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Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:11 pm
by Jimmy
EverwoodAveBrewShop wrote:I'm seriously considering this one:
http://www.wholelattelove.com/products/ ... so-machine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've read pretty much every review out there, called Whole Latte Love and talked to them and now it's just finding the cash. Sucks that the dollar is so weak and my bank account is so empty. I want the super automated for time, I have very little of it in the morning and I spend about 20 minutes every morning crafting my days worth of espresso, iced lattes and lattes and I'd love to push a button. I used one every day in Germany last week and man, it was good!
I know the purists are anti-super automated, but I feel by going to an intermediate-high level super-automated I'm still getting my money's worth.
Anyone here have a super-automated machine?
So if someone wants to sponsor me for someth anything, running laps, signing songs, or anything you'll pay me for, just let me know!
I've got no input on the machine, but this is a Canadian company
http://www.idrinkcoffee.com/Philips_Sae ... evo-b3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:19 pm
by gm-
My in-laws have Saeco Intelia, great little machine if you just like espressos and americanos fast, no latté option like on some of the more expensive machines. Might pick one up at some point.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:35 am
by NASH
Bringing those things across the border can get expensive. Just shipping alone is insane.
Jimmy is right. You'd be wise to keep it Canadian all the way, imo. IDrinkCoffee is 'usually' the cheapest, free shipping plus they have 'we pay the tax' sales (or similar) somewhat often.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:11 pm
by BobbyOK
NASH wrote:Bringing those things across the border can get expensive. Just shipping alone is insane.
Jimmy is right. You'd be wise to keep it Canadian all the way, imo. IDrinkCoffee is 'usually' the cheapest, free shipping plus they have 'we pay the tax' sales (or similar) somewhat often.
Just to give a real life example, I paid $450 US for my machine. Shipping was actually reasonable, about $25 US, but took about 3 weeks, so if you want it faster you'll pay even more. Duty though was another $125 US. On a $2000 machine I'm guessing you'd be looking at $500 or more.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:18 pm
by NASH
You got out cheap, my friend!
Not to mention when you bring these across the border you have no warranty either. Most American shops won't ship to Canada because of this.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 3:45 pm
by GillettBreweryCnslt
I was looking at the US site cause I travel a lot down there and I was just going to carry it across. But before you jump on my morals, A quick look at the exchange rate tells me that 15% tax is much less than 25% exchange on the dollar. So I appreciate the IDrinkCoffee link, I didn't know about them.
Still a pipe dream, at least until the wife find a full-time job.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:17 pm
by John G
Not sure if this is the thread to post, but I was in Philly airport today and discovered a place that makes a mean straight, no-nonsense latte - Le Bus Cafe. Starbucks had a line a mile long and I was the only customer at Le Bus. For me, the local roasted coffee that was properly pulled and served was far superior - pleasantly suprised.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:47 pm
by BobbyOK
John G wrote:Not sure if this is the thread to post, but I was in Philly airport today and discovered a place that makes a mean straight, no-nonsense latte - Le Bus Cafe. Starbucks had a line a mile long and I was the only customer at Le Bus. For me, the local roasted coffee that was properly pulled and served was far superior - pleasantly suprised.
Good to know. Philly airport already kills it in beer selection at either of the Jet Rock pubs so good coffee is a nice bonus.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:13 pm
by jeffsmith
Recommendations of good machines in the sub $1K range? Really like the Lelit that Jimmy picked up way back in this thread, but Lelit machines appear to be hard to come by. Looking for something preferably PID-controlled and not super-finicky. I know dual-boiler is completely out of the question at this price range, but I'd probably jump a bit higher if that's a possibility.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:16 pm
by Jimmy
jeffsmith wrote:Recommendations of good machines in the sub $1K range? Really like the Lelit that Jimmy picked up way back in this thread, but Lelit machines appear to be hard to come by. Looking for something preferably PID-controlled and not super-finicky. I know dual-boiler is completely out of the question at this price range, but I'd probably jump a bit higher if that's a possibility.
