I'm in the market for an espresso machine and would value any opinions. There seems to be so many priced from $500 - $1500.

Thanks in advance.

w+a

It's on the low end of what you may be looking at but I've been very happy with this-

http://www.amazon.com/FrancisFrancis-Espresso-Machine-B...e=UTF8&s=home-garden

Designed well enough to be left on the counter when not in use and will handle both ground and the now popular pods. I've only had it since X-mas, but with how well-made this machine is, I plan to keep it for some time.

We have the Gaggia Classic . It's not terribly high end but we like it. It has commercial grade components (filter basket and the head), it performs well, is easy to use and clean and is on the low end of your price range. I would invest in a good grinder as well.

For good user reviews I'd recommend Whole Latte Love.

Let us know what you end up choosing!

Thank you QSS and Een for your input.

My daughter in grad school works a few hours a week at Starbucks, so thinks she is an expert on all things coffee. (everything else for that matter ) She can get the De'Longhi for 40% off, but she prefers the Gaggia Titanium unit, but no discount offered. Perhaps the Gaggia Classic would be an option at half the price.

I would love to hear from others.

w+a

Timely thread W+A because we're looking for one too. Hopefully Basecadet will chime in since it seems he knows a little about espresso machines.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
Timely thread W+A because we're looking for one too. Hopefully Basecadet will chime in since it seems he knows a little about espresso machines.

quote:

Originally posted by Que Syrah, Syrah:
It's on the low end of what you may be looking at but I've been very happy with this-

http://www.amazon.com/FrancisFrancis-Espresso-Machine-B...e=UTF8&s=home-garden

Designed well enough to be left on the counter when not in use and will handle both ground and the now popular pods. I've only had it since X-mas, but with how well-made this machine is, I plan to keep it for some time.

And as Amazon says if you buy it from them you save $.04!

Some of the less expensive machines are fine for espresso, but not so great for cappucino. It's a real bother cleaning ours after cappucino, so we pretty much only use it for espresso.

My first choice for a starter machine would be the Rancilio Silvia (review here). Equally important to the quality of the espresso is the grinder, without a proper grind you can't get a great shot. The Rancilio Rocky is a great grinder for the price. Coffeegeek.com is a great resource for information on all things coffee, lots of user reviews.

I have a Saeco Profi that's 7 years old now, used 3-4 times a week, and has been infallible save for replacing one worn seal/gasket. It has a burr grinder with auto proportioning, but is entirely manual after that. Great machine, but I'd like to buy a fully automatic model like this one or another model that's about $200 less. Like this brand, though.

We got the Saeco Vienna Deluxe about two months ago and love it. Easy to use and makes great espresso and cap. The espresso is rich and creamy, the milk froths in about 20 seconds. No drawbacks or complaints thus far. Go to
www.wholelattelove.com for a nice selection and video demonstrations on many of the machines.

We have the Saeco machine that Seaquam posted a link for. It is a great machine and have had no problems. It is on the pricy side, but Costco.com has good prices and they have a similar machine on sale.

Whoops - just went to post a link to the sale machine and presto Costco changed their entire line-up of machines. The do have a Super automatic Gaggia machine now.

W+A, I've had my Gaggia Classic for over two years now and still love it. Performs very consistently, plus it's not so expensive as to keep you from getting a decent grinder at the same time. Believe me, you're going to want to grind your own beans to take control over your extraction time. I sometimes yearn for a double boiler machine for more and quicker steam pressure in the steam wand (for that creamy, dense cappuccino foam), but I've learned to produce pretty much the foam I want, and two boilers, well, that'll be twice the price tag. Good luck - you're in for a lot of fun and some intensely pleasurable Sunday mornings.

Thanks to all for your input.

I'm still seeking info, but want to buy soon.

w+a

WA - I don't know if they make a machine with 2 different coffee bean hoppers, but it would be a nice feature to look for.

I don't use them and I have two that I got as gifts over the years. I use a stove top 2 piece perculator/steamer. More of a demitasse maker, than espresso I guess. I don't need the foam. Coffee comes out great.

Of course great coffee beans/grounds are the key - no matter how good the machine. Pour in a quick hit of anisette, and I'm all set.

quote:

Originally posted by Vino-Ripper:
WA - I don't know if they make a machine with 2 different coffee bean hoppers, but it would be a nice feature to look for.

Vino, check out this link:Jura X9

I just purchaced a Jura coffee machine and noticed this one, it is not more than they're high end consumer model.

Also, ao far after a few days, I'm really impressed with the ease of use of the Jura.
I had a Gaggia traditional model before, it was getting tired after almost 10 years.

I wanted something easyer to use, a lot of my family comes over and makes they're own coffee. And the Gaggia had its quirks that you had to know to get it right.

Oh... I forgot to mention, the Jura all have a feature that you can bypass the bean hopper with another type of coffee (Compartment), great for the decaf-lover in the family.
And the higher end models even detect that you put coffee in and will take it from there.

Note: I do not sell the machines, I just love mine so far.

Well, seems like everyone is on a different level from us. We have a Nespresso C-190, and I love it. I know all the draw backs, not controlling the process, using their cofee, etc., don't care. The espresso is delicious and it is incredibly simple. Maybe I just don't carte enough, but the qualitative difference versus the cost and dollars and time does not make sense to me.

Go to the following website and you will get all the feedback you could possibly ever need in regards to all things coffee:

www.coffeegeek.com

Enjoy!

P.S. - after tons of research, I settled on the Rancilio Sylvia Espresso maker with the Mazzer Mini Grinder. Both have been flawless for me for several years now.

been using saeco vienna for year plus with no problem...countertop operation...
does coffee/espresso/cappuccino...grinds, brews then dumps to removable insert...easy to use & clean...

french press > espresso/cappucino


actually, i only subscribe to this notion myself about 70% of the time. i hold no respect for a cappucino though.


edited to denigrate cappucini

La Pavoni The complete set
The grinder, espresso maker and base are functional, very well designed and with a bit of practice make the finest coffee. Just as good as going to Peets.

I suggest the professional model, 16 cups. An ordinary blade grinder will not be suitable for a machine of this caliber. Its a bit idiosyncratic. The whole set will cost a bit more than a grand (depends on the Euro xchange). Ships free from Italy. Chances are it will become a fixture of your counter top and in daily use. Practically indestructible. Built to last.

I have had mine for about 10 years and it serves us well every single day. Outlasts some marriages! When I try other machines I laugh. The Pavoni leaves the rest in the dust.

W+A, did you buy one? We bought the Rancilio Silvia. We also bought the Rocky grinder, but it hasn't been delivered yet. It somehow got separated from the machine during shipment. Still learning, with store bought pre-ground, but getting the hang of it. Works well so far.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
W+A, did you buy one? We bought the Rancilio Silvia. We also bought the Rocky grinder, but it hasn't been delivered yet. It somehow got separated from the machine during shipment. Still learning, with store bought pre-ground, but getting the hang of it. Works well so far.

steve8... you must be clairvoyant.

I went espresso tasting yesterday (5 machines) and have 3 more to taste from today. The clear winner yesterday was a hand made machine from Spain, the Ascaso Dream machine. A lot of fun blind tasting espresso with other soon to be buyers. This machine was voted best by 6 of the 7 who tasted yesterday.

I'm hoping to buy today after tasting from the other 3 machines, including your Rancilio.

P.S. I also went shopping for a new wine cellar yesterday.