€1500 Espresso machine budget

dmigsy · 09-03-2021 10:45pm #1

I'm half blind looking at machines, features and reviews. Would appreciate input from the gurus on here.

What I have:

Gaggia Classic - bought new in 2015 and used daily since.
Mazzer Super Jolly grinder - Got a great deal on it in 2017 and I expect it to keep on trucking for many years. It replaced a Sage Smart Grinder Pro which broke down after 2 years and is an unrepairable piece of junk. I won't buy another Sage / Breville product.

Usage:

It's rare that I'd need to make more than a couple of coffees at once.
I want to make more flat whites and cappuccinos. The Gaggia is weak at steaming.
I'm not a tinkerer, want something relatively straightforward that I can get repeatable results with once dialled in. I'm boringly consistent in my coffee preferences. eg I've probably been drinking 3FE momentum blend for about a year.

Current favourites:
The Profitec Pro 300 and Rancilio Silvia Pro are the main two I'm looking at. Both have PID, dualboiler and should be durable, serviceable and long-lasting machines. Any other machines that I should seriously consider? For my usage should I spend less and blow my money elsewhere?

phelixoflaherty · 10-03-2021 8:06am

U might find a solution here

https://coffeeforums.co.uk/search/?&q=Gaggia%20classic%20upgrade&search_and_or=and

bergipau · 10-03-2021 1:20pm

The Lelit Elizabeth should be also be worth a look. Its a bit cheaper than the solvia pro, but it looks equally as good.
I think that is going to be my next machine

ExMachina1000 · 11-03-2021 8:30pm

Friend of mine bought a rocket something from here last year

010 in Meath last year

Seems to be hassle free and he always hands me great coffee when I visit! Lol

I'd love to get my own but bit expensive for me

alec76 · 13-03-2021 9:26am

ExMachina1000 wrote: »

Friend of mine bought a rocket something from here last year

010 in Meath last year

Seems to be hassle free and he always hands me great coffee when I visit! Lol

I'd love to get my own but bit expensive for me

Rocket with PID and Dual boiler would be way beyond budget.
As for the entry level , one with single boiler ( steaming)and heat exchanger for the espresso ,not sure if it is great option, unless you lover of milky drinks, then yes , Rocket Appartamento will do the trick, and it looks fantastic too.

ExMachina1000 · 13-03-2021 9:57am

alec76 wrote: »

Rocket with PID and Dual boiler would be way beyond budget.
As for the entry level , one with single boiler ( steaming)and heat exchanger for the espresso ,not sure if it is great option, unless you lover of milky drinks, then yes , Rocket Appartamento will do the trick, and it looks fantastic too.

Yes that's it. The one he has is an apartmento. Pride of place in his kitchen. Really nice machine. And yes definitely costly but probably last for years and pay for itself as opposed to buying take away coffee

dmigsy · 13-03-2021 10:11am

Think I've settled on the Rancilio Silvia Pro. Doesn't seem to anywhere I can buy it in Ireland? Coffeeitalia are selling it with a free grinder that I'd sell - tempting price-wise but plenty of horror stories about the support experience with them.

Probably going to order from www.espressocoffeeshop.com. Any experience of them?

Tabby McTat · 13-03-2021 10:49am

dmigsy wrote: »

Think I've settled on the Rancilio Silvia Pro. Doesn't seem to anywhere I can buy it in Ireland? Coffeeitalia are selling it with a free grinder that I'd sell - tempting price-wise but plenty of horror stories about the support experience with them.

Probably going to order from www.espressocoffeeshop.com. Any experience of them?

