Coffee machine recommendations?

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#2617392 7-Dec-2020 10:55

I saw Consumer’s top model is currently a cheap-as unit from KMart - has anyone tried this out to see if it’s any good?

EDIT: Sorry, mis-remembered this: the K-Mart machine apparently out-performed way more expensive machines, but still ranks pretty low and isn’t one of their recommended models at 68%. The Sunbeam Mini still seems like the best budget deal, and I totally back this up - it produces a nice coffee full stop, and at a price point of $250 or so it’s a complete bargain.

I’d suggest if you’re using the machine a bit to make milk-based coffee go for one that has a double boiler or thermoblock, as there’s a good time saving to be had if you can texture your milk at the same time as making the coffee.

That said, given you’re coming from a Nespresso machine, you may prefer a fully automatic machine rather than a semi auto or manual; I would suggest not plonking down a couple of grand on such a machine until you’re sure the manual way is for you. How about trying a cheaper machine (say the Sunbeam Mini, or even that KMart number), or pick one up second-hand, to get an idea if it’s something you’d like to do long-term? That way, if it’s not it’s not cost you much...

dafman

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#2617395 7-Dec-2020 11:05

We worked our way up over the years - started with Sumbeam and Breville, then purchased a Rancilio Silvio and grinder and recently purchased a Rocket Apartmento and new grinder. In short, the Sumbeams/Brevilles cannot match the quality coffee from the likes of a Rancilio or Rocket - but there is a price premium you need to pay to move up in quallity.

For around $2k, you should be able to pick up a Rancilio Silvio and separate grinder. It is a single boiler, so it does mean waiting a short time between pulling shot and frothing milk. The Rancilio can be temperamental around exact grind size, so does take a bit of practice and patience initially, but once you get the hang it's an excellent machine.

We loved our Rancilio, but the Rocket Apartmento is an outstanding compact machine. We absolutely love it and don't regret the purchase.

Rough prices, from memory the Rancilio is around $1,200 and the Rocket is $2,500. You can get a good grinder for around $800 - 1000. It seems a lot of money, but a machine like the Rocket should last 10-15+ years if well maintained, so averaged out the cost isn't too bad.

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#2617396 7-Dec-2020 11:05

We've had 4 Brevilles. The coffee was perfectly good. But the reason we had four was because ALL four broke down (blew their seals) and we got replacements. Wasn't a $700 model, was more like $400. But we swore off them based on the experience. It seems others have had better luck that we did though.

jonathan18

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#2617400 7-Dec-2020 11:16

I honestly don’t see the rationale to spend up to $1k on a grinder. My sense is there’s a lot of snobbery in the coffee world (just frequent some coffee forums and you’ll see what I mean!), and while some of this may be justified (eg, I understand the benefits of a machine that can be repaired, rather than treating them as a disposable item) the encouragement to spend that much grinds my gears.

Here’s what I’ve had for many years now, and it’s still running as well as the day I bought it (unlike my friend’s $800 grinder, that had to be repaired a few times before cr@pping out entirely), and I think I got it for about $200 (I think it’s still Consumer’s top recommendation for a grinder).

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=2724134

ShinyChrome

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#2617422 7-Dec-2020 11:29

jonathan18:

I honestly don’t see the rationale to spend up to $1k on a grinder. My sense is there’s a lot of snobbery in the coffee world (just frequent some coffee forums and you’ll see what I mean!), and while some of this may be justified (eg, I understand the benefits of a machine that can be repaired, rather than treating them as a disposable item) the encouragement to spend that much grinds my gears.

Here’s what I’ve had for many years now, and it’s still running as well as the day I bought it (unlike my friend’s $800 grinder, that had to be repaired a few times before cr@pping out entirely), and I think I got it for about $200 (I think it’s still Consumer’s top recommendation for a grinder).

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=2724134

I'd been eyeing up that combo myself (Sunbeam Mini + Breville Smart Grinder Pro), but both have gone back up from their BF prices; the Mini was down to $238 and the Breville $265. Seems like the best bang-for-buck solution ~$500, if you don't mind tilling it yourself.

Something tells me I will be needing a lot of coffee at home soon...

jonathan18

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#2617434 7-Dec-2020 11:43

ShinyChrome:
I'd been eyeing up that combo myself (Sunbeam Mini + Breville Smart Grinder Pro), but both have gone back up from their BF prices; the Mini was down to $238 and the Breville $265. Seems like the best bang-for-buck solution ~$500, if you don't mind tilling it yourself.

Something tells me I will be needing a lot of coffee at home soon...

Yeah, I doubt you'll get better bang for your buck, so hopefully the Boxing Day sales will have them at a decent price. Let me know if you want to try either or both out before buying; I bring my work machine home for the holidays as we take it with us on holiday trips!

When does the source of that caffeine requirement arrive?

If you haven't already discovered it, Ebony's in-store pricing is excellent - eg large bag holding around 650g is $20.

