espresso coffee maker - advice needed

littlejaffa

not sure where to post this so please move it it's not here...

i'm looking to buy a coffee maker, only i don't like coffee or know anything about it!

I'd like something that makes proper coffee (not the pod things) but not a bean grinder..
Am happy to pay around £100 for something really good, but preferably small cause it'll only be making 1 cup espresso most of the time and i had a family sized one that we never used cause it was a killer to clean for 1 cup.

Am liking la pavoni but not the prices...any ideas what to look for, where to start, or even brand names etc to avoid.
xx

mixu

I've had the basic Krups model now for a few years and it makes espressos, lattes, etc. as good as any branded coffee shop.

https://www.johnlewis.com/Kitchen/Small+Appliances/Tea+and+Coffee/Coffee+Makers/529/230172717/Product.aspx

Go through Quidco for cashback too...

keithwjones

http://www.homewares.co.uk/

This company have:

GAGGIA RECONDITIONED MACHINES - NEARLY NEWUK DELIVERIES ONLY A selected range of Nearly New machines are available for sale at attractive prices. All machines are checked thoroughly and come with a 12 month warranty. Please note that you have to allow for a period of 2-3 weeks for delivery.

[FONT=geneva,helvetica,arial]Gran Gaggia - White £50.00
Reconditioned by Gaggia UK
12 month warranty [/FONT]

Others at £99

Keith

Dan_Thunder

Have you considered just buying a proper stove top pot? You can get them for one person for under £10 plus they make fantastic espresso (as long as you compact the grounds down) and they do have a certain retro charm! http://www.whittard.co.uk/ProductDetailsList.aspx?pid=esprs&cid=ce5051&language=en-GB

You can also get more pricey 'poncey' looking ones: http://www.shop-com.co.uk/op/~Freud_Stove_Top_Espresso_Maker-prod-42255793-55913194?sourceid=309

crispyduck_2

I would try a second hand pressured maker, you need to have sufficient pressure of hot water to get correct Crema and flavour.

I've used the stove toppers and they make reasonable coffee but compared to pro espresso they really don't stand up.

We bought a Magimix half price in a closing down sale three years ago which has been excellent but as you say for us it's now getting too big as it makes filter as well. We both now only drink espresso so am also keen to downsize.

I'll keep an eye out but let me know if you are successful.

I spoke to Wogan of Bristol about three years ago who had only just started selling to the public as opposed to trade only and they swore by Innova (https://www.wogancoffee.co.uk) reckoned that it is a domestic machine with trade durability, but the prices can be steep so you would have to find one second hand, but try them you never know?

C

rsbystry

mixu wrote: »

I've had the basic Krups model now for a few years and it makes espressos, lattes, etc. as good as any branded coffee shop.

https://www.johnlewis.com/Kitchen/Small+Appliances/Tea+and+Coffee/Coffee+Makers/529/230172717/Product.aspx

Go through Quidco for cashback too...

I've had this machine for a few years and it makes great espresso. It's easy to clean and not too big.

keithwjones

I've had a Gaggia details as previously posted.

Also had an Innova From Brian Wogan:

http://www.wogancoffee-shop.co.uk/catalog/index.php

They are good machines cost £350.

If you want a good espresso Brain Wogan does a coffee called Riposo - my friends fight to get it.

Keith

italiastar

This one's is twice the price of your budget, and probably three times the size you want, but it's one hell of a nice machine. The repairer in Italy where I buy parts for my 20 + year old Baby Gaggia for servicing (they don't make them like they used to - it cost me £200 so in real terms it would now be at least 3 times the cost) is the sales manager for Isomec. These ones on eBay are cheaper than I can get them from him and he's known me for nearly 20 years! - I'm sorely tempted.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ISOMAC-GIADA-ESPRESSO-COFFEE-MACHINE_W0QQitemZ270114384773QQihZ017QQcategoryZ20671QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

philhoggins

littlejaffa wrote: »

not sure where to post this so please move it it's not here...

i'm looking to buy a coffee maker, only i don't like coffee or know anything about it!

I'd like something that makes proper coffee (not the pod things) but not a bean grinder..
Am happy to pay around £100 for something really good, but preferably small cause it'll only be making 1 cup espresso most of the time and i had a family sized one that we never used cause it was a killer to clean for 1 cup.

Am liking la pavoni but not the prices...any ideas what to look for, where to start, or even brand names etc to avoid.
xx

I have a Gaggia Classic sitting in the garage which I was going to clean up and sell on e-bay but I'm open to offers. The reason it's not in use is that I upgraded to the wonderful Gaggia Syncro Digital, great machine !

pm me if interested.

Phil

keithwjones

Don't forget these machines are only as good as the coffee you put in.

Basically you need a grinder to get the best out of them, so you can get just the right grind for the machine.

Trying to use pre-ground is a waste of time.

Keith

benjus

Last time I was looking the Rancilio Silvia seemed to be the most widely recommended home espresso machine. Anyone know if this is still the case?

Basically you need a grinder to get the best out of them, so you can get just the right grind for the machine.

I definitely agree with that. Good grinders can be expensive too (you need a fine, even ground for espresso - the cheap rotating blade grinders aren't up to the job). The Rancilio Rocky grinder costs around £180... although you can get burr grinders starting from about £40 which you might get away with.

If you will be using it to make espresso and not capuccino, latte etc you should buy the best equipment and coffee you can afford as it really does make a difference.

It's a sad fact that despite the huge increase in popularity of espresso bars over the last 10-15 years, it's still really hard to find somewhere that can actually produce a good espresso.