markwill
New member
Hello all,
Just registered here and with a mission. I have had Nespresso machines for many-a-year and for my less-than-refined taste buds it's been just fine. But over the last year or so I've found myself yearning for something a little better and, with my current machine being pretty aged now, have started to research "proper" espresso machines (I understand that "proper" is subjective).
As I suggest in the subject line, I am NOT a connoisseur of fine coffee, so don't want to overstate this. But I do like a nice, rich shot and have become so used to various types of Nespresso pods that they are all much of a muchness now.
As background, I don't drink too much coffee - a single shot in the morning and perhaps a cappuccino at lunch time. But since I work from home, that's pretty standard each day of the week, so probably approaching 60 - 70 uses per month. I am pretty much the only user. So the number of coffees is not a factor here - my enjoyment of them, including the making of said coffee, IS a factor.
That said, I appreciate the good things in life, so don't mind spending a little more on a unit here. I am thinking in terms of a budget of around $1,000. And, yes, I am aware I can easily spend a LOT more than that It's a fair amount, though, relative to my $200-$300 Nespresso machines.
Here are some things that are important to me (in no particular order and at least right now), with some references to machines that caught my attention, in a good or bad way, to each of these:
Yes, I am waffling here! But also using this to collect and arrange my thoughts - and, of course, ask for opinions.
Thank you.
Just registered here and with a mission. I have had Nespresso machines for many-a-year and for my less-than-refined taste buds it's been just fine. But over the last year or so I've found myself yearning for something a little better and, with my current machine being pretty aged now, have started to research "proper" espresso machines (I understand that "proper" is subjective).
As I suggest in the subject line, I am NOT a connoisseur of fine coffee, so don't want to overstate this. But I do like a nice, rich shot and have become so used to various types of Nespresso pods that they are all much of a muchness now.
As background, I don't drink too much coffee - a single shot in the morning and perhaps a cappuccino at lunch time. But since I work from home, that's pretty standard each day of the week, so probably approaching 60 - 70 uses per month. I am pretty much the only user. So the number of coffees is not a factor here - my enjoyment of them, including the making of said coffee, IS a factor.
That said, I appreciate the good things in life, so don't mind spending a little more on a unit here. I am thinking in terms of a budget of around $1,000. And, yes, I am aware I can easily spend a LOT more than that It's a fair amount, though, relative to my $200-$300 Nespresso machines.
Here are some things that are important to me (in no particular order and at least right now), with some references to machines that caught my attention, in a good or bad way, to each of these:
- Integrated grinder. I've had separate grinders in the past and would like to avoid that with my next purchase.
- Avoid tamping. I don't necessarily want to be tamping, but will if I find a great machine. I can see myself enjoying the "process of making an espresso" but tamping seems like it's easily avoided in many machines (they take care of this). The Breville Barista seems a BIT more hassle than I would like, but open to this if I get the sense that it's an excellent option in general.
- Great taste. This is obviously very subjective, but I was looking at the Philips 3200 with LattaGo but saw some comments around indicating that the espresso produced was "watery" (I understand that this could depend heavily on the settings chosen, of course, so not sure if that is anything that can be assigned as a general comment to that machine). Not really sure how to assess this part without physically trying each machine.
- Milk frother. I was looking super-automatics, but now rethinking this. I want milk prep to be pretty easy and simple and prefer not to mess with separate jugs, etc. I am going back and forth on this one though since it's not a decisive factor.
- Repairs. If something has to be replaced so be it be it, but I read - for example - that it can be a pain with Gaggia, since they have one location for repairs in New York (I am north of Seattle) and they are not particularly customer friendly in terms of cost to repair. Again, no idea if that is true but would imagine that other manufacturers might make this a little more streamlined.
- Ease of use and cleanup. I've read a few comments that the Breville Touch, Barista, etc, for example, can be pretty messy when arranging / smoothing the ground coffee. Not a massive factor, but something I'd like to minimize as a factor if possible.
Yes, I am waffling here! But also using this to collect and arrange my thoughts - and, of course, ask for opinions.
Thank you.
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