Espresso machine & grinder recommendations

shaneor

After years of drinking nespresso (consistently ok but never great) I'm seriously considering investing in an Espresso machine.

I've a cheap blade grinder for filter coffee but I'm sure this wouldn't stand up to espresso.

For the machine I'm pretty much decided on a Gaggia Classic. Anything else worth looking at in the similar price range?

Any recommendations on a grinder for espresso for around the €150 mark? Ideally I'd like one that would handle drip, Aeropress, french press etc as well but thats not a hard requirement.

I've seen the Iberital MC2 mentioned in a few places is that still the only thing worth considering in that price range? Are the cheaper birr grinders (like the Dualit http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dualit-75015-Coffee-Grinder-Black/dp/B005VBNSJ8) even worth looking at?

My total budget is €400.

Thanks for any recommendations!

llatsni

I posted this a while back... still seems mostly relevant:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75907863

Basically you need a really good grinder for espresso; If you can't afford one alongside your machine, don't bother with espresso.

shaneor

llatsni wrote: »

I posted this a while back... still seems mostly relevant:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75907863

Basically you need a really good grinder for espresso; If you can't afford one alongside your machine, don't bother with espresso.

Thanks for the reply. That's pretty much what I was expecting. So it sounds like something like the Baratza Virtuoso or Iberital MC2 is the way to go for a grinder.

I'm just kicking myself I didn't pick up a Gaggia Classic when they were really cheap on Amazon a month or two back.

I might just have to push out my budget a bit to do it right!

llatsni

I had an Iberital for ages and while it was fine for espresso it was just completely pointless to ever try grind anything else. It would take you an age to wind it back for pour over, then you'd waste a ton of coffee finding the right espresso setting again. Plus it was noisy as hell.

I have a Vario now and it's full awesome, but I admit it's very pricey if you're just starting off.

phelixoflaherty

Have an Iberital also. Just use it for espresso. Adjusting is a pain.
That said have had it for 4 years,used 3/4 times a day

Skill Magill

I've been reading reviews of the gaggio classic http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI8161-Machine-Professional-Stainless/dp/B0000C72XS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348426555&sr=8-1 and it seems like a good quality machine that makes good coffee for about stg£212 on amazon. It looks as if you can remove the drip tray to accommodate a mug, which is a plus in my book. I've also read rave reviews of the De'Longhi icona Ec0310.r espresso machine which is stg£100 cheaper than the classic. Has anybody bought one of these? Is it £100stg cheaper for a reason? My priorities are good coffee, ease of use and longevity. Thanks for any input

llatsni

@eoing1: don't do it.

If you like espresso - and by that I mean you like the ritual, the precision, the frustration when it spews everywhere or oozes like tar, the joy when you achieve the perfect pour - wait and save up the pennies and get a good machine; a Gaggia Coffee or a Rancilio Silvia and a great grinder (Baraza). If my my measure you don't actually like espresso, get a hand grinder and a chemex.

Skill Magill

@llatsni
Thanks for that, ordering the classic now from amazon, I just needed a little push.

llatsni

Lol, sorry meant the Classic. (I had a Coffee too, very similar machines, classic more mod-able)

It's a great machine. Wear well. Don't forget a good grinder and a subscription to hasbean.

Skill Magill

@llatsni
Regarding the grinder I've already got a delonghi burr grinder http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-KG79-Professional-Burr-Grinder/dp/B002OHDBQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1348480065&sr=1-1, which is going to have to do for the time bean:), Its got ok write-ups by people who bought them on amazon though. Is it a muck grinder?

llatsni

I'd be very surprised if the delonghi will be fine enough or consistent enough for espresso. But try it I suppose!

shaneor

eoing1 wrote: »

@llatsni
Thanks for that, ordering the classic now from amazon, I just needed a little push.

I finally made up my mind and just did the same as well. Gave up on waiting for the price to drop any lower!

Next up is a proper grinder and I've pretty much decide on a Baratza Virtuoso. Is there anyone other than Coffee Angel selling them at the moment?

Skill Magill

Ye gets what ye pays for lol:)

donnacha

shaneor wrote: »

I finally made up my mind and just did the same as well. Gave up on waiting for the price to drop any lower!

Next up is a proper grinder and I've pretty much decide on a Baratza Virtuoso. Is there anyone other than Coffee Angel selling them at the moment?

From my own personal experience I wouldn't order a grinder from anyone but Coffee Angel. I have two different grinders and both have over their 3 years of service had a number of different issues. In all cases Karl in Coffee Angel went beyond the call of duty in sorting me out with fixes. Marco in Sandyford are the guys that ultimately end up fixing them and they've also gone beyond the normal call of duty to get me back up and running as quickly as possible.

llatsni

Yup, Karl is yer only man for Baraza/Mahlkonig.

Gotham Knight

donnacha wrote: »

From my own personal experience I wouldn't order a grinder from anyone but Coffee Angel. I have two different grinders and both have over their 3 years of service had a number of different issues. In all cases Karl in Coffee Angel went beyond the call of duty in sorting me out with fixes. Marco in Sandyford are the guys that ultimately end up fixing them and they've also gone beyond the normal call of duty to get me back up and running as quickly as possible.

I agree 100%. My first two Preciso grinders had problems and if I hadn't got great service from Karl and the guys in Marco (not to mention help from the CEO of Baratza) I would have thrown my hat at it. But the third machine has performed excellently for a year now and it's transformed the quality of my espresso.

eoing1 and shaneor, you've done the right thing. The Classic is a great and robust machine. Just remember to descale it and it should last for many years. Don't waste money on a poor grinder, as you'll only end up upgrading and spending more overall. Baratza are a great make. IMHO, the Preciso gives the best value as it has great adjustability and is easy to use. The Vario and Vario-W look nice but the prices are very high for the additional functionality. I just bought scales from Karl and I'm happy with that set-up. And if the scales break I don't have to send the grinder off for servicing.

Skill Magill

I've had a look at the preciso http://coffeeangel.com/product/baratza-virtuoso-preciso/ but its €330, I'm going to just see what the delonghi kg79 is like first(naturally) and if its not to my liking apply this hack http://geekandgrind.tumblr.com/post/17171106555/hacking-a-dehlonghi-coffee-grinder#disqus_thread. Probably then I'll buy your preciso lol

llatsni

Definitely give that hack a go. It's free!

Skill Magill

I got the classic today, and made a coffee. I got a lovely crema on it (compared to my stove top) and the taste wastn't bitter at all. (using blue mountain nairobi beans). For my first attempt I'm quite pleased but its still nowhere near the capucinno I got in 3fe yesterday (went in there specially to see what all the fuss was about). I may be in danger of becoming a coffee nerd, should I be worried?

llatsni

Good news!

And yes; you should be very, very worried

MaureenMac

eoing1 you should be worried.
I started out with a basic setup and then the desire to upgrade to bright, shiney, expensive coffee gear took over. Ended up with -
Alex Duetto II; Mazzer grinder (+3 others); stovetop; Otto (beautiful piece of equipment); Clever Coffee Dripper; Syphon; Aeropress and a 2kg roaster. Now thinking of acquiring a cold-drip but maybe will not have the need when I return to Ireland but a definite bonus in Australia!!!
Enjoy your coffee journey.:D

llatsni

I think we need a "Pics of your coffee gear" thread!

Skill Magill

@maureenmac
I'd say your kitchen is like Oz

lol:)