home coffee machines $750-1500 - whats the shiznit and whats a pile of turd??

[nang3]

looking for a home coffee machine as instant just aint cutting it since our last machine died in the ass.. whats everyone got or can recommend?? anything by Delonghi??

[[Jacek]]

I take it you are talking automatic machine?

If you're talking manual, then look no further than a rancilio combo (not neccesarily from ebay):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rancilio-Silvia-Rocky-Coffee-Machine-Grinder-Pack-/260478962928?pt=AU_CoffeeMakers&hash=item3ca5c18cf0#ht_2795wt_1163

[cplagz]

Theres a new Breville or Sunbeam which is dual boiler IIRC that could be worth checking out too.

I love my Silvia/Rocky combo though.

[Azrian]

Nespreso. perfect for home. no mess no fuss.

[Turbo2.6L]

This^^
Adrian's machine makes a mean cup of coffee!

[Azrian]

Fresh every time too as you use capsules rather then have coffee beans sitting around for a week in the machine.

[xr06t]

i have a nespresso but mine is not hot enough?

can you fuck about with the tempreture?

also have to use 10 strength pods to get any flavour.

mine is this one:

http://www.nespresso.com/#/au/en/coffee_machines/selecteur_gamme/machines-lattissima/lattissima-delonghi-auto-en660-1

[mitchy]

also have a nespresso and it's great... not sure what heat/strength issues you are having.

[Mad_Aussie]

Nespreso. perfect for home. no mess no fuss.

I was well impressed with these, it's on my christmas list now!

[xr06t]

black is fine, but once you add the frothed milk it is not very hot any more. and the strength thing is also only when having a milky coffee.

[stormtrooper]

You want to get something with a stainless steel boiler inside. Steer clear of the ones that have the cast-iron heating block that to pass-through heating because they're fucking aids and they burn out quickly. Also, if you're getting one with built in grinder, make sure it has ceramic grinders as opposed to cast iron because the ceramic ones stay sharper for longer, and are quieter in their operation. Lastly, make sure you get something that has stainless steel/treated interior panels because they are subject to moisture and can rust. Either way, make sure you clean/flush it at least once a month to clear the scale buildup as this kills coffee machines quickly.

[Mad_Aussie]

black is fine, but once you add the frothed milk it is not very hot any more. and the strength thing is also only when having a milky coffee.

As I discovered, you need to leave the milk in the thing on the side for quite a while. Plenty hot enough each time.

You can also microwave cups of coffee...

[Joe]

Manual Machine or GTFO.. take a bit of time to learn how to use it and you'll thank yourself for it.

In that price range, I'd be looking at a Sunbeam Cafe Series EM6910 and the matching Cafe Series burr grinder, which you can normally pick up for the $7-800 mark WITH grinder (they include the grinder free during Xmas and Fathers Day promotions normally at HN, Myer, David Jones, etc, so keep an eye out for that), or as cplagz and jacek said, the Rancilio Silvia/Rocky package.. its a beast of a machine and will do you very well if you learn how to use it.. its towards the higher end of your budget.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rancilio-Silvia-Coffee-Machine-Rocky-grinder-Base-/260478969985?pt=AU_CoffeeMakers&hash=item3ca5c1a881 ... this seller, coffee-a-roma is awesome too, I have bought machines from her before with no problems whatsoever.

http://www.siennacoffee.com.au/images/products/silviarockytray-new.jpg

If you want to stretch above $1500, the options are fucking endless.. its an easier choice when you have a smaller budget believe it or not, as the options are limited and easier.


You want to get something with a stainless steel boiler inside. Steer clear of the ones that have the cast-iron heating block that to pass-through heating because they're fucking aids and they burn out quickly.

Stainless Steel boiler is only a small step above a thermoblock... they don't quite have the thermal stability of something with a brass boiler. You can only find brass boilers in expensive manual machines, but the Rancilio Silvia I posted above has one (about the cheapest machine you can buy with a brass boiler).

Also, if you want an auto machine, I'd be choosing a Saeco or Gaggia automatic over a Delonghi or Jura. Nespresso isn't bad, but you're limited to buying their pods instead of the literally thousands of varieties of whole beans on the market. I like the Saeco Royal line, its a tried and true coffee machine that just works, and can cop a hammering without breaking down.

[RELEASE]

i have a nespresso but mine is not hot enough?

can you fuck about with the tempreture?

also have to use 10 strength pods to get any flavour.

mine is this one:

http://www.nespresso.com/#/au/en/coffee_machines/selecteur_gamme/machines-lattissima/lattissima-delonghi-auto-en660-1pour boiling water in cup to warm cup up, then spill out hot water before making coffee. coffee will be alot hotter.
cant adjust temp

[Joe]

Theres a new Breville or Sunbeam which is dual boiler IIRC that could be worth checking out too.

