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Coffeeholic - Best Espresso Machine?

Chris McKechnie

Chris McKechnie

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I'm an espresso/cappuccino snob, and my machine that I currently own - Saeco Fully Automatic Cappuccino is crapping out and I'm looking to upgrade the machine for both taste and functionality. Any suggestions? Really love Cappuccino's. I've read mixed reviews on the Breville Oracle. Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks kids!
 
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I have an older Breville that has worked very well over the years...it has an integrated grinder, but is not automatic like the Oracle. Only downside was that it didn't have dual boilers, so not as efficient when steaming milk right after pulling a shot. That said, it was around $500 and it's given us a ton of really tasty drinks over the years. I'd probably prefer something more manual than the Oracle, though it's certainly tempting if it performs well. But I think some of the art of making the espresso is a bit zen-like and can be part of the enjoyment, hence my general aversion to fully auto machines. I know a lot of aficionados will hate a bit on Breville as a brand, and it may not deliver the same performance as a primo italian work of art, but for the cost and needs, this one has suited me very well. Don't think it'll make it to a 20th anniversary, but it's hard to find anything for sale in Bed Bath & Beyond that will go that distance or come within such a reasonable price bracket. Good luck on your search, and don't forget to save for a solid grinder if that's not part of the package you decide on! Cheers!
 
Jiri Vrozina said:
I have been using my Elektra manual press coffee machine for about 20 years. They look great.
http://www.elektrasrl.com/en/espresso-coffee-maker/microcasaleva-s1/
Click to expand...

Dude that thing looks insane!

Ulf Krentz said:
Addicted, too. That´s what keeps us happy:

http://www.rocket-espresso.com/r-58.html

I´d prefer one of the manual operated over every automatic. Cheers!
Click to expand...

Yea, think those Rocket's are amazing, but way above my barista-skill level. haha

A. Clint Litton said:
I have an older Breville that has worked very well over the years...it has an integrated grinder, but is not automatic like the Oracle. Only downside was that it didn't have dual boilers, so not as efficient when steaming milk right after pulling a shot. That said, it was around $500 and it's given us a ton of really tasty drinks over the years. I'd probably prefer something more manual than the Oracle, though it's certainly tempting if it performs well. But I think some of the art of making the espresso is a bit zen-like and can be part of the enjoyment, hence my general aversion to fully auto machines. I know a lot of aficionados will hate a bit on Breville as a brand, and it may not deliver the same performance as a primo italian work of art, but for the cost and needs, this one has suited me very well. Don't think it'll make it to a 20th anniversary, but it's hard to find anything for sale in Bed Bath & Beyond that will go that distance or come within such a reasonable price bracket. Good luck on your search, and don't forget to save for a solid grinder if that's not part of the package you decide on! Cheers!
Click to expand...

Yea, I'm now leaning towards the Breville Barista Express...most likely in RED. hehe

Daniel Kelly Brown said:
Rancilio Silvia- http://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-Espr...1455227757&sr=8-1&keywords=rancilio+silvia+v4

Best pro consumer coffee maker out there. Made at least 4000 espresso shots with it and no problems.

After trying three different grinders this one is by far the best: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043EWFAM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Click to expand...

Yea, that machine has been around for a while...trusted for sure. Will def'n look into it.
 
I am no expert, in the bean machine comparisons. It has been into two decades, since I researched this issue. I ultimately chose the Jura Capresso S8, which not only makes the millibar of Hg 2+ press that I enjoy, but keeps on ticking. It is/was not inexpensive (especially at the time I purchased it, but the elegant aesthetic, as decorative items go, got the WAF to agree, although begrudgingly. Many, many persons followed my lead, especially day traders...and their significant others, usually with regard to amortization of espresso purchases.

YMMV, of course, but my S8, which has never had any need for repair, still looks spiffy and delivers my favorite cup of ristretto daily (well two) of Lavazza.

You can see it in action here:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/7c...drugs-p-e-d?_cc=__d___&_ccid=1ff6665c1f64d99b

Thank you very much

Fury
 
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1+ Rocket - The best
1+ Rancilio Silvia - The best for the price.

Have owned both.

Still have the rocket after 12 years.
 
From the inventor of espresso machines / daimler benz of espresso:

http://www.spagsespresso.com/La-Cimbali-Junior-Casa-p/d1-junior.htm

The junior is a professional boutique coffee machine for the demanding part-time barista - it can spit out endless shots in a row while you steam milk. They are very long lasting, high quality build machines. Most of them are still around, mine is over 20 years old and still steaming. I use it daily in my office for about 7 shots a day (which is ridiculous little for this machine) and had to buy a new pump (30 EUR) after approx. 10.000 shots.

