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JoeyRamone
8
Oct 24, 2017
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I've been very interested in getting a semi-automatic espresso maker that can also produce lattes, cappuccinos, etc. At this point in my research, it seems that the Breville double-boiler model meets my needs and is relatively reasonable at about $1299 (-20% discount at BB&B). Any other machines to consider? Looking for good construction, easy maintenance, and of course excellent brew quality!
Oct 24, 2017
nismo270r
44
Oct 24, 2017
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JoeyRamoneAnother machine to consider in this price range is the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II. It's a heat exchanger machine as opposed to the double boiler, but maintenance and parts are easy to come by. If you are relatively mechanically inclined, you would be able to the majority of your own maintenance and repairs if needed. Check out Chris' Coffee for great pricing and information galore.
The more important question to ask is what grinder would you be pairing with this machine? Similar to how in business it's location, location location...with espresso machines it's grinder, grinder, grinder! When you are looking at machines in this price range and higher, the grinder is typically going to be the limiting factor on the quality of coffee you will produce with any given machine. Definitely do not skimp on a quality espresso grinder.
Oct 24, 2017
JoeyRamone
8
Oct 24, 2017
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nismo270rGrinder will be a Baratza Virtuoso http://a.co/1WvjDvv
Oct 24, 2017
JoeyRamone
8
Oct 24, 2017
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nismo270rJust looked at the Oscar II; that looks like a great machine! I'm seriously considering it.
Oct 24, 2017
nismo270r
44
Oct 24, 2017
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JoeyRamone The Virtuoso is a good start, but just be warned...you will probably get upgradeitis soon after your new machine, as there are a lot of grinders out there that will perform better. Don't be alarmed if your grinder ends up costing the same or more than your espresso machine. It's just how it works :)
Oct 24, 2017
JoeyRamone
8
Oct 24, 2017
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nismo270rhaha...ok....do you have a good recommendation on a grinder? I also considered this one, but it's an indiegogo project so I would have to wait for it until June 2018. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/niche-zero-the-best-conical-burr-coffee-grinder/x/2070970#/
Oct 24, 2017
nismo270r
44
Oct 24, 2017
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JoeyRamoneThe best way to look at that is what is the budget you would be working with for the grinder? I could recommended grinders all the way up to $2000+, lol! Another good online resource to check out is home-barista.com forums. They have a whole forum dedicated to buying advice.
Oct 24, 2017
nismo270r
44
Oct 24, 2017
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JoeyRamoneForgot to mention, I haven't seen that IGG grinder before. Crowd-funding projects like that can be iffy though since sometimes they never come to fruition.
Oct 24, 2017
JoeyRamone
8
Oct 24, 2017
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nismo270rI've done a few IGG and Kickstarter projects; never had a problem. However, I do understand the point very well as I have also seen projects (in which I did not invest) completely fail or exposed as fraudulent. Having said that, I think the max I would spend on a grinder would probably be $300-400.
Oct 24, 2017
JoeyRamone
8
Oct 25, 2017
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Thanks for the great information. I haven't tried to contact Richard at Astra yet, but I have been trying to do some research on the machines. The Astra Pro doesn't appear to be as easy to come by as other brands (nothing on ebay at the moment, not on Amazon (well, there is one seller but it's $1775), etc. The Nuova Simonelli Oscar II mentioned below sounds like it would be a good fit, so I'm taking a close look at that. Thanks again!
Oct 25, 2017
nismo270r
44
Oct 25, 2017
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JoeyRamoneIn that price range you're going to be working mostly with Baratzas. As bradyarz mentioned, refurbs are a great way to get into a higher priced grinder from them, but it always depends on availability. I had a Vario for a few years prior to upgrading and it did well. They are easy to clean, maintain, and service. You can get pretty much any part you need from Baratza and perform most repairs at home. The Sette 270 is their new kid on the block and has received good reviews. The biggest complaint I have read is they are loud. My personal suggestion is I wouldn't go for anything less than a Sette or Vario. If you can use your Virtuoso and save up your pennies, I would look at stepping up to a more robust grinder. Of course, you also have to consider other factors like, "Will this fit under my cabinets?" :) You can always contact the good folks at Chris' Coffee for advice and suggestions as well. They are a great company to work with and customer service is top notch!
Oct 25, 2017
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