I bought from these guys last year. Very easy to deal with. Was in contact a few times before ordering my machine and they were responsive. Machine arrived pretty quickly too. They are based in Milan so not sure what the story would be with a return or anything.

dmigsy · 13-03-2021 12:19pm

Ordered the Rancilio Silvia Pro with http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com/. There was the option to email them for a discount code so that knocked 95 quid off the price. A human responded straight away over email too so that's always a positive.

dmigsy · 16-03-2021 10:22am

A couple of days too late, https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/ responded to my email. They're doing a great deal on the Rancilio Silvia Pro and a Rocky grinder for 1499. I was a bit impatient in ordering and the one I ordered from Italy had already shipped. Would have gone with this otherwise. I've no affiliation, would have prefered to give the business to an Irish company though.

https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/collections/rancilio/products/copy-of-rancilio-silvia-pro

bergipau · 16-03-2021 10:51am

dmigsy wrote: »

A couple of days too late, https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/ responded to my email. They're doing a great deal on the Rancilio Silvia Pro and a Rocky grinder for 1499. I was a bit impatient in ordering and the one I ordered from Italy had already shipped. Would have gone with this otherwise. I've no affiliation, would have prefered to give the business to an Irish company though.

https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/collections/rancilio/products/copy-of-rancilio-silvia-pro

That is a great deal. The Pro seems to be about 1400 everywhere so getting a rocky for 100 is great. Now if I could just find a pro for 1200....

dmigsy · 16-03-2021 3:01pm

bergipau wrote: »

That is a great deal. The Pro seems to be about 1400 everywhere so getting a rocky for 100 is great. Now if I could just find a pro for 1200....

Buy this, sell the Rocky for 250 and you're nearly there!

dmigsy · 25-03-2021 12:53pm

Arrived today. Bigger than I thought.

bergipau · 25-03-2021 1:04pm

Let us know what you think of it.
I believe it is a little bit higher, but allot deeper.

dmigsy wrote: »

A couple of days too late, https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/ responded to my email. They're doing a great deal on the Rancilio Silvia Pro and a Rocky grinder for 1499. I was a bit impatient in ordering and the one I ordered from Italy had already shipped. Would have gone with this otherwise. I've no affiliation, would have prefered to give the business to an Irish company though.

https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/collections/rancilio/products/copy-of-rancilio-silvia-pro

dmigsy wrote: »

Arrived today. Bigger than I thought.

Krusty_Clown · 25-03-2021 6:30pm

Is that a hot water tap on the left? Need to remove that cabinet or it's going to be a pain in the a45e!

dmigsy · 25-03-2021 8:40pm

Yeah, the machine has a hot water tap. Why would I need to remove the cabinet?

alec76 · 26-03-2021 8:45am

He might be just jealous:)
Great machine, congrats !

Tabby McTat · 26-03-2021 8:50am

Looks very nice. I have machine envy! Enjoy.

Krusty_Clown · 26-03-2021 8:59am

Just thinking you'd have to slide out the machines to refill the hopper or water tank, particularly if single dosing. Anyway, well wear. I have the older model and it's a fab machine.

dmigsy · 26-03-2021 9:05am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Just thinking you'd have to slide out the machines to refill the hopper or water tank, particularly if single dosing. Anyway, well wear. I have the older model and it's a fab machine.

Ah yeah, the hopper lifts out to refill - not bothered with single dosing. The machine slides a few inches to take out water tank.

alec76 · 26-03-2021 2:49pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I have the older model and it's a fab machine.

It is very unlikely you have older model as this one PRO version with DUAL boiler and PID only available from August 2020.
I have only regular Rancilio Silvia , modified with PID and realy envy to this one:)

Krusty_Clown · 26-03-2021 2:58pm

That's what I meant by older model - also modified with PID (Auber) and replaced the time-out switch. Looking at the PRO it is clear where it's pedigree comes from.

dmigsy · 26-03-2021 3:39pm

Just about have it dialled in now. And have a caffeine-induced eye-twitch. Beautiful espresso but I need to get better at milk frothing.

BoardsMember · 26-03-2021 5:01pm

Any thoughts on the Rancilio Rocky SD? On sale at €288

https://www.coffeeitalia.ie/rancilio-rockysd.html

Currently we use a Krupps blade grinder, it works fine, is a bit messy.

We use a Bialetti Mocha to make the coffee. Wondering if I replace the Krupps grinder should I expect better tasting coffee?

alec76 · 26-03-2021 5:35pm

BoardsMember wrote: »

We use a Bialetti Mocha to make the coffee. Wondering if I replace the Krupps grinder should I expect better tasting coffee?

