyusa.com/AB1666000/memberships/paymentMethod.cfm?K=M509

I think I have an iron with a stupid California warning about lead too, so I don't know if this is a problem... The francis machines look nice though.

[gimmegimme]

i wasn't referring to nespresso!

espressotec carries the rancilio line. go for it! if you do, you won't be tempted to upgrade as soon!

Ah, ok...that was the only coffee I saw you mention before this.

What other coffees are available in the ESE pods?

[Mbrand]

If you know a good torefactor or importer, any decent espresso machine will be better than Nespresso IMO.

[thelightthatnevergoesout]

Ah, ok...that was the only coffee I saw you mention before this.

What other coffees are available in the ESE pods?

loads of companies make ESE pods, as it's sort of an 'industry standard'. check out: http://www.podmerchant.com

of course, freshly roasted/ground beans will always be better, but there are quite a wide variety of brands/types of the ESE pods.

Mbrand - regarding nespresso - i don't think just ANY machine will make better espresso, and even THE BEST machine will make crap if the barista doesn't know what they're doing!

[englandmj7]

As a 'casual' (i.e. non conoisseur/snob) espresso drinker, I have to say that I am very pleased with the Nespresso machine I bought this week ($65 on Craigslist and brand new: great deal). Definitely recommended if you want something quick, clean, easy, and affordable.

[evisu 2000]

alessi x richard sapper

[totally epic]

I bought a Nespresso machine to put in my office. It's convenient and I get espresso with minimal fuss. And I don't put milk into my coffee so no steam wand was a plus!

[diewhitegirls]

Just drink Turkish coffee at home and save yourself the money. Buy a briki and drink the damn beans.

[AstroWolf]

i hate krups machines personaly. if your looking for a lowgrade AMAZING machine, its definitly a psyco... sounds like psycho when you say it... for like 300 you can get a really great machine.

but dont front on a nespresso, they have like 15 BAR. pretty nuts, seeing as more expensive machines only produce like 13 or so...

[mellowbonsai]

i hear these work well, very simple, and there are some electric ones if you dont have a hot plate or some heat source

[Felix]

JURA is really good...