Breville BES900... the machine is just within the budget, but add the grinder on top and it blows out to about $1800 for the package.

[Azrian]

i have a nespresso but mine is not hot enough?

can you fuck about with the tempreture?

also have to use 10 strength pods to get any flavour.

mine is this one:

http://www.nespresso.com/#/au/en/coffee_machines/selecteur_gamme/machines-lattissima/lattissima-delonghi-auto-en660-1

I have the exact same. No problems here.

Joe, get fucked you and your 30mins to make a coffee.

[Joe]

LOL... u jelly

[stormtrooper]

Manual Machine or GTFO.. take a bit of time to learn how to use it and you'll thank yourself for it.

In that price range, I'd be looking at a Sunbeam Cafe Series EM6910 and the matching Cafe Series burr grinder, which you can normally pick up for the $7-800 mark WITH grinder (they include the grinder free during Xmas and Fathers Day promotions normally at HN, Myer, David Jones, etc, so keep an eye out for that), or as cplagz and jacek said, the Rancilio Silvia/Rocky package.. its a beast of a machine and will do you very well if you learn how to use it.. its towards the higher end of your budget.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rancilio-Silvia-Coffee-Machine-Rocky-grinder-Base-/260478969985?pt=AU_CoffeeMakers&hash=item3ca5c1a881 ... this seller, coffee-a-roma is awesome too, I have bought machines from her before with no problems whatsoever.

http://www.siennacoffee.com.au/images/products/silviarockytray-new.jpg

If you want to stretch above $1500, the options are fucking endless.. its an easier choice when you have a smaller budget believe it or not, as the options are limited and easier.



Stainless Steel boiler is only a small step above a thermoblock... they don't quite have the thermal stability of something with a brass boiler. You can only find brass boilers in expensive manual machines, but the Rancilio Silvia I posted above has one (about the cheapest machine you can buy with a brass boiler).

Also, if you want an auto machine, I'd be choosing a Saeco or Gaggia automatic over a Delonghi or Jura. Nespresso isn't bad, but you're limited to buying their pods instead of the literally thousands of varieties of whole beans on the market. I like the Saeco Royal line, its a tried and true coffee machine that just works, and can cop a hammering without breaking down.

No very true Joe. I was just pitching for the price range he was interested in. Manual all the fucking way mate, any day of the week. If you aren't doing it yourself, you're not making coffee ;)

[_S9_]

Whatever machine you get, make sure you use a CONICAL BURR grinder. No spinning-blade bullshit cheap ones.

[Brett_J]

Auto machines - instant coffee = same same
Fuck off with your push button/pod rubbish, learn how to make a real coffee that has taste.Go back to your blend 43 !

Joe if you flash cash at one of the big retailers you can get the BES900 with a decent conical burr grinder for the $1500.

[Azrian]

Fuck making coffee myself full stop. I pay pingpingpingpings to make mine, Joe.

[[Jacek]]

Also make sure you are using fresh beans.

Roasted beans are at their peak about 1-2weeks after roasting, and a couple months after roasting lose most of their appeal, or "go stale" as many say.
Ground beans lose their mojo after about 10minutes, which is why pods will never be as good as freshly ground beans from a grinder or automatic machine.

[doriae86]

+1 nespresso for home. I have the full auto and use the 'clean' button to steam/heat the cup before the first coffee. Want something more special? Find a good coffee shop. 1500 is like 18 Months of coffees from a cafe.

[SLY346]

Never had a problem with our Rancilio.
And + 1 for being able to manually make coffee.

[Torquen]

Auto Saeco machine for me :) Easy and tasty!

[Joe]

Joe if you flash cash at one of the big retailers you can get the BES900 with a decent conical burr grinder for the $1500.

For the same money, I'd probably take the bes900 over the Rancilio.. its just got so many more features. Dual boiler, full PID control on both boilers, pre-infusion, shot timer, etc etc.

That being said, the rancilio is super reliable and the breville is an unknown quantity at this point in time, as its very new. The rancilio is Italian made, breville is China.

[nang3]

fuck thinks me best do some more research about manual vs auto.. i cant see myself fully getting into the manual side of things (yet) so might settle for a full auto for the moment and see how it goes.. after 500 beers the night before i just wanna push a couple of buttons and caffeine appear before me...

anyone had exp with this Delonghi one ;
http://www.binglee.com.au/delonghi-esam5600-perfecta-coffee-machine?utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Small+Kitchen+Appliances&utm_term=DeLonghi+ESAM5600+Perfecta+Coffee+Machine

can get it at mates rates for sub $1300

[Torquen]

after 500 beers the night before i just wanna push a couple of buttons and caffeine appear before me...