You will find refurbished ones on the market or ones that need some overhaul and do it by your self, or you bite the bullet and get a new one. They are constantly developing this machine, so there are new features that got added with the years.

Its the real thing, keeps there value - a bit like a set of Super Speeds.



Hans
 
Incase you're away from your beloved machines at any time, download the app Bean Hunter and track down a decent coffee. Works world wide and i've added a load of shops to their database whilst travelling around south america :)
 
I'd stay away from the "one machine does it all" thing and buy a separate grinder. Keeping the beans next to the hot boiler messes with their freshness and taste.

Although not an old school traditional manufacturer, I love my Ascaso Steel (uno/prof). Running great since a few years.
http://www.ascaso.com/2012/eng/espresso-coffee-machines-grinders/steel.html

There's quite a few variations of it depending on needs and wishes...
 
After been through a couple of machines, there is one brand that is producing more consistent shots than the rest. Nuova Simonelli.

If you have the budget AND you dont mind what I think is a devastating ugly machine (the intentions where good, but sometimes Italian architecture mixed into a 1-group brewer just dont blend) the worlds best single group head is the Victoria Arduino Theresia http://www.nuovadistribution.com/Theresia.html

However, if your in the medium budget range, I would definitely go for their http://www.nuovadistribution.com/musica.html It has the same pannarello tip as the world cup machines, so no excuse for not producing top notch micro foam. :) If you make more shots per day, there is also a 1-group Appia II machine, but performance wise it is very similar to the Musica..

Side note.. If you ever visit Tokyo or Sapporo, be sure to visist http://streamercoffee.com/ The greatest cup I ever had in my life :)

/Regards Peter K
 
Chris McKechnie said:
Yea, think those Rocket's are amazing, but way above my barista-skill level. haha
Click to expand...

Ah, come on. Actually this kind of machines are a breeze to operate. I can understand if you don´t want to dip that deep money wise but on the other hand I don´t expect to buy another machine for the next decades :-)
What I really love is the controlled temperature due to the dual boiler systems and the rotary pump. You can leave the machine untouched for hours and just operate it without burning / overheating the first shot. And yes, get yourself a professional separate grinder. Cheers!
 
I Drive my http://www.clivecoffee.com/product/quickmill-qm67-espresso-machine.html QM67 really hard and it's great. Most of machines use the same parts so I'm not sure brand is all that big a deal. Look for an E-61 Brewgroup, dual boilers and a built in PID controller and you're good. Your grinder is REALLY important too. Maybe more than the machine. I've put off getting a Mazzer and continue with my struggling Baratza - Vario. Should have gotten the Mini Mazzer in the first place.

OK I think i've just been outed as a coffee geek.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! All these machines look really good...back to researching. hehe

On a side note...anyone tried Blue Bottle Coffee/Espresso? Trying to also upgrade my supermarket espresso. BB espresso is like $19 per 12 ounce bag shipped.
 
Chris McKechnie said:
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! All these machines look really good...back to researching. hehe

On a side note...anyone tried Blue Bottle Coffee/Espresso? Trying to also upgrade my supermarket espresso. BB espresso is like $19 per 12 ounce bag shipped.
Click to expand...

You haven't had a real ...java jolt, until you've had Kopi luwak...

Thank you very much

Fury
 
OK Chris. Since you are local, (Southern California), I will share a little secret with you: Salvatore.

Salvatore is a liitle Italian guy originally from Florence, who hand-crafts some of the best espresso machines money can buy ... and he is located n Solvang. Some of the parts / components are imported from Italy ... but everything else .... from the frame, the shell, and the copper plumbing and boiler, are all hand-made by Salvatore in Solvang.

We have his most basic "one group" machine (meaning only 1 brew head). We have had it for going on 13 years. In that time, it has been back to Salvatore only once for a major cleaning - tune up. That says something about the quality of his machines.

The problem with some of the bigger "name" Italian machines, is finding parts / service. I am not saying you can't get them fixed, but it will cost you a boat-load. With Salvatore, if your machine ever needed any work, (highly unlikely for long time, unless you use water with too many minerals), you can take a leisurely drive to Solvang, drop off the machine, hit a few wineries, and in a couple days Salvatore has the machine back ou to you.

Take a look:http://www.salvatore-espresso.com
 
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