Espresso Maker

RJmanbearpig · Nov 3, 2008

My Gaggia Classic is on the fritzl.

bmulford · Nov 4, 2008

Originally Posted by dopey

Is that the standard pricing? I tried Nespresso at their Madison Avenue shop and thought it was pretty good, but since you have only one source for the coffee, I was curious about the pricing.

it ranges depending on what type of pods you buy - but between $.17 and $.25 is normal.

Johnny_5 · Nov 4, 2008

Pulls a great shot.

rjmaiorano · Nov 4, 2008

I would agree with the conversation that pretty much all espresso in Italy is better than anything stateside. But I'm biased to things south of Naples.

So while a machine is good on the go, I've got my grandmothers very old neapolitan stove top maker that I prefer to use. Looks similar to this:

Caffe Napolitano · Nov 4, 2008

Matt is right (again). Try Bar Mexico in Napoli, and there are many others as well. Saint Eustachio is unique but IMO not the best in Rome. Try Cafffe(3f's) Camerino and Gran Caffe La Caffettiera.

grimslade · Nov 4, 2008

That thing is cool.

Originally Posted by rjmaiorano

I would agree with the conversation that pretty much all espresso in Italy is better than anything stateside. But I'm biased to things south of Naples.

So while a machine is good on the go, I've got my grandmothers very old neapolitan stove top maker that I prefer to use. Looks similar to this:

chas · Nov 4, 2008

I have a Saeco Classico. It is great. I have had it for 3 years and initially wanted to buy a Rancho Silvia. I bought through 1st-line.com all they do is coffe. It turns out the Silvia is great but only if you will be grinding your own beans all of the time. Those guys saved me $200 with that bit of advice. If you are really looking to buy I would check 1st line and give them a call. It is important to be honest with yourself about how you will use the machine (how often, self grind, pods, semi-auto, full-auto, etc). The right machine for you depends more on how you will use it than anything else.

hadamulletonce · Nov 4, 2008

I have a Krups Orchestro Fully Automated. I bought it over 5 years ago and haven't had a single problem. Easy to take apart and clean. I paid over 1k for it new, but you can find this model or a similar newer model for under $500 on closeout. Well worth the money.

philosophe · Nov 4, 2008

Check out www.gustiamo.com for coffee from Sant Eustachio as well as other treats from Italy. New Yorkers, I believe Gustiamo has periodic warehouse sales.

Grayland · Nov 4, 2008

Originally Posted by chas

I have a Saeco Classico. It is great. I have had it for 3 years and initially wanted to buy a Rancho Silvia. I bought through 1st-line.com all they do is coffe. It turns out the Silvia is great but only if you will be grinding your own beans all of the time. Those guys saved me $200 with that bit of advice. If you are really looking to buy I would check 1st line and give them a call. It is important to be honest with yourself about how you will use the machine (how often, self grind, pods, semi-auto, full-auto, etc). The right machine for you depends more on how you will use it than anything else.

I really appreciate the advice. I was seriously eyeing the Rancho Silvia, but didn't really plan on grinding for myself all the time. I'll check out the website you mention and the Saeco Classico.

grimslade · Nov 4, 2008

No one who is even remotely serious about coffee should be buying pre-ground coffee. Come on, people!

Despos · Nov 4, 2008

+1

I did not get the Silvia because of all the talk of inconsistency of the shot and the extensive learning curve. Summary of what I read was once you learn to use the machine it is great but it takes some time to learn to use it.

I bought the Ascaso Dream because of the looks and it has turned out to be a pretty good machine.

At some time I want to get a double boiler machine.

Grayland · Nov 4, 2008

Originally Posted by grimslade

No one who is even remotely serious about coffee should be buying pre-ground coffee. Come on, people!

I know, I really can't explain that. I'm a former chef who has been a chef-instructor for the past 14 years. I've no problem getting up at 5:00 am to start a wood-fired grill to smoke some pork butts or to spend the day making veal stock at home, but I consider it a hassle to grind my own beans. Thanks for the thrashing; I'll get my stuff together!

Despos · Nov 4, 2008

I heard an interesting point of view about using pods. Pods are packaged/ sealed so quickly after grinding that they keep very well and stay fresh due to the limited air exposure.

Any contrary opinions?

amerikajinda · Nov 4, 2008

Originally Posted by romafan

...I wonder if there's any truth to the 'secret ingredient' theory and Wizard of Oz-like privacy sreen next to the machine.

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