Coffee machine for under €200

ncmc

Hi all, I am thinking of asking the other half to get me a coffee machine for Christmas, budget under €200. Main criteria would be 1) quick and easy to use 2) would mostly be used for Americano and cappuccino 3) easy to clean would be a bonus 4) would want to use powder rather than pods (think I would buy a grinder separately and ground my own beans).

From research I have been doing, it would seem Gaggia are a popular make, but unfortunately most of them would be out of my budget. What about an entry level Gaggia model [snipped]

Would that meet most of my criteria?

Or any other suggestions for around the €200 mark? Thanks in advance.

Gran Hermano

[snipped]

I'd seriously look at upping budget slight and going for a Gaggia Classic, a bargain at this price:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI8161-Machine-Professional-Stainless/dp/B0000C72XS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349095518&sr=8-1

donnacha

ncmc wrote: »

Hi all, I am thinking of asking the other half to get me a coffee machine for Christmas, budget under €200. Main criteria would be 1) quick and easy to use 2) would mostly be used for Americano and cappuccino 3) easy to clean would be a bonus 4) would want to use powder rather than pods (think I would buy a grinder separately and ground my own beans).

From research I have been doing, it would seem Gaggia are a popular make, but unfortunately most of them would be out of my budget. What about an entry level Gaggia model [snipped]

Would that meet most of my criteria?

Or any other suggestions for around the €200 mark? Thanks in advance.

get a gaggia classic - it'll cost you €250 but the extra money will be well worth it: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI8161-Machine-Professional-Stainless/dp/B0000C72XS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349095624&sr=8-1

ncmc

Thanks for the recommendations and the advice [snipped]. I am a bit of a newbie to the whole coffee machine idea, I was in holiday in Italy last month and I just can't stomach instant coffee since I came home so that got me thinking about getting a proper machine. Maybe someone could help me in my ignorance, my sister has the Gaggia Cubira and likes it:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaggia-Espresso-RI8151-60-Machine/dp/B001HZE7VU
What would be the main advantages of paying the extra money for the Gaggia Classic?

okedoke

Bear in mind you will have to spend probably €150/200 for a decent grinder or you'll never get a drinkable espresso out of your machine

the beer revolu

ncmc wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendations and the advice [snipped]. I am a bit of a newbie to the whole coffee machine idea, I was in holiday in Italy last month and I just can't stomach instant coffee since I came home so that got me thinking about getting a proper machine. Maybe someone could help me in my ignorance, my sister has the Gaggia Cubira and likes it:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaggia-Espresso-RI8151-60-Machine/dp/B001HZE7VU
What would be the main advantages of paying the extra money for the Gaggia Classic?

As far as I know, the main difference is that with the classic you get a chromed brass portafilter rather than an aluminium one. This will give better temperature stability during the shot, feels much more sturdy and 'professional' and looks better. It really is quite a big difference.
I don't know if there are other differences as well.

Gran Hermano

The Classic also has a 3 way valve (solenoid) which means you can backflush it whereas you can't with the Cubika. Being able to backflush and clean the machine properly would be a major factor for me.

ncmc

Thanks so much for all the replies. I will have to have a think and figure out if it is worth the extra money for the Gaggia Classic. It won’t get a huge amount of use, I only drink one cup a day, maybe two at weekends and my husband doesn’t drink coffee at all. The easier cleaning is definitely a plus!