Gift Suggestions

Hello,

I've toyed with the idea before of buying a coffee machine for my wife. She loves a tasty coffee in the mornings and uses one of those "stick it on the gas ring" jobs with ground coffee. Its ok but she always enjoys moreso a coffee in a shop,hotel etc.

So what do I get her?

I've seen the Gaggia Classic for sale on Amazon and that gets good reviews. I also know I need a good grinder too.

Any suggestions what to get on a budget of €400ish?

Many thanks for suggestions

adrian522

If she doesn't midn putting in a bit of work learning try a Gaggia Classic + Grinder.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI8161-Machine-Professional-Stainless/dp/B0000C72XS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375546917&sr=8-1&keywords=gaggia+classic

I always advise people go to coffeeangel for grinders, great after sales if anything goes wrong and always good to support local where you can.

You can drop in and chat to karl about what would suit best within your budget. Maybe something like this:

http://coffeeangel.com/product/catler-smart-grinder-cg-8010/

You could then add some ceramic cups too:

http://coffeeangel.com/product-category/ceramic-cups/

a little over your budget but better off getting stuff that won't need replacing in 6 months.

All this assumes she prefers espresso based drinks.

For brewed or filter coffee the setup is much cheaper. Still need a grinder but the brewers are cheap.

Thanks for that Adrian.

I've kinda settled for the Gaggia Classic judging by the reviews and good price at the minute.

I'll look at that grinder too. I agree with paying for quality that will last.

As for the cups.....she may wait till Christmas for them!!!

I'm Sth East based so if there are any coffee equipment shops in Wexford or Waterford I'd appreciate a point in the direction.

Anything else I'd need? (other than coffee)

adrian522

You'll need some things like a tamper, detergent for cleaning the machine, eppresso cups, ideally a weighing scales. Nothing major though.

I'd give coffee angel a shout, if you can get to Dublin great, if not give them a call and ask for advise. He might even throw in a bag of coffee to try out. I'm sure he could arrange delivery for you too.

Would a bean to cup machine for €400 be an option?

Please bear in mind that myself and herself are newbies to making espresso. Is the whole separate grinder and machine really worth the money and work?

wannabecraig

TheTorment wrote: »

Would a bean to cup machine for €400 be an option?

Please bear in mind that myself and herself are newbies to making espresso. Is the whole separate grinder and machine really worth the money and work?

It's be a lot easier if she's not into the process of making coffee and adjusting grinds/pressure to her needs. I she REALLY likes coffee she'll get much more satisfaction from the non bean to cup version imo. Depends on her interest levels really.

Anyone have any views of this as a bean to cup?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Saeco-HD8751-88-Automatic/dp/B009L6EAEQ/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=11052681&s=kitchen

Im going to stay with bean to cup as she woudnt like the extra hassle...

Swift replies needed as wife's birthday next week!!!

Padraig Mor

TheTorment wrote: »

Anyone have any views of this as a bean to cup?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Saeco-HD8751-88-Automatic/dp/B009L6EAEQ/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=11052681&s=kitchen

Im going to stay with bean to cup as she woudnt like the extra hassle...

Swift replies needed as wife's birthday next week!!!

Seems to get very good reviews. It's also available on Amazon.de (link) for considerably cheaper (~€300 including shipping).

Thanks for that!!

Padraig Mor

Actually, my link above shows a few "Used - Like New" units available for €229. A cracking deal so I bought one! My understanding of Amazon's categories is that the machine is essentially new, with perhaps a damaged box; the machine itself should not have been used. Amazon.de's shipping rates to Ireland are quite high so I got it sent to Parcel Motel in the North. Total cost €239. Then another €3.50 for Parcel Motel to drop it down to my local Topaz. Note that you may not be eligible for a Saeco warranty with these deals - but you can return it to Amazon if it arrives faulty (or even if you just change your mind). So....now to buy some beans!

okedoke

I have a gaggia classic and grinder and love using it - but it takes a long time to get used to it and to get drinkable coffee out of it and then making coffee is a fairly involved process, you don't just flick a switch and wait. Unless she is into the process of making coffee I'd go for a bean to cup type machine.

Gran Hermano

Some good savings on bean to cup machines on Amazon France
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=86280741&postcount=301