Beginner's espresso machine: DeLonghi EC 680/685 or alternative?

[holger]

Hi there,

I've recently learned that espresso can taste great and I want to buy a budget espresso machine.
What I want is:

• an espresso that isn't bitter and that's very low in acids/has no 'sour' taste
• nicely frothed milk for cappuccino
• a startup / pre-heat time of <<5 minutes

I do have a Hario Skerton mill at home. Is that good enough for espressos for a start?
I'd buy the beans from a small local store that roasts itself - the cappuccino there taste great!

Does the DeLonghi 680 (the new 685 seems to be released just now, seems quite similar) make a good cup of cappuccino?
I'd like to have 80% of the great taste as when prepared with an expensive espresso machine, and especially no sourness, no bitterness.
Would that be possible if I take high quality beans?

I don't care too much about the look and feel of the machine, how big the bubbles in the crema are, or how heavy the portafilter is - I only care about the taste of the cappuccino.
Or would you recommend me buy a used machine like a Gaggia Classic (the pre-Philips model)? I live in Europe, in case that matters.

Would appreciate any help

 

[gnappi]

Here's my experience with "budget" machines.

They make espresso, they break really fast, you buy another one it makes espresso, it breaks really fast... and on and on. Ultimately you spend a LOT of money on them and drink very little espresso.

I bought a $600 Starbucks Barista machine over 20 years ago and made thousands of cups, it has never failed. A good machine is well worth the bucks. I'm not saying you have to buy a high end machine, but anything worth having is worth investing a bit more money in. YMMV

 

[josh99]

Try this machine, they make decent espresso and even latte (with latte art). Definitely the best choice for first timers