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Grinder/Espresso machine recomendations

  • 05-09-2010 01:13PM
    #1
    ntlbell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,287 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I was hoping to get some recomendations for a grinder and espresso machine.

    I don't drink a whole lot of coffee personaly, it's mostly for guests and herself.

    I'll be sourcing beans from hasbean and would like to be able to do,espresso's/late's/cappuccino's

    Something with a milk frother and is generally easy to clean.

    Budget is 600-800 for both.

    Thanks in advance!


Comments

  • #2
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,450 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    You'll get up and running with that budget anyway. Take a read of this thread and bang away with any questions.


  • #3
    Doodee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,425 ✭✭✭Doodee


    Get a Vario grinder. Great should you decide to dabble with other types, but also great for espresso and well designed. -350

    As for a Machine, I'd say a Silvia or Gaggia Classic, but make sure to get the pressure changed from the stock factory settings.


  • #4
    ntlbell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,287 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    Doodee wrote: »
    Get a Vario grinder. Great should you decide to dabble with other types, but also great for espresso and well designed. -350

    As for a Machine, I'd say a Silvia or Gaggia Classic, but make sure to get the pressure changed from the stock factory settings.

    Thanks for that I've been looking at the gaggia range, can you explain a bit more about the preasure?


  • #5
    Doodee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,425 ✭✭✭Doodee


    ntlbell wrote: »
    Thanks for that I've been looking at the gaggia range, can you explain a bit more about the preasure?

    Usually a machine will be set to around 15bar pressure straight out of the factory.
    This is far too high for espresso, with the ideal pressure being 9 - 10.5

    On the Gaggia Classic and newer model Silvia's they have an adjustable OPV (Over Pressure Valve) which can be altered to your preference. It requires a pressure gauge though which is an added expense.
    If you're not the type to tinker with the inside of the machine it would be an idea to get one that's already adjusted.
    It is a necessity if you are considering spending the money you are as it will give you access to truly great espresso's.


  • #6
    qwytre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 409 ✭✭qwytre


    I've done a good bit of research and spoken to a few people on this. I evetually went for the Mahlkonig Vario grinder (€350) and the Rancillio Silvia (€450). Very pleased with my choice so I would recommend them.

    Its very important to get fresh beans as you are onto a looser straightaway without them.


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  • #7
    ntlbell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,287 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    qwytre wrote: »
    I've done a good bit of research and spoken to a few people on this. I evetually went for the Mahlkonig Vario grinder (€350) and the Rancillio Silvia (€450). Very pleased with my choice so I would recommend them.

    Its very important to get fresh beans as you are onto a looser straightaway without them.

    Hey, I've decided to go also go with the mahlkong vario.

    I haven't done enough research on the machine yet, do you know what advantages the silvia has over say the gaggia baby range?


  • #8
    Doodee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,425 ✭✭✭Doodee


    ntlbell wrote: »
    Hey, I've decided to go also go with the mahlkong vario.

    I haven't done enough research on the machine yet, do you know what advantages the silvia has over say the gaggia baby range?

    Silvia would have a better steam wand/steamer.
    It also has a Brass boiler.


  • #9
    qwytre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 409 ✭✭qwytre


    Doodee wrote: »
    Silvia would have a better steam wand/steamer.
    It also has a Brass boiler.

    Yeah thats it. Plus I just didnt like the gaggia baby, the rancilio is apparently a step up over all gaggias. Plenty of info around, and also useful videos on youtube (just search).

    One thing is that the quality and freshness of your beans plus a very good grinder is probably more important than the machine (assuming you buy at least a reasonably good one). So you are off to a good start with the grinder at least.


  • #10
    ntlbell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,287 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    qwytre wrote: »
    Yeah thats it. Plus I just didnt like the gaggia baby, the rancilio is apparently a step up over all gaggias. Plenty of info around, and also useful videos on youtube (just search).

    One thing is that the quality and freshness of your beans plus a very good grinder is probably more important than the machine (assuming you buy at least a reasonably good one). So you are off to a good start with the grinder at least.


    Where did you purchase the rancillio?


  • #11
    qwytre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 409 ✭✭qwytre


    ntlbell wrote: »
    Where did you purchase the rancillio?

    coffeeitalia.ie - there is a thread about them somewhere in this forum, some people have had bad experiences with them but I didn't.


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  • #12
    seanos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,459 ✭✭✭seanos


    I'd recommend http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com
    Reasonably priced, and free shipping on orders over €300, picked up my Macap M4 & Silvia from them recently - First time I've spent this much on something non-computer related!


  • #13
    ntlbell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,287 ✭✭✭✭ntlbell


    seanos wrote: »
    I'd recommend http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com
    Reasonably priced, and free shipping on orders over €300, picked up my Macap M4 & Silvia from them recently - First time I've spent this much on something non-computer related!

    cafeitalia seems to be roughly the same


  • #14
    Vorrtexx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 541 ✭✭✭Vorrtexx


    Hi,
    Did you source the Vario from the same place?


  • #15
    qwytre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 409 ✭✭qwytre


    Vorrtexx wrote: »
    Hi,
    Did you source the Vario from the same place?

    Got mine from coffeeangel.ie


  • #16
    Doodee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,425 ✭✭✭Doodee


    Silvia can be got from

    http://shop.ristrettocoffee.com/index.php?cat=Espresso_Machines&ActinicSID=ed461288662300f99f4b44d9908f10f0

    Email or call them for stock info.
    They are very good to deal with.

    You can also get a naked portafilter from them too.

    One thing not to forget is a decent tamper. You won't get one with the machine.
    If you don't want to spend money on one such as a reg barber then you can get them fairly cheap on ebay.
    Quick forum search should throw up some results.


  • #17
    donnacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,302 ✭✭✭donnacha


    +1 for ristrettocoffee.com purchased my silvia from them 2 years ago - they also threw in a proper tamper for me with the purchase so worthwhile asking


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