Who can help me pick an espresso machine

I am looking to spend $400 or less. My husband is an espresso snob. He would like one that takes pods and grounds but not sure that exists. Anyone want to help or can recommend a good brand? TIA!

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

I love any coffee / espresso maker by Krups! I have a combo & mine was about $200......can't imagine the espresso makers are more.

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

if you can wait a few months- I know of a great one coming out in march

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Thanks Beth but i need it for Chroistmas!

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

if he is an espresso "snob" I don't think you can find one for less than $400.

I am a coffee "snob" in general, and I pined away for a Krups 2-in-1..dh bought me the best model for Christmas, and I cant' use it. the espresso end comes out like crap.

I was told by friends of mine that own a bakery (and make a mean cappucino) that is has EVERYTHING to do with the temperature of the water, and that the cheaper versions just can't get hot enough to make a good espresso.

I am not sure how true that reason is, but I tried to MONTHS to get it right (and I am no slouch in the kitchen) and never could.

I am going to suck it up soon and buy a GREAT one on my next trip to Italy.

Williams Sonoma sells some good ones as well...but PRICEY doesn't begin to describe...

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Really? I can't believe there is no decent machine for 400? I can even stretch to 500? I have been trying to do research but it is very confusing.

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

I have a Breville. I love it.

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Posted by Chatham-Chick



(They don't know that we bought them the Jura-Capresso F7 anyway. )

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

after ENDLESS research, Al determined that the ideal espresso machine (for under $1000) would be:

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Maker ~$500

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Thank you everyone! I am going to look into the breville and rancilio silvia. Ophelia thanks for the link. i was in the WS store and nothing caught my eye but maybe they have more online.

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

Holla do you have the die cast machine?

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

This is the one we have and love it..it's expensive $649 but you can go on Ebay and get them much Cheaper- Its The Frances Frances X5

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

In terms of the quality of the espresso, there are a few variables... the bean thats used, the grinder, the temperature of the water, and the machine.

For a starter, I think finding an espresso machine under $400 is tough especially if he is an espresso snob.

I would say the Starbucks Barista is a good buy. There is usually an annual sale in December you can probably pick it up for $275ish. Its a great machine for an entry level espresso drinker. I would warn you that the machine would have to be descaled every now and then. But for the range you said, this would be my choice.

If you want to get something a little more pricey, I would recommend the Rancilio Silvia. Its about $500. The Gaggia classic is also an option at around $450.

If you can go higher in excess of $1000, I would recommend a machine with a Heat Exchanger.

But really a good grinder is as important as the machine itself if not more important. But if you can pick up a Silvia its really a great first machine. I really do recommend it.

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

I looked at the Silvia and it has great reviews. I read about getting a burr grinder which I will do. The Silvia did not look as nice as the Breville it looked a lot more basic but I know that shouldn't matter. Thanks for your help riniko

Maybe snob was the wrong word to use but when we go to a restaurant he always hates the espresso

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

I know your looking for a machine but did he ever try espresso from the old fashioned pots. My father is from Croatia & has been drinking it this way from birth. My DH & I have a krups but use the pot more.

I know it's not what your looking for but for the price it might be fun to try. See the link below.

http://www.chefscorner.com//web/catalog/product_detail.aspx?pid=118395

Re: Who can help me pick an espresso machine

With regards to the Breville (assuming 800ESXL) its a nice machine in that its die cast machine and it uses what is called a thermablock to heat the espresso.

But taste and stabilitywise the Silvia is a tad better than the Breville.

You may also want to look into a nice tamper depending on what machine you end up buying. Some machines come with a plastic tamper which doesn't do a good job. Here is a link on tampers. LINK There is a myriad of other inexpensive things you may want to get for the machine as well. Feel free to FM for my suggestions.

What is your budget for your grinder? I personally suggest the Mazzer Mini but that may a bit more than you want to spend.