Rocky would be "espresso type " grinder , you'll definitely find something cheaper and may be even better for your task.
Wilfa Svart Grinder or similar.
ps.Coffeeitalia based in Italy , don't be tricked with .ie name. Customer care not existing, if anything goes wrong you on your own.

phelixoflaherty · 26-03-2021 6:17pm

alec76 wrote: »

It is very unlikely you have older model as this one PRO version with DUAL boiler and PID only available from August 2020.
I have only regular Rancilio Silvia , modified with PID and realy envy to this one:)

Do you find the pid a good improvement on temp. Stability?
Temp surfing drives me mad

donnacha · 26-03-2021 7:00pm

BoardsMember wrote: »

Any thoughts on the Rancilio Rocky SD? On sale at €288

https://www.coffeeitalia.ie/rancilio-rockysd.html

Currently we use a Krupps blade grinder, it works fine, is a bit messy.

We use a Bialetti Mocha to make the coffee. Wondering if I replace the Krupps grinder should I expect better tasting coffee?

I'd avoid coffeeitalia. The rocky was my first proper grinder. Never really fell in love with the adjustment options on it.

Now a shameless plug to my ad for a 2nd hand compak k3 touch if that price is your budget range:
https://www.adverts.ie/small-kitchen-appliances/compak-k3-touch-coffee-grinder/22830574

alec76 · 26-03-2021 7:02pm

phelixoflaherty wrote: »

Do you find the pid a good improvement on temp. Stability?
Temp surfing drives me mad

Forgot about surfing like bad dream.
Not just stability , it is really helping tweak some beans.
Normally I would rise temperature for light/medium roast and bring it down for darker

Tabby McTat · 26-03-2021 8:12pm

phelixoflaherty wrote: »

Do you find the pid a good improvement on temp. Stability?
Temp surfing drives me mad

It’s a game changer. I got my Silvia last September and struggled with temp surfing until Christmas when I fitted an Auber PID. Without the PID I found it difficult to pull a consistent shot. With the PID installed the difference is night and day. As the other poster said, the temperature control makes a difference as well, ie, increase the brew temp for lighter beans.

phelixoflaherty · 26-03-2021 8:40pm

Can I ask where ye bought the pids from?

Tabby McTat · 26-03-2021 8:56pm

phelixoflaherty wrote: »

Can I ask where ye bought the pids from?

I bought it directly from Auber through their website. They are based in Atlanta but I had it delivered within a week.

BoardsMember · 26-03-2021 9:20pm

donnacha wrote: »

I'd avoid coffeeitalia. The rocky was my first proper grinder. Never really fell in love with the adjustment options on it.

Now a shameless plug to my ad for a 2nd hand compak k3 touch if that price is your budget range:
https://www.adverts.ie/small-kitchen-appliances/compak-k3-touch-coffee-grinder/22830574

Thanks. I'd be much happier spending that kind of money on a new piece if kit.

Krusty_Clown · 26-03-2021 10:16pm

Tabby McTat wrote: »

It’s a game changer. I got my Silvia last September and struggled with temp surfing until Christmas when I fitted an Auber PID. Without the PID I found it difficult to pull a consistent shot. With the PID installed the difference is night and day. As the other poster said, the temperature control makes a difference as well, ie, increase the brew temp for lighter beans.

Same as. Fitted the Auber PID and replaced the eco auto-power off switch, and haven't looked back. I have it plugged into a smart switch and it comes on at 7:30am, and is ready for first coffee at 8am. Stays at 106'C until 2.30pm. I went for the cheaper PID option, so it doesn't control my steam temperature etc.), but I can see exactly what the steam temperature is, so no more waiting around for the thermostat light to turn off - I'm usually steaming after about 30-40 seconds. I bought my Silvia second hand for around €200 and with the addition of the PID I imagine it behaves like a machine costing 2-3x the cost.

Tabby McTat · 26-03-2021 11:35pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Same as. Fitted the Auber PID and replaced the eco auto-power off switch, and haven't looked back. I have it plugged into a smart switch and it comes on at 7:30am, and is ready for first coffee at 8am. Stays at 106'C until 2.30pm. I went for the cheaper PID option, so it doesn't control my steam temperature etc.), but I can see exactly what the steam temperature is, so no more waiting around for the thermostat light to turn off - I'm usually steaming after about 30-40 seconds. I bought my Silvia second hand for around €200 and with the addition of the PID I imagine it behaves like a machine costing 2-3x the cost.

