Perhaps a Dualit? Help me decide!

Mr.David

Hey all,

Basically, choosing a coffee machine (espresso machine) but the only catch is it has to be from John Lewis. I have always wanted a Gaggia as I have used them before and love them. However, JL don't stock them so what do you suggest from the following selection (max £250):
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Garden/Kitchen/Tea+and+Coffee/Coffee+Makers/529/Type/Espresso+_2f+cappuccino/List.aspx

I was thinking of the Dualit myself, anyone used one or have any comments on it?:)

IsThatSo?

If its the 84200/84202 did you check out this bit?

Even the steaming and milk-frother is easy to use, making perfect foam for your cappuccino every time with the minimum of fuss. The water tank is removable for convenience, while a useful accessory holder keeps your ESE pods and froth nozzle to hand.

Do you want a pod machine? Check out pod prices/availability before you purchase..............some people find them expensive/hard to come by.

Mr.David

As far as I know it takes pods or ground. Hmm...

eclectichoney

If it *has* to be from John Lewis, I am sure I read decent reviews of FrancisFrancis stuff before so you could have a look into that one, but i have no personal experience.

IsThatSo?

Mr.David wrote: »

As far as I know it takes pods or ground. Hmm...

It didn't say in the product spec, but a quick email would answer that

Here is a list of reviews from users of the Francis Francis X1:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/francisfrancis_x1

Its a bit over the budget at £365?

RE*AC*TOR

The FrancisFrancis would be the only one on that page I would touch. For the same money, though you'd get a new Rancilio Silvia. Find something else from John Lewis to spend the voucher (I assume) on, avoid crappy espresso machines.

Also, you will need a decent grinder (John Lewis don't do those either) - well I think the Kitchenaid grinder is decent for everything except espresso.

Mr.David

Well thanks for the advice guys - the Francis francis is pushing it in terms of price and I really dont like the way it looks so no point stretching to it.

Would I get shot for just getting a nespresso machine instead and getting a baby gaggia some other time? Had a nespresso espresso and found it decent, better than I expected.

Gran Hermano

Mr.David wrote: »

Well thanks for the advice guys - the Francis francis is pushing it in terms of price and I really dont like the way it looks so no point stretching to it.

Would I get shot for just getting a nespresso machine instead and getting a baby gaggia some other time? Had a nespresso espresso and found it decent, better than I expected.

IsThatSo?

:pac: @ GH

Mr.David wrote: »

Well thanks for the advice guys - the Francis francis is pushing it in terms of price and I really dont like the way it looks so no point stretching to it.

Would I get shot for just getting a nespresso machine instead and getting a baby gaggia some other time? Had a nespresso espresso and found it decent, better than I expected.

Check out the prices and availability of the pods, see if you are happy with what you learn then decide.

Nespresso is a bad word in these parts

antoniosicily

Mr.David wrote: »

Well thanks for the advice guys - the Francis francis is pushing it in terms of price and I really dont like the way it looks so no point stretching to it.

Would I get shot for just getting a nespresso machine instead and getting a baby gaggia some other time? Had a nespresso espresso and found it decent, better than I expected.

I have a nespresso (Krups) for over a year now and I drink 3-4 espresso a day, I think it's a great machine, I especially like the Arpeggio and Ristretto pods. Note: I drink only short espresso.