On the lower end, I'd recommend the Swiss made Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine. It's got all the necessary basics (18 bars pump pressure, built in tamper, self priming pump) Admittedly, not a thing of beauty, once you get the hang of this machine, it's very easy to operate AND clean up.

For a good grinder, I'd recommend the Capresso 560.01 Infinity Burr Grinder. gear reduction motor works slowly with little noise; the reduced static and heat buildup produce more flavorful results. I own both of these, and found them a GREAT bang for the buck. After one year of useage, no issues at all.

Personally, after going through various machines, I've come to appreciate simple, effective design (less to go wrong and break down). Just as important as a good quality machine, is a good quality of coffe bean (LAVAZZA is one I'd highly recommend IMHO), and storing it properly is SO important to the end taste. ALWAYS freeze the beans, and grind just before using.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
Still learning, with store bought pre-ground, but getting the hang of it. Works well so far.

Steve8, if you want to try some good coffee there is one near my place, Adelia Coffee, very similar in taste to illy coffees, much cheaper and nice selection of expresso roasts.
They have some stores of they're own and you can find the products at Cavallerro in the West Island market.

Adelia

I know JC posted on this one already, but I will add that we have had 3 or 4 people buy the Nespresso after seeing and tasting from ours.

It is so simple to use - I also hate the frothy thing on the machine so have bought the $20 wand at Bed Bath & betond and that works great too (although goes through batteries rather quickly!)

Hello Steve,

I am also from the Montreal area and am looking to purchase the Rancilio Silvia expresso machine & Rocky grinder, and was wondering where you decided to purchase yours?

Thanks,
Fred

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Fred 12345,

Hi Fred. I've never seen any posts from you before so I was going to welcome you to the forums, but then noticed you've been around here longer than I have.

I ordered the Rancilio on-line from greenbeanery.ca. Got the machine in 2 days. Still waiting for the grinder, but that's not their fault, it's our wonderfully efficient Canada Post, who seem to have misplaced a box.

Thanks for the info Steve.

Yes, I have not posted for awhile, but have been reading the posts from time to time.

Well I finally bought a machine!

The search may have been laborious, but it was also fun tasting espresso from so many machines.

I went with the DeLonghi Magnifica 3500, and just enjoyed my first double shot.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and opinions.

w+a

Now you want a special treat? Fix yourself a dark roast with one of those shots mixed in, grab yourself a Habano and head out to the back porch. You'll think you've hit nirvana.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
Now you want a special treat? Fix yourself a dark roast with one of those shots mixed in, grab yourself a Habano and head out to the back porch. You'll think you've hit nirvana.

Perfect plan for tonight.

What a beautiful day.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
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.

Day late and a dollar short, but...

I just wanted to echo that above. We got a Nespresso as a wedding gift and absolutely LOVE IT!!! It is THE best espresso I've ever had, and I am fully addicted to this new friend of mine. Sure, having to order the capsules from Nespresso is a drawback, but for me, one WELL worth making!

I couldn't recommend this machine enough, it is affordable, reliable, quick, easy, and absolutely DELICIOUS!!

(We have the manual, not the automatic. My in-laws have the much more pricey automatic, and yet I feel like ours is a much better machine. *shrugs*)

Hope you don't mind me reviving an old thread but I am in the market for a super automatic espresso machine. I've considered the Jura Capresso Impressa S7 Avantgarde but would welcome other's comments. I considered the Rachilio Silva with the Rocky grinder (although not automatic but highly recommended here and other sites) and that is close to $1,000 so I figured spending a few more hundred to go fully automatic with the Jura ($1399 at Costco) was appealing.
Thanks for any input received.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: xhoser,

You'll get better coffee from the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky grinder than you will from basically any fully automatic, including the Jura - assuming you know how to make espresso. It just takes a bit of practice so don't be scared.

More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better.

I purchased a Breville Expresso Machine from Willams and Sonoma a few years ago and it has been great. It is all stainless steel, w/ a milk steamer. The machine is easy to use and clean. I believe I paid about $500. The espresso we like the best is Illy.

Thanks futronic. The laziness in me had me leaning toward the Jura automatic plus it would make it easy for my wife to do her own coffee as she doesn't know how to work an espresso machine and I would end up doing it for her as well. I've been using a $50 Braun we got as a wedding gift 12 years ago so that is my experience with espresso machines. I know I could figure out how to use the Rancilio as my sister in San Diego has the Silva and the grinder and she has been loving it for the last 4 years with no issues. I was pumped up to buy it at $600 but then when I found out I needed to pay another $350 just to grind the beans I thought it made sense to look for a machine that could do both functions. I guess my naivety has me asking why does it cost so much to grind beans?

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
You'll get better coffee from the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky grinder than you will from basically any fully automatic, including the Jura - assuming you know how to make espresso. It just takes a bit of practice so don't be scared.

More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better.

Grinding beans isn't expensive. Grinding beans PROPERLY (as in evenly) and fine enough for espresso requires appropriate equipment.

A good burr grinder is important for equal grinding, but the fact that you've got a burr doesn't necessarily mean that it's fine enough for espresso grind.

I work with Italians (mostly from Northwest Italy, Torino). We have a Nespresso unit which is easy, excellent choice of coffees.

quote:

Originally posted by OTTnMIA:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
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.

Day late and a dollar short, but...

I just wanted to echo that above. We got a Nespresso as a wedding gift and absolutely LOVE IT!!! It is THE best espresso I've ever had, and I am fully addicted to this new friend of mine. Sure, having to order the capsules from Nespresso is a drawback, but for me, one WELL worth making!

I couldn't recommend this machine enough, it is affordable, reliable, quick, easy, and absolutely DELICIOUS!!

(We have the manual, not the automatic. My in-laws have the much more pricey automatic, and yet I feel like ours is a much better machine. *shrugs*)

Have the Nespresso with auto frother and LOVE IT!

2 minutes and I have great shots and milk warm and frothed--- done

we have a nespresso that is not automatic and is great. Recently got the new Citiz with milk, which is more automated, but makes the milk and coffee separately. It is great. It is a good combination of not terribly expensive, easy to use and clean and ordering the capsules from Nespresso they arrive the next day.

We have the FrancesFrances X7. It uses special made capsules from Illy that come in dark roast, medium roast, lungo and decaf. It makes the perfect Euro style espresso shot. Have had it for close to a year and not had any problems or complaints.

I bought my wife the De'Longhi ESAM3300 a little over two years ago. Brews an excellent espresso with rich crema. I took the plastic frother attachment off and it froths really well. I will definitely buy another if it ever breaks.

Can't make THIS with a Nespresso.

True, but I can have a great cappuccino and be out the door in 2 minutes, so I'm thinking the trade off is worth it!

Doesn't take me much longer than that!

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
Doesn't take me much longer than that!

When I drink espresso, it is for the espresso itself, NOT a picture effect done in the milk foam.

quote:

Originally posted by mona lisa vito:
True, but I can have a great cappuccino and be out the door in 2 minutes, so I'm thinking the trade off is worth it!

But what about cleaning the milk frother? It's a pain in the neck, so we rarely make cappuccino, just espresso.