How big a job was it replacing the eco on/off switch?

Krusty_Clown · 26-03-2021 11:46pm

It was a little trickier than fitting the Auber PID, largely because the instructions are not great and you have to make the cables yourself and do a bit of crimping, but if you can fit the PID, you shouldn't have any problems with replacing the switches.

phelixoflaherty · 01-04-2021 11:58pm

Ordered auber pid on sunday night.
Received it Weds afternoon.
Installed today.
Nails the temp alright.

Can I ask what ball park ye setting ye use?

Thanks for the help

Krusty_Clown · 02-04-2021 12:33am

Have mine set to 106'C, which is equivalent to 96'C brew water temperature. Haven't felt the need to tweak it so far.

Tabby McTat · 02-04-2021 9:14am

I’m the same either 105 or 106. Haven’t tweaked it at all.

Krusty_Clown · 02-04-2021 1:04pm

Probably a better conversation for the dedicated Rancilio Silvia thread, but when steaming milk, I read a recommendation that you should do your steaming while the machine is still engaged in its steam heating phase. So where I used to wait for the steaming light to turn off, now I flush the steam wand when the temperature is around 130-140'C and start steaming almost immediately afterwards. No more waiting around, which is great and always end up with wonderfully steamed milk.

phelixoflaherty · 03-04-2021 8:12am

Clean out wand tip from time to time.
Amazing how much milk gets in there and reduces diameter of hole.
It screws off

dmigsy · 20-05-2021 6:47pm

Have the Silvia Pro a couple of months now. Fantastic machine. No buyers remorse at all!

It's so good that I just don't bother having coffee when I'm out and about anymore, except when I know I'm in a really good coffee shop. Anything else tastes like crap in comparison to what I can brew at home. I didn't expect such a step up from the Gaggia Classic but I have to say the big outlay was worth it.

BoardsMember · 29-05-2021 11:06am

dmigsy wrote: »

Have the Silvia Pro a couple of months now. Fantastic machine. No buyers remorse at all!

It's so good that I just don't bother having coffee when I'm out and about anymore, except when I know I'm in a really good coffee shop. Anything else tastes like crap in comparison to what I can brew at home. I didn't expect such a step up from the Gaggia Classic but I have to say the big outlay was worth it.

How would that compare to a Sage bean to cup machine, quality wise?

Also wondering how much you'd need to spend on a grinder to complement that Silvia Pro? Ballpark type appropriate grinder.

There's a Sage thread on here and lots of discussion about not getting good coffee, issues with tamping and channelling and all sorts. I'm keen on getting some sort of bean to cup or separate grinder and nice machine, but not sure what direction to go.

alec76 · 29-05-2021 3:10pm

BoardsMember wrote: »

How would that compare to a Sage bean to cup machine, quality wise?

.

It is a proper coffee machine , for the starters.
You couldn't compare it to Sage , really. No coffee snob would buy Sage , unless you are on very tight budget.

KnicksInSix · 29-05-2021 4:29pm

Silvia Pro set up last week and I'm blown away with the quality and consistency of the shots I'm getting. I managed to get a Sette second hand from a work colleague but it doesn't really fit in the coffee nook area so my workflow is a bit haphazard but I'm still really happy. I've never used a Sage machine so I can't comment but I'm more than happy with the Silvia Pro + Sette combination.

zweton · 29-05-2021 5:36pm

Thinking of going for this one, reviews seem good.

https://www.homecoffeemachines.ie/collections/lelit-espresso/products/lelit-anita-pl042temd

zweton · 04-07-2021 7:12pm

Ended up buying the Lelit Anita above, have it about 3 weeks now and love it. Took a while to arrive from Italy but well worth it. They were great to deal with too.

zweton · 15-07-2021 8:18pm

Hi Folks, unfortunately due to an unforeseen relocation for a new job i will be selling this, PM if interested. Literally a month old!

€1500 Espresso machine budget

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