Used espresso machine discussion.

[senor_robusto]

yeah, this is when monkey's input is needed!!! it was on his logic and advice i bought my nespresso machine (it's the closest to espresso you can get in a domestic machine without forking out 100's of ?'s), and i swear by it now!!! the capsules come in tubes of 10, about ?3 a tube!!! minimum order online is in quantities of 50 capsules (5 tubes), unless you can get to one of the nespresso boutiques, check online!!!!

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?8834-Nespresso&highlight=nespresso

alex

[monkey66]

yeah, this is when monkey's input is needed!!! it was on his logic and advice i bought my nespresso machine (it's the closest to espresso you can get in a domestic machine without forking out 100's of ?'s), and i swear by it now!!! the capsules come in tubes of 10, about ?3 a tube!!! minimum order online is in quantities of 50 capsules (5 tubes), unless you can get to one of the nespresso boutiques, check online!!!!

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?8834-Nespresso&highlight=nespresso

alex

I think that post covers a lot of ground (no pun intended).

Good filter is a lot easier than good espresso to achieve at home. As mentioned devices like the Aeropress and Chemex can make some nice drinks. However that killer espresso can only be made by a proper semi-pro or pro machine, good grinder, good beans and skill.

If anyone has intent to take on this slippery slope I am happy to advise. Take a look at Bellabarista for a great supplier of serious home machines. Remember you need at least ?2-300 for a suitable grinder as well.

http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/

[pedro]

Pedro, can you recommend an espresso/ coffee machine for me. I had a Francis Francis x1 which gave up the ghost last month. I was told the francis is just eye candy when i bought it. Your advice is most welcome. P.S Im no millionaire.

Well just opinion you see but I think it all depends on what you want from it in the end and if you don't mind a bit of a learning curve. I went the route of a refurbed gaggia classic and a decent grinder. Had to change a few things on the gaggia like the basket and steam wand(also put in a PID controller to make it more temp stable) but you can produce coffee that makes Starbucks taste like the sweat from a hairy scotsman baws. I have changed my grinder and I would change the machine if I had more room but could never go back would give up coffee completely first.

[monkey66]

Hi Dherm, you are at that difficult juncture. Unfortunately your observation about the X1 is probably accurate. The next traditional step is a Rancilo Silvia/Rocky, then a better grinder, then the modifications start. Are you a DIY type guy (would you service your own car etc?) if so you may love tinkering and learning the serious espresso path. There are some great coffee forums that will help in your journey (a lot like the cigar forums).

Some of my old adventures:

http://www.toomuchcoffee.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4229&highlight=bz99

http://www.toomuchcoffee.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4695&highlight=bz99

http://www.toomuchcoffee.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=3517&highlight=mazzer+super+red

http://www.toomuchcoffee.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=3667&highlight=

Both the coffee machine and grinder were Ebay knackered ex-pro pieces that cost less then ?200 ...but only recommended if you are happy with working spanners.

[Dherm]

Bloody hell monkey66 If I called you a coffee aficionado I think Id be insulting you lol. I'm grateful for the insight. I have a decent grinder, not in your league though. Ill have to keep an eye out for workable machine. Do people on your forum sell machines? If something comes up let me know.

[monkey66]

I don't post too often but join up and ask, there is always people moving up and down. If I see anything I will let you know.

Are you a spanner type of guy?

[Dherm]

I don't post too often but join up and ask, there is always people moving up and down. If I see anything I will let you know.

Are you a spanner type of guy?

Oh yes! I restore cars for my main hobby and thanks to the property side of the business I'm a qualified electrician and plumber, I could always do with a new interest.

[monkey66]

Oh yes! I restore cars for my main hobby and thanks to the property side of the business I'm a qualified electrician and plumber, I could always do with a new interest.

Then this will be right up your street. Watch ebay for some old, single-group pro machine and go for it. On the pro-kit all parts a serviceable and relatively simple.

I knew nothing about the inside of an espresso machine until I went for it so if i can find may way round anyone can.

[Dherm]

Then this will be right up your street. Watch ebay for some old, single-group pro machine and go for it. On the pro-kit all parts a serviceable and relatively simple.

I knew nothing about the inside of an espresso machine until I went for it so if i can find may way round anyone can.

Can you recommend any names/brands that I should look out for?

[monkey66]

Oh yes! I restore cars for my main hobby and thanks to the property side of the business I'm a qualified electrician and plumber, I could always do with a new interest.

this machine will outlive all of us ...abut ?3.5K new

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CMA-Astoria-1-Group-Espresso-Coffee-Machine-/250376516900?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item3a4b9a7524&_uhb=1#ht_1411wt_937

some other interesting stuff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rancilio-S26-1gp-Semi-Auto-Espresso-Machine-/110948990446?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item19d5133dee&_uhb=1#ht_613wt_1171

Best buys on ebay under 'business and industrial'. Go for a single group (for home use). Down-sides is 30-60 mins proper warm up so a timer switch is often used for the morning cuppa. They are also quit big. I'm not worried about the plumb-in pump as clearly you have that covered.

[Dherm]

Thanks mate I have both on my watch list. What do you think the second one will go for?

[monkey66]

Used espresso machine discussion.

Moved from the 'instant coffee' thread

[monkey66]

Thanks mate I have both on my watch list. What do you think the second one will go for?

Really unknown. Certainly from private buyers you can sometimes get silly prices (sub ?100) but this is a trade seller so they may attempt to bump the prices. On the plus side it has been fully serviced and comes with a 3 month warranty which is a good thing. I would say anything below ?300 is a bargain ...but I would try for much lower.

Fortunately the plumbing and in-line water softener will be easy for you. You will end up spending more on baskets, tampers, jugs, steam tips and lots of coffee as you go through your journey.

There are many brands that are good and a glut of second-hand pro-machines due to the number of caf?'s and restaurants that go bust and the number of places that have changed to leased automatic machines. I would strongly recommend against any kind of bean-to-cup machine for espresso, they are very complex mechanically and never produce a top end drink. You will see some high end automatic machines going for peanuts, this is because they are uneconomical to run out of warranty.

There will be plenty of machines coming along so don't feel the need to jump on the first one that smiles at you (you can if you want of course). Search on-line, there is loads of info and communities out there.

Key things for a pro machine is a rotary pump. If possible a dual-boiler but this is often either very expensive (semi-pro) or very big (pro).