This is why they're good!

[Joe]

I don't think you'll be entirely happy with a Delonghi, IMHO.

The temperature of the coffee isn't as high as a Saeco, and the auto milk frother creates what I call "dish soap bubbles".. very coarse foam with big bubbles. You can't do it manually like you can on some Saeco models (or Gaggia, same manufacturer as Saeco).

I'd always recommend a manual steam wand at least, and learn how to do your own milk.. it'll come out MUCH nicer.

[Torquen]

What's the trick with getting the nice fine foam then Joe? The Saeco I've got has a manual wand but I still manage to create these so called 'dish soap bubbles' :p

[tehobbit]

+1 to nespresso. Fuck the haters.. Manual will always win out in taste/ect but ive got one of these bad boys:

http://www.shopbot.com.au/nespresso-citiz-milk/price/australia/348169

And the coffee tastes good & hot every time (due to the milk frothier)...Plus piss easy to clean and fairly well priced.

Otherwise if you have baller spec wallet with money to burn and time to spend/no wife to do it for you. Then... go manual.

[jaybee]

Joe, get fucked you and your 30mins to make a coffee.

fucking LOL, this also gets said to me a lot now.

multiple people want coffee and in a bigger mug, that shit takes time mang!

[Joe]

What's the trick with getting the nice fine foam then Joe? The Saeco I've got has a manual wand but I still manage to create these so called 'dish soap bubbles' :p

Turn the steam knob and allow the machine to start up (ch-ch-ch-ch noise), then let the water come out of the steam wand into the drip tray.. then when it actually starts making steam, close the steam knob, put the tip of the wand just under the surface of the milk (close to the wall of the jug) and then turn it back on. Don't allow the steam wand to come out of the milk, and dont "pump" the milk jug up and down either.

[Azrian]

See you Saturday for my 30min coffee Joe. Cant be fucked pushing my automatic nespresso. Too much effort.

[Torquen]

Turn the steam knob and allow the machine to start up (ch-ch-ch-ch noise), then let the water come out of the steam wand into the drip tray.. then when it actually starts making steam, close the steam knob, put the tip of the wand just under the surface of the milk (close to the wall of the jug) and then turn it back on. Don't allow the steam wand to come out of the milk, and dont "pump" the milk jug up and down either.

Lol, so I have been doing everything wrong! Cheers, will give that a go :)

[Joe]

See you Saturday for my 30min coffee Joe. Cant be fucked pushing my automatic nespresso. Too much effort.

It's only a long wait when you come during the busy time... otherwise its fairly instant :D

[Turbo2.6L]

Be at yours for 6am to grab a lift Adrian :D

[cplagz]

+1 nespresso for home. I have the full auto and use the 'clean' button to steam/heat the cup before the first coffee. Want something more special? Find a good coffee shop. 1500 is like 18 Months of coffees from a cafe.

If I paid for the amount of coffee I make, I'd spend a minimum of $3000/year on take away coffee. Probably more then that.

[JME]

Porsche GT2RS or Nissan GTR

[_S9_]

How to steam milk - as Joe said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05mH6q1kdIU

works every time.

[Macca]

I personally have this machine

http://www.breville.com.au/beverages/espresso/fresca-espresso-machine-752.html

M (http://www.breville.com.au/beverages/espresso/fresca-espresso-machine-752.html)akes a good cup and is adjustable
shits all over Jewboi's coffee making ability :)

[AGIT8D]

Best deal on Nespresso machines at the mo? I was set on a manual machine until I realised the mrs usually makes the coffee on weekends and if she's making them before the drive to Perth we really just need a 1 button punch type machine. Have tried coffees from the Nespresso range, tasty, works out cheap/similar compared to fresh beans too..

Now where to buy!?

[cplagz]

Best deal on Nespresso machines at the mo? I was set on a manual machine until I realised the mrs usually makes the coffee on weekends and if she's making them before the drive to Perth we really just need a 1 button punch type machine. Have tried coffees from the Nespresso range, tasty, works out cheap/similar compared to fresh beans too..

Now where to buy!?

Silvia with POD kit... then you can swap between PODs and proper coffee :p

[AGIT8D]

That's a budget blower now I've got the Nespresso on my mind Marc, although a great idea!

[cplagz]

I have two Nespresso machines - I'll see if the old boy wants to offload his, he never uses it.

[Joe]

I cannot recommend Nespresso machines.. sorry :(

[AGIT8D]

Roger that squirly control. Joe, a mate of mine who has a fairly expensive manual coffee machine with all the brass boiler and blah blah blah recommended a Nespresso to me, I was fairly shocked too. For what we'll use it for, it should be good.

