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#26 2005-10-31 8:28 am
- mmonte
- iconoclast
- From: Colorado
- Registered: 2003-02-09
- Posts: 781
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
Zapata wrote:
Yeah it really depends. Starbucks tend to all taste the same because they use automatic machines which require very little skill to use. Others use semi-automatics which is what I used at my old job. Those require you to be very picky about seemingly minor details as how the beans are ground, tamped, and many other variables. In italy though, they often have manual machines which I really want to learn how to use.
Back on topic, if you want a decent espresso machine you are looking at 500 dollars.
Alas, you're more a connoisseur than I. Guess I'm more of a coffee/espresso fanboy. 'Tsall good, though.
...and the mountains rising nowhere...
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#27 2005-10-31 11:09 pm
- MacAddict4Life
- Member
- From: Castro Valley
- Registered: 2000-04-24
- Posts: 2797
- Website
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
I was looking into this recently. No doubt, the more you spend the better you get. But I did get a decent machine for pretty cheap at Target, actually. I can't remember the exact bar rating, but it was WAY more than most inexpensive ones, and even more than the $100-$200 Macy's machines. It's Mr. Coffee brand, and while not as good as a coffee shop, I've been pretty happy with it.
The Starbucks Blade grinder is decent, and pretty reasonably priced. I've been happy with mine, but if you try to put too many beans at once it won't grind evenly.
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"Of all the habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indespensible supports." -George Washington
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#28 2005-11-04 8:38 am
- knobtwirler
- Anthropocentric Temporal Chauvinist
- From: NYC
- Registered: 2003-07-28
- Posts: 3227
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
For those of you like me, whose day is not right if you haven't had a dopio espresso or 2, I found an article from 2002 about getting a good cup of espresso in NYC.
How about the gaggia machine that grinds, tamps, discards used beans, all at the touch of a button, $1700.
If I were to buy a new one, I'd probably get this manual one, for about $750.
Last edited by knobtwirler (2005-11-04 9:46 am)
If you look around the table and can't tell who the sucker is, it's you.
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#29 2005-11-04 10:06 am
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
tomfoolery wrote:
And what is wrong with one of these:
http://www.cookware-online.co.uk/ishop/ … xpress.jpg
???
Its all you need for "real" espresso.
tF
I've got one of those, and I'll tell you EXACTLY what's wrong with it.
...it needs a new washer. Beyond that it made good espresso.
I'm getting a new one now... it hasn't shipped yet, but I'm really l … ard to it.
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#30 2005-11-04 1:06 pm
- tomfoolery
- Zu-Zu-Zune!
- From: Blue Zune of Death
- Registered: 2004-10-22
- Posts: 2303
- Website
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
oatmeal wrote:
tomfoolery wrote:
And what is wrong with one of these:
http://www.cookware-online.co.uk/ishop/ … xpress.jpg
???
Its all you need for "real" espresso.
tFI'm getting a new one now... it hasn't shipped yet, but I'm really l … ard to it.
Where's the washer go? I've never noticed one. OMG, perhaps I lost mine... Oh and thanks for the link, Oatie. Yeah, really great 
tF
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#31 2005-11-04 1:39 pm
Re: recommend a good espresso machine
tomfoolery wrote:
Where's the washer go? I've never noticed one. OMG, perhaps I lost mine...
tF
It's the little rubber seal between the top half and the bottom half. Keeps the liquid and/or steam from escaping out the sides.
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