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Huchiz

221 posts

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#185341 18-Nov-2015 23:28
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Thought it might worth opening a new thread as the old one was stopped in 2014. 

I'm looking to buy a espresso machine and grinder within a reasonable budget, say maybe 600. 

Did a bit of research, I found out that the Delonghi range in NZ is pretty low-end-ish. i.e., all are double wall baskets only, no PID control, etc. Sunbeam doesn't have a lot of choice either. 

So there are Brevilles, looks like they have some pretty good design. 

BES810, was $299 in Briscoe last week:
Single and double wall baskets. 
PID temp control
new 1700w thermalcoil heating  
Pre-infusion
Standard style steam wand 
(There is a combo with BCG400 often goes for 399. )

BES840, was $366 according to PriceSpy, though not very often at all:
All the BES810 function, 
Plus:
Pressure gauge
Automatic water dose control
If I choose BES840, I probably will add a BCG600 Pro grinder. 


BES870, often on sale for $599:
All the BES840 functions, 
Plus:
Built in grinder, probably BCG600 Pro class. 


Is Breville espresso machine reasonably good quality? It's a shame they offer only 1 year warranty while Delonghi does 2. I'm thinking I probably need extended warranty?

Any other recommendation? Thanks guys. 




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frankv
5678 posts

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  #1430999 19-Nov-2015 10:50
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I have a BES870, and previously had an 860. The 860  died after only a couple of years of daily use, which I was disappointed at. I think it was just completely clogged with lime (I did regularly go through the unclogging ritual, but we have very hard water). But the service agents said first it was the controller board, and then some other board, and then it wasn't economical to repair. The 870 fixed all the little quibbles I had with the 860.

Having the grinder in the machine is convenient.





Huchiz

221 posts

Master Geek


  #1431059 19-Nov-2015 11:59
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frankv: I have a BES870, and previously had an 860. The 860  died after only a couple of years of daily use, which I was disappointed at. I think it was just completely clogged with lime (I did regularly go through the unclogging ritual, but we have very hard water). But the service agents said first it was the controller board, and then some other board, and then it wasn't economical to repair. The 870 fixed all the little quibbles I had with the 860.

Having the grinder in the machine is convenient.




Can the grinder in BES870 grind coarse enough for plunger use? Thanks. 

frankv
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  #1431083 19-Nov-2015 12:54
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Probably... I've never tried.

There is a coarse/fine adjustment on the grinder.




MikeAqua
7769 posts

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  #1431100 19-Nov-2015 13:33
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Somewhere I used work had a Rocket Espresso.  Basically a commercial grade single-head unit.

Not as compact as Delonhgi, Breville etc but it made coffee 'just like a bought one'.




Mike


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  #1431102 19-Nov-2015 13:33
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I have a BES810 , bought from one of many Briscos sales

I like it, the coffee comes out hot .
as does the hot water dispenser : but that sort of squirts it out so cant dispense hot water
straight into a cup: I 'squirt' the hot water into the included stainless small milk jug.
It also has built in carbon water filter.
I dont froth milk with it so couldnt comment on that.

I would buy again .

I previously had a Gagia, that lasted 7++ years . At the end of its life it was rusting all over: not good for a $700 machine . The pump had
a little bit more grunt (I think) but didnt make any better coffee .
Some of the Sunbeams are supposedly very good, but supposedly NOT the most reliable on average

These are just home grade machines, so I now wouldnt be inclined to pay big $$ for one, as its going to be throw away if it fails .

dusty42
117 posts

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  #1431953 20-Nov-2015 19:34
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$600 means you should get Breville - in Wellington Moore Wilsons has the best prices on Breville coffee gear.

I've had my Breville Smart Grinder for 3 years now, running at least 4 doubles a day. I love it to bits. Only issue is the grind adjustment isn't as precise as a proper $800 grinder. I think MW sell it for $199, which makes it an absolutle steal imho - Leemings list it for $379

Huchiz

221 posts

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  #1457447 26-Dec-2015 16:39
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Probably the best automatic espresso machine deal this year. 

Check at the Panasonic NC-ZA1 from HN, and for an additional $59 you have 4 years warranty, that is peace in mind for an automatic machine. Yes, they WILL fail.

It's almost the same as Sunbeam EM9300, both are rebranded of a German/Chinese WIK 7535. But as Panasonic approves it, also at this price and warranty terms it can't be beaten. 


 
 
 
 

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Hatch (affiliate link).
tehgerbil
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  #1457535 26-Dec-2015 19:42
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Nespresso?

I'll see myself out...

Huchiz

221 posts

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  #1457543 26-Dec-2015 20:00
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tehgerbil: Nespresso?

I'll see myself out...


No the Penny is not a Nespresso that's the whole point.

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