Espresso/Cappuccino Machines?

James~P · 11-17-2003, 08:04 PM

Does anybody here know anything about good espresso/cappuccino machines? My 25 dollar Mr. Coffee machine makes espresso, but its certainly not very high quality, especially compared to the sort you can get at nice coffee shops.

Budget is up to about 200 dollars, of course I'd hate to have to spend that much on an espresso machine! I'd also like it to have a steamer, unless better results are found otherwise.

Thanks.

Jeff Gatie · 11-18-2003, 08:13 AM

The difference between cheap, bad tasting espresso and the commercial kind is the commercial makers have a pump instead of just steam pressure. The pump makes all the difference. I have the Krups pump model. It has a foamer/steamer that has a hose that you put into a cup of milk and it squirts the steamed milk or foam out from a nozzle. The nozzle has a valve that lets you adjust the level of foam. This makes foaming the milk almost idiot proof (it is really difficult to learn to foam milk the normal way unless you've worked at a Starbucks). It's about $200, but you cannot get a pump model for much less and all steam models will only disappoint. Highly recommended!

Mark Dubbelboer · 11-18-2003, 09:31 AM

I bought a DeLonghi for my girlfriend about a year and a half ago and we love it.
The pump model is definitely the way to go. Up here the other model is called a "propellor" model and what it does is foams the milk automatically...but poorly. then you just press a button and it'll spit it on top. The pump model are the ones that have the steamers and like Jeff said are almost idiot proof.

i did a bit of research when i was shopping and decided on DeLonghi or Krups as the brand to buy. I actually got mine at sears for about 179 (canadian), just make sure you don't buy it at starbucks...those things are way overpriced.

Jerry Klawiter · 11-18-2003, 10:00 AM

We have the Gaggia Coffee model.
Its been trouble free for years and we love it.
They have a huge line, You must shop around for the best price.
http://www.gaggia.it/uk/linea_famiglia.html
Jerry

Jay H · 11-18-2003, 10:21 AM

So for you coffee guys, how are Saeco machines? All I know Saeco is that they sponsor a UCI Div. 1 cycling team and I know they make coffee machines. The only coffee machines I've seen from them are these huge things that look like they're the SUVs of coffee machines.

Just wondering, not a coffee drinker myself.

Jay

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11-19-2003, 12:29 AM

I have been using the crap out of a Saeco Via Veneto for two years, and it is wonderful. Mine came from Overstock.com for $125, but it hasn't been available there for a long time. It features the same boiler as the famed Rancilio Silvia. It is a fully manual, Italian-made pump machine. A little effort is required to learn to use it, but after a few tries and a few tips, it is not difficult at all.

The Starbucks Barista machine is pretty well regarded by enthisiasts, and can be had on sale for a reasonable amount of money. Get a good grinder, too. Those propeller-type grinders don't cut it. I use a Braun burr grinder, and it does a great job.

James~P · 11-19-2003, 09:09 AM

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....PROD_ID=512006

I think I'll buy that then!

11-19-2003, 10:18 AM

Crap! That's an EXCELLENT deal!

I would do one mod to the machine and that's to call Saeco USA and order a NON-PRESSURIZED portafilter and a tamper. Use the basket from the pressurized portafilter in the non-pressurized unit and learn to tamp the coffee to the correct pressure.

You will love this machine. I wish I knew someone who needed or wanted one of these. That deal is amazing.

Philip Hamm · 11-19-2003, 12:06 PM

I have a cheap as dirt machine by some company I can't remember, and it sucks, but I can get a good Espresso or Cappuccino out of it if I work at it. I don't really like cappuccino myself, I prefer "regular coffee", so I just use it for guests and my wife. I do like a cup of espresso occasionally.

I agree with the recommendation about using a good grinder, but I'd go so far as to say don't even bother with one. Unless you get the kind of commercial grinder found at coffe shops and grocery stores, you're not going to get a good grind, and a poor grind means poor coffee. Get your coffee (all coffee, including espresso roast) ground when you buy it from your local coffee shop.

My brother who used to be my roommate has a Starbucks Barista machine and it's really nice, it makes a great cup.

pat_hamm · 11-19-2003, 12:26 PM

I actually don't have a Barista machine, I have a Buon Caffe 330 (I think it's a 330...) but the Barista Machines are really nice. I love my 330, though! It's great! but they haven't sold them at Starbucks for years...

Tip: Starbucks usually puts their machines on sale during the first quarter of the year, so if you want good
cappuccino and you have the cash, it may be worth the wait.

Starbucks also used to sell Saeco machines that were identical to the Barista machines, so while I have never researched this, it may be possible to get a Barista for much cheaper. That awesome deal that was listed above from overstock.com may be a similar machine, but I can't tell from the picture.

a word about grinding: Good quality grinders usually cost a whole lot, and a good alternative to buying an expensive grinder is to just have Starbucks do it for you. They grind beans for free (but they don't grind flavored beans). I would not recommend a blade grinder if you want to have esspresso, as they grind very unevenly, and it's hard to get a fine grind, which is what is needed for esspresso.

The key to good coffee is storage. Do not refrigerate or freeze the grounds (or beans, for that matter) unless you plan to use the coffee up quickly. freezing and refrigerating kills freshness. The best way to store coffee in any form is in an opaque airtight container (light kills freshness, too) at room temperature.