Online rumours of HN and Myer doing the Lattissima+ @ $450 + $75-100 cashback.. Sounds good to me. Think I'll go on a bargain hunt this arvo and try to get one of these monkeys to drop their stupid prices to get a deal done.

[Joe]

I always recommend a fully automatic over a Nespresso.. if thats the usage you're chasing (push button convenience). They cost more, but fuck me you can use any bean you like.

Unit cost using premium beans in an auto machine is 30c per cup.. pods are more than double that, and they're pre-ground which means they're nowhere near as fresh as grinding the beans as you need them. I can guarantee the coffee thats used in pods isn't anything above a mid-range bean.. they wouldn't use the best single origins or anything in them, and you'll find that they mix robusta beans in (inferior compared to arabica) to save costs.

Beans start going off about 12 seconds (yes, that quickly) after you grind them. There is a noticeable difference in taste after about 3-4 minutes, let alone weeks or months after being ground.

The crema you get on top of the Nespresso coffee isn't REAL coffee crema, its for visual purposes only... its done by agitating the coffee (usually by forcing it through a smaller orifice) as it exits the machine, causing a "froth" on top of the coffee.

I'm not bagging anyone who uses Nespresso (my entire family except for me have Nespresso machines, and I drink it happily because it really doesn't taste THAT bad), but for versatility, a machine that uses beans is the way to go.

[ADZ]

I freaking love my Nespresso machine.

I also love watching Joe taking 10 minutes to make me a coffee.

At 1/3 of the price of a manual setup, I'll push a button, walk away and still have a decent tasting blend.

If I want el primo - I'll drive up the road and go get one.

[AGIT8D]

We worked out the cost of 5 senses beans which he buys after I got him a bag for xmas, and the pods come in well against it. As for the grinding and what not, yeah I have gathered all that from various threads, but they seem to store them in a way that they stay fairly fresh. For a coffee novice like me, I really couldn't tell much different.

[Nickevox]

I also cant fault my Nespresso machine, it does taste good but of course cannot beat a freshly ground bean.

Often I like to reward myself with a freshly ground double espresso from Joe.

[Firstround]

at work we have the delonghi magnifica ( the one button system makes it easy for everyone to use)
and at home i have the new sunbeam dual boiler and i love it - (im more for manual units) its cheap as chips to buy and so simple to use whilst still having control.
a few mates have the nesspresso , have to say im pretty impressed with the quality

[AGIT8D]

I picked up an EN520 for $475 on Friday, down from $600. Sending in the cashback this morning so will be $375 once it's all done and dusted. Pretty happy with the price, a family member got the model up from this last xmas with no cashback I believe for $700. This one appears to do all the same stuff, just a little smaller.

[Kaido]

http://stovetopcoffeemaker.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/stove-top-coffee-maker-3.gif

[[Jacek]]

Can pick one of those up for about 24.95 from Coles, including beans!

[MISS 13B]

Nespreso. perfect for home. no mess no fuss.
Awesome machines! Plus you get about 30 something flavours to choose from.

[AGIT8D]

Recommend me some of the good ones :) I'll need to stock up for xmas time.

[MISS 13B]

Dulsao Do Brasil is my favourite.
Other good ones are Capriccio, Arpeggio, Roma, Livanto & Fortissio Lungo.

[cplagz]

Anything with 8 or below is too weak imho.

Also make sure you set it up properly - the shots definitely start to go bitter after too long.

[DanWA]

I prefer the ristrettos mainly!

[AGIT8D]

Dulsao Do Brasil is my favourite.
Other good ones are Capriccio, Arpeggio, Roma, Livanto & Fortissio Lungo.

Awesome thanks!


Anything with 8 or below is too weak imho.

Also make sure you set it up properly - the shots definitely start to go bitter after too long.

Set the machine up properly or the shots go bitter? Or are you making two separate points there?

I would love to set it up and trial it before Xmas but unfortunately as it's a present that will be the first time we get to use it..

[stumps.]

The purple one mate hit that up

[[Jacek]]

The shot should stop as soon as it starts running "blonde" - Thats the poo water coming through the used coffee beans.

Also please note, long black doesnt mean to keep the shot running until it fills the cup. Long Black = espresso/double espresso + hot water

[Kaido]

;932321']Can pick one of those up for about 24.95 from Coles, including beans!

they make the best coffees!

[cplagz]

;932462']The shot should stop as soon as it starts running "blonde" - Thats the poo water coming through the used coffee beans.

Also please note, long black doesnt mean to keep the shot running until it fills the cup. Long Black = espresso/double espresso + hot water

With nespresso though they just start blonde and get worse hahaha.