Not PID, but a decent price.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-coffee-maker-esp ... nFlag=true" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:20 pm
by jeffsmith
Thanks Jimmy. I've got an older Breville starter-type machine that I'm looking to upgrade from. Not sure this would put me any further ahead as its got a pressurized portafilter.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:26 pm
by Jimmy
jeffsmith wrote:Thanks Jimmy. I've got an older Breville starter-type machine that I'm looking to upgrade from. Not sure this would put me any further ahead as its got a pressurized portafilter.
Have you looked through the open box section of this website?
http://www.idrinkcoffee.com/Open_Box_De ... _s/207.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 7:28 pm
by jeffsmith
I have. Don't know a whole lot about most of those brands though, so was a bit hesitant. Really just starting my research so wanted to see if there were any strong recommendations.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 8:59 pm
by NASH
Whatcha have for a grinder?
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:13 pm
by jeffsmith
NASH wrote:Whatcha have for a grinder?
A Breville Smart Grinder.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:24 pm
by NASH
jeffsmith wrote:NASH wrote:Whatcha have for a grinder?
A Breville Smart Grinder.
I recommend you buy Jimmy's Lelit and a better grinder
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:26 pm
by jeffsmith
NASH wrote:jeffsmith wrote:NASH wrote:Whatcha have for a grinder?
A Breville Smart Grinder.
I recommend you buy Jimmy's Lelit and a better grinder
What's wrong with the Breville? It's consistent and will grind almost to a Turkish grind. With further adjustment on the burrs, it'll go even finer. That should be enough, no?
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:35 pm
by Jimmy
NASH wrote:jeffsmith wrote:NASH wrote:Whatcha have for a grinder?
A Breville Smart Grinder.
I recommend you buy Jimmy's Lelit
Hmmmmm
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:43 pm
by NASH
Not really about how fine it will grind, but how many fines are in the grind and how tight/precise the settings can be adjusted. I just had a quick booat it, seems fine for "low-end espresso". Not unlike the Baratza Virtuoso, you know, they claim it's amazeballs for espresso. You buy it and discover that's not really the case, well, I never bought one but considered one before biting the bullet for a Vario after reading reviews from experienced users. Fanboys will rate them to the moon because they're so much better than their whirly-blade.
IMO you'd be pulling far better shots with a better grinder and machine.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 9:59 pm
by jeffsmith
Understood. One thing at a time though for me. The grinder is only a year old and I'll still be doing plenty (mostly) French Press and Aeropress due to having no time during the day. I'm missing being able to pull a half decent shot when I have time during the evening or weekends. The ol' POS Breville BarVista I have just ain't cutting it. So definitely not shooting for top of the line and have to live with the grinder I have for a bit longer.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:15 pm
by mattvincent24
i'll second the lelit recommendation. i love mine. also from what i've read a PID on this machine isn't very beneficial, so i went with the non-pid version. My only problem is the steam developed a leak. I got replacement parts from idrinkcoffee.com, they always stock parts for the lelit. As for a grinder i went with the ascaso Isteel with the flat burr set and couldn't be happier, the thing is a beast.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:07 pm
by John G
Just noticed this machine and grinder on kijiji. Looks like a nice machine.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-coffee-maker-esp ... nFlag=true
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:10 pm
by John G
NASH wrote:jeffsmith wrote:NASH wrote:Whatcha have for a grinder?
A Breville Smart Grinder.
I recommend you buy Jimmy's Lelit and a better grinder
I now have a better grinder - picked up a Vario from Java Blend. Maybe someday soon I'll be able to pull good tasting shots.
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:13 pm
by jeffsmith
I'm still rocking my aeropress. One of these days I'll be working normal hours and will be able to invest the time and money…
Re: The espresso thread
Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:16 pm
by NASH
John G wrote:NASH wrote:jeffsmith wrote:
A Breville Smart Grinder.
I recommend you buy Jimmy's Lelit and a better grinder
I now have a better grinder - picked up a Vario from Java Blend. Maybe someday soon I'll be able to pull good tasting shots.
You'll be pulling great shots in no time.
That is a decent deal on the Rocket and Vario, solid setup for somebody.