Help me choose a machine pleaseee :)

[matias4000]

[FONT=&quot]Hey! So I want a budget espresso machine and I don't want to go for a Moka and for some reason I don't want any nespresso/pod stuff and right now I don't want to save up for something nicer like a Gaggia Classic. Eventually I will but right now I need something budget friendly. I will honestly be making Lattes so.. I don't think I'll ever be having a straight up espresso shot..[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I also already have a nice mid-range Burr Grinder so that's covered.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]I know they are not the greatest but..the options so far:[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Barsetto Espresso: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LGP71C9/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_BiX5CbGS0VG95[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Delonghi EC702: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CNG7RY/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_aPW5CbC0QKZV9[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Barseto Espresso #2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9N5SRL/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_EiX5Cb7AMBJ8X[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Delonghi Dedica (seen a few refurbished for less than $200) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072WZL4ZT/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_rkX5CbQ36TXF2[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Delonghi 3420 or 3630 (look the same) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YCP6ZNU/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_B8W5CbXGV4C8P[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Popular Delonghi EC115: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F49XXG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_p.W5CbTACDEZV[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Any other recommendation in the same price range is totally appreciated.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I know these are not "real espresso" machines but that's what I can go for right now but I'm very confused on which one is better :/ Any help would be much appreciated ![/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Thanks a lot!![/FONT]

 

[matias4000]

Somehow I think a good home use espresso machine needs a built in brew group, none of these has one.

What would you recommend?

 

[Musicphan]

Rancilio Silvia is considered the 'good' intro espresso machine... but you have to have an espresso grinder to prepare espresso right. Usually, the grinder is the more expensive item.

 

[shadow745]

Rancilio Silvia is considered the 'good' intro espresso machine... but you have to have an espresso grinder to prepare espresso right. Usually, the grinder is the more expensive item.

Actually on most forums lately the Gaggia Classic is considered the 'entry level' along with the Sette grinder. I have been rocking a Silvia for about 2.5 yrs. now and can honestly say I'd never recommend it for somebody starting out. Of all the machines I've used the Silvia is the most unforgiving machine I've ever used, likely the most unforgiving on the market. I know the common thought is price and go from there. Will also say the phrase 'entry level' can be misleading as well. If the primary focus is espresso the Silvia is a very capable machine and the espresso from it easily rivals anything on the market, but you do have to work for it. Higher priced machines generally don't give better espresso, just do so with more consistency/less effort. If the primary focus is milk based drinks then I'd recommend a HX as any single boiler is going to lead to disappointment if expected to do several milk based drinks on a regular basis.

 

[Musicphan]

That's too bad you feel the Silvia is difficult. I ran a Silvia/Mazzer Mini combo for about 10 years... in fairness, I did put a PID controller into the Silvia which drastically improved its performance. And completely agree with you on HX... I have an Apartmento now and it's great, pucks tend to be wet because of poor backpressure release design (or something similar).

 

[shadow745]

Oh I definitely don't feel the Silvia is difficult, meant that it's very unforgiving in that it's not a turn it on, wait 5 mins and push a button machine like many think. I like things to be challenging and find what I squeeze out of the Silvia is quite awesome. I refuse to install a PID as to me it takes the challenge out of it. I have 2 temp/time surfing routines I do that work really well. Compared to other machines I've used the Silvia is definitely more demanding and I can appreciate that.

 

[Musicphan]

Gotcha... yes - she did like to warm up. Once I installed the PID it made it much more consistent and avoided the surf which I personally hated. And once you go HX you will never go back... I was never a fan of the steam capacity of any single boiler setup. Thankfully when I had the Silvia I was primarily an espresso or iced latte drinker.

 

[jonuk]

Here is a good guide to help you choose: https://coffeforus.com/best-espresso-machines-under-200/

 

[desert_comi]

I'm never tried any of these, but if we talk about brands, I'm using DeLonghi (model EC 850.M) for about 4 years, and I never had any problem with it. I know this is not so helpful, but if you have any brand dilema, DeLonghi never dissapointed me...

 

[davidsinha]

Check Gaggia RI8762 Anima Prestige