I just bought this Schaerer Siena 2 machine from Adverts.ie

CRM Ireland

Ive been drinking filter coffee for a while now and while at a friends house over the weekend, he showed me his latest purchase, one of those Nespresso pod machines with all the little capsules.

I didnt even really know what an espresso was, compared to regular filter coffee. Obviously I knew it was really concentrated as there is very little water. and wondered if I could do same thing with my filter machine. I found out that gravity isnt good enough and it must be forced through the grinds.

So I thought to myself how much Id like to have an espresso machine. Now bizarrely enough, there was an old style Nescafe Dolce Gusto nespresso machine in this rented house Im in, but Id never used it and it just sits in the cupboard. I went online, couldnt find the pods at a decent price and dismissed the idea of buying any as I didnt like the idea of being restricted and also the expense of each cup.

Anyway to stop boring you all, I went onto adverts and had a look at a load of machines and started reading reviews on any that interested me.

I went today and bought for 300EUR a used Schaerer Siena 2 beans to cup fully automated machine.

Its in perfect working order, and is immaculate inside and out. The only thing missing, which I was informed about before meeting the seller, is the milk tube that would be put into a carton of milk to make lattes, cappucinos etc.

The seller provided me with a printed out sheet showing the missing part and I checked and its available online for 11EUR.

Ive been using Lavazza Rossa beans in my filter machine for a while now and really enjoy the flavour of it. Anyone got and good suggestions now that I have a few options regarding the type of coffee I should buy next?

I'll be honest, I dont really know all that much about coffee, and what Ive read in this forum has frightened me into thinking this is some dark art thats going to require a lot of studying. Im not sure if I want to become a nerd, I just want to be able to get up in the morning and turn on the machine and then a couple of minutes later, I press a button and the machine pours me a delicious coffee!

Anyone had any experience with this brand? I dont see any mention of it on the forum at all!

Is there a coffee suppliers in Louth/Meath/Cavan (thats the areas I work) that I can go and visit? Would they sell the cleaning tablets used for these machines? Is there an alternative to using cleaning tablets?





Sorry the photos are not up to much, the light is poor and its far too reflective to use the flash.

Here are a couple of videos I saw on youtube which convinced me that I wanted this machine as I was researching it last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YHFS2BtNOE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnxHMyXvBt4

When I saw that first video showing the cappucino, I was like "OMG I soo want that in my house!"

No doubt those in the know are going to tell me some awful news and Ive been stung, but 300EUR for this when it cost 3500EUR new, seems amazing. Its only made just over 2500 drinks in total. There is a counter in the settings which is not resettable.

Im looking for someone to tell me I did the right thing in buying this. Although its cheap compared to the original price, 300EUR is still a lot of money for coffee. So its really got to be lasting a long time for me to be satisfied.

One thing I did notice, is that with a simple coffee, it was so smooth and was creamy, something that my filter machine just didnt ever do.

Curry Addict

looks like a great buy imho. get some good beans though

CRM Ireland

I contacted Schaerer by email and they forwarded it onto a company called Marco in Sandyford Industrial estate. I was looking for the milk hose kit and also the 8 regulator things that attach to the tube and go into the carton of milk.

Its a little more expensive in Ireland, but at least I dont have to pay the 30EUR postage from Germany. For the two parts, its costing 41EUR and had I needed it posted, it wouldve been 8EUR more. Thankfully my business partner lives literally around the corner in Sandyford, so he is picking up the parts tomorrow.

I went to Heatons and bought some espresso and some coffee cups. I then bought loads of water from Lidl and started the decalcification process. It took the machine nearly an hour to do it and nearly 4 litres of water! My water is from a well and a brand new kettle is ruined every 4-5 months due to lime. So now this machine is super clean, Im only going to use bottled water in it as I think it would be destroyed in no time. Probably the coffee tastes better using fresh water anyway.

I took a photo tonight with the cups etc on top of it. I have to say, out of nowhere Ive become really enthusiastic about this coffee malarkey.

Curry Addict, you say get good beans, but what do you suggest? This thread has had nearly 100 views, but only 1 reply, I was hoping for some response to help me. Now Im paranoid Ive bought an ancient piece of junk that everyone is being too kind to say!

CRM Ireland

Anyone got any input at all? I thought this section was full of enthusiasts, Id have got more of a response posting this in the pet section!

Curry Addict

these beans work really well in my machine, price not too bad if bought in 1kg bags, http://www.coffeemojo.ie/coffee/single+origin/gethumbwini+estate+.html

donnacha

CRM Ireland wrote: »

Anyone got any input at all? I thought this section was full of enthusiasts, Id have got more of a response posting this in the pet section!

I'll second what CurryAddict said - buy freshly roasted beans.

SuperGrover

CRM Ireland - I've been buying my beans from Hasbean (hasbean.co.uk). Roasted to order, delivered promptly every time. Great selection, loads of info on the website for making choices.

Highly recommend.

Gran Hermano

http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/the-new-espresso-starter-pack

http://bailiescoffee.com/categoriesList/357/our-espresso-blends.aspx

http://www.coffeemojo.ie/coffee/espresso/

http://coffeeangel.com/product/forsa-gala-espresso/

Whilst I can't comment on the machine as I'm not familiar with bean to cup machines, I can vouch for any of the coffees and suppliers listed above.

wilsixon

add http://www.badgeranddodo.ie/ to the above list. In my experience, on par with hasbean.

CRM Ireland

Thanks for all the input.

Ive read a few places, and even seen posts up here about storing beans in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer. So Ive been pouring the beans into an airtight tub and keeping them in the fridge.

I was in Skerries the other day having a walk about and I went into this chip shop which had a small "Cafe Corner" type magazine which is distributed all around that district. There was a section stating that despite what it says on the label of coffee beans, they believe that coffee shouldnt be stored in the fridge as it absorbs flavours from strong foods in the fridge such as onions etc. They suggested it should be in an airtight container and simply kept in a cool dark cupboard instead.

I'd have thought with the container being airtight, that odours wouldn't be able to be absorbed, but perhaps there is some other factors Im unaware of to consider.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Gran Hermano

Why store coffee in a fridge in the first place? If you are making the effort to source fresh beans use them as soon as possible. Best to order little and often. Once you've opened a bag store it in an airtight container. Sticking it in the fridge is of no benefit. I'd rather avoid risking condensation and smells from the fridge.

Freezing beans is different, you're looking to extend the life of the beans and delay the ageing process.