Espresso machine suggestions?

aris

Anyone have any suggestions on a MSE approved Expresso machine? Are these new 'pod' type systems with proprietary coffee worth it?

Thanks,

Aris

Apeds

Last year I bought a machine from woolworths priced at £29.99 ( this year they are selling it at £39.99 )

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/ww_p2/product/index.jhtml?pid=50488437

I would recommend this highly - a year on and still brewing daily.

This year the in-laws mentioned they would like one too but being a little short I saved a couple of pounds and bought them one from argos.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4225142.htm

Can't comment on it yet but to be honest apart from superficial cosmetic differences they seem identical.

As for the pod brewers I personally wouldn't touch them as I see it as a method for manufacturers to try and tie you into proprietary branding and lessen your choice of coffee.

Buy a machine like the links above and make sure it has at least a 15 BAR of pressure - a lot of the cheaper ones are 4 or less and don't really do the job.

While your at it find a coffee bean grinder and experiment with different beans. I was lucky and picked up a Hitachi branded one last year for a tenner in currys although I haven't seen it lately.

Happy Brewing

Apeds

aris

Thank you for that - i'll take a look during the sales!

espresso

I agree with Apeds comments, see what you can find with at least 15 Bar pressure and avoid the pod machines unless you want an instant home vending machine.

aris

I bought the woolworths one. I hope I don't have a problem in a few years time when/if I need spare parts.

Apeds

Well Aris I hope you have many delicious brews ( I know we have ). As for spares ours has never missed a beat in a year so you pays yours money and takes your chance.


Apeds

ferretktf

if you can stretch to £140 then the BRIEL VERSATILE DUE won the recent Which? survey - beating all other machines hands-down -- including some that cost over £600!!!


It's what I'm currently saving up for (secretly hoping it will be reduced in the sales somewhere)


John Lewis stock it plus a number or on-line sites - best Google for it.





Edit: Whoops - hadn't realised you'd already bought the Woolies one Oh well- maybe the tip will suit somebody else who searches on this site?

Garret

Hi,

Thanks for the info - I was thinking of getting one of these too. Is the Briel one that much better than the Woollies one? I don't think Which tested the Woollies one, but then again, they tested some really expensive models and quality brand names so if the Briel did well against them it must be pretty good.

One thing I thought good about the Briel report was that is can handle real ground coffee and pods, so you have a pretty wide choice. Also, if you like the convenience of pods, Which seemed to think that the ESE type ones that the Briel takes were best because they have the widest range of flavours/beans.

I did a search the other day and found Harrods (yes really) to have the Briel at the lowest price - £129 - but delivery was extra. It may well change in the sales.

So, now my problem is... do I lash out £129 or go for the Woollies cheap job? I don't suppose anyone has tried both?

Garret

Garret

By the way, the full Which comparison table is here:

http://www.which.co.uk/houseandhome/reports/sep2005hh40t43/full-table_01.jsp

mogoot

Was never impressed with the pod system. Good idea for quick decent coffee but it does tend to limit you to a certain number of different coffees (i.e., if it doesn't come in pods, it's no good for you). Far prefer the traditional sort.

I have a Gaggia - it works wonderfully but the metallic finish on the body is coming off a bit.

I think the Francis Francis machines are beautiful. But very very expensive.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Electrical/Kitchen+Appliances/Tea+and+Coffee/Coffee+Makers/230196234/Product.aspx

Zziggi

but can you use a pod in a gaggia machine?