Oh, I just wanted to add that I am so glad we went with the extra $70 and bought the Baratza Preciso instead of the Virtuoso. Until you see it, you might not realize what a difference those micro adjustments actually make in the grind. I can't imagine trying to embark on this hobby/journey...
Well, I got my new grinder Friday afternoon, it is now Sunday afternoon and I'm one scoop shy of using 1/2 pound of coffee and finally got a passable drink. Not all that good, but at least it doesn't have that salty and/or bitter taste. That link you sent me to is excellent (did you write...
Poison, I saw your photos and the exact words out of my mouth were "ooooooo," "ahhhhhhhh," and I really want to come over to your house for a shot. Or three. :-)
Back to practical, should I run out and buy a scale? I'm anticipating delivery of my new grinder today and I'm really excited...
CoffeeJunky, you aren't bursting my bubble, I completely understand that the Gaggia machine I got is not a long-term thing. As a matter of fact, I told my SO that the Baratza will be a one-time purchase and should last for many years. I'm hoping for 2-4 years out of the Gaggia. I'm okay with...
Wow, did my SO ever surprise me. He came over and was acting just a bit "off", when lo and behold the UPS truck drives up and delivers 2 large boxes from Amazon: the Gaggia, which is a beautiful deep red color (the pictures don't do it justice), and a Baratza grinder. Unfortunately, it was the...
Wow, this has been so helpful. I think I'll go with a Baratza Preciso 685 for $299 and 440 distinct adjustments over the Baratza Virtuoso ($229) which has 40 distinct steps. (I was going to ask about this: "PANAMA" Coffee Mill - Stainless Steel, by Zassenhaus., but I know it doesn't have near...
Bumping this, hoping to get a response as to specific machine recommendations. Key points:
5-6 shots for one drink - one drink per day (maybe two drinks on tough days! :-))
Budget less than $400.
No milk involved (that is, milk frother not a concern at all.)
As a secondary matter, it would be...
I just discovered a micro roaster in my area and they sell this manual grinder: "PANAMA" Coffee Mill - Stainless Steel, by Zassenhaus. I'm looking to grind for espresso. Does anyone have any thoughts on this one?
Shadow745 and CoffeeJunky, I'd really like to hear about other possible machines that you all might recommend as the Silvia is quite a bit higher than what I really wanted to spend. I'm just not very keen on a used machine, either.
Perhaps you could give some pros and cons of each?
I was...
I just watched this video on the Rancilio Silvia on the Seattle Coffee Gear site (I don't have enough posts to do a link). I'm a little confused. If I'm not going to steam milk do I need the PID? Do I need to worry about making the pump run in between shots?
Thank you,
Becky
CoffeeJunky, thank you for your response. I see some older models on eBay, but being a novice, I'm very uncomfortable buying an old, used, machine for that much money. I have no way of evaluating the model/purchase price. Are they really worth $300 after 13 years of daily use? Seems like it...
Hi Rose,
Sure, I like a hot espresso as well.
I currently have an AeroPress that I use most days, but I just love the flavor of the real espresso. It would be great if I could have it everyday instead of just as an occasional treat.
Thank you,
Becky
P.S. I tried the inverted AeroPress...
Hi all,
I've been searching through the forums for about the past year (so as to get relatively current info), but haven't really seen Q&A for my specific needs. Sure could use some help...
Looking for an espresso machine for home use. Budget is less than $400, but I've seen recommendations...