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#2617436 7-Dec-2020 11:45

I'm on my second Breville -- the first one died after 2 or 3 years & couldn't be repaired. The second has a few little practicality improvements on the first (bigger bean hopper & tank), more or less the same as the $750 one linked above. I'm happy with it at the price point. But it does require grinding to the puck, then tamping & transferring the puck to the espresso part. I can't seem to get there without losing a bit of coffee onto the bench. Then you have to empty the grounds from the puck into a waste bin, and I can't do that without dripping a couple of drops on the bench. Also the water tank is a bit small for my liking. Dunno if they're available for under $2K, but I covet a fully auto model that you pour beans in the top and occasionally empty a hopper full of grounds.

I'd guess that prices for luxury items like espresso machines would drop post-Xmas.

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#2617443 7-Dec-2020 12:08

ShinyChrome:

and the Breville $265. Seems like the best bang-for-buck solution

2 of the Brevilles we went through certainly went bang, in a big way.

jonathan18

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#2617446 7-Dec-2020 12:11

duckDecoy:
ShinyChrome:

and the Breville $265. Seems like the best bang-for-buck solution

2 of the Brevilles we went through certainly went bang, in a big way.

He's talking about a Breville grinder not espresso machine, but yeah it does seem the more affordable end the machines are built not to last.

fearandloathing

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#2617449 7-Dec-2020 12:18

I’ve got a rocket, that’s been going strong for 16 odd years with daily use. It’s been repaired a few times though.

dafman

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#2617469 7-Dec-2020 12:52

jonathan18:

I honestly don’t see the rationale to spend up to $1k on a grinder. My sense is there’s a lot of snobbery in the coffee world (just frequent some coffee forums and you’ll see what I mean!), and while some of this may be justified (eg, I understand the benefits of a machine that can be repaired, rather than treating them as a disposable item) the encouragement to spend that much grinds my gears.

Here’s what I’ve had for many years now, and it’s still running as well as the day I bought it (unlike my friend’s $800 grinder, that had to be repaired a few times before cr@pping out entirely), and I think I got it for about $200 (I think it’s still Consumer’s top recommendation for a grinder).

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=2724134

Nothing to do with snobbery. The Breville Grinder will be perfectly ok for many machines, but not all. Some machines require a consistency and fineness of grind that the Breville would be unlikely to consistently produce.

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#2617479 7-Dec-2020 13:08

dafman:

jonathan18:

I honestly don’t see the rationale to spend up to $1k on a grinder. My sense is there’s a lot of snobbery in the coffee world (just frequent some coffee forums and you’ll see what I mean!), and while some of this may be justified (eg, I understand the benefits of a machine that can be repaired, rather than treating them as a disposable item) the encouragement to spend that much grinds my gears.

Here’s what I’ve had for many years now, and it’s still running as well as the day I bought it (unlike my friend’s $800 grinder, that had to be repaired a few times before cr@pping out entirely), and I think I got it for about $200 (I think it’s still Consumer’s top recommendation for a grinder).

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=2724134

Nothing to do with snobbery. The Breville Grinder will be perfectly ok for many machines, but not all. Some machines require a consistency and fineness of grind that the Breville would be unlikely to consistently produce.

I have that Breville Grinder which works really well with our Rocket Apartamento (which is an awesome coffee machine, and gets a LOT of daily use)

elpenguino

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#2617499 7-Dec-2020 13:47

dafman:

jonathan18:

I honestly don’t see the rationale to spend up to $1k on a grinder.

Some machines require a consistency and fineness of grind that the Breville would be unlikely to consistently produce.

Apparently what you want in an ideal world is a burr grinder. A lower cost grinder will use blades.

Blades do not give the consistency in size of output powder that you need to make consistent coffee.

On the other hand, if you are aiming high end not only will you want a burr grinder but you'll be wanting to ensure your beans are roasted more freshly than your bread is baked.

Now that you're considering bean age you'll have to think about exactly where you want your beans to come from.

Full consideration of the details can make you rapidly spin down a rabbit hole to rival any turntable devotee.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

jonathan18

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#2617505 7-Dec-2020 13:59

elpenguino:

Apparently what you want in an ideal world is a burr grinder. A lower cost grinder will use blades.

Blades do not give the consistency in size of output powder that you need to make consistent coffee.

There's no question that a burr grinder is the way to go; our debate was whether a $300 burr grinder could do an adequate job or whether one needed to spend $800-1000.

I agree it's certainly an area that one can fall down a rabbit hole, but equally there are always options that give a good return for a modest investment.

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#2617520 7-Dec-2020 14:28

There is an element to coffee snobbery in the "need" for a $1k grinder, but like many things in life, its a law of rapidly diminishing returns.

I have a Breville dose grinder not in use at the moment, but did have it set up for a while, both at home and at work. It did a perfectly acceptable job but did get quite clumpy if you tried to grind too fine and was pretty slow. You'd also struggle to replicate a shot from one dose to the other (different flow rates despite a similar level of coffee in the portafilter) and there is quite a lot of retained grinds in the chamber that you will get next time you go to use it. I also have a Compak K6 grinder as my main grinder. Doses are repeateable (same level of coffee gets same extraction time) and minimal retention (so less stale coffee in the internal part of the machine).

The Breville does the job ok and if I produced 2 coffees, one using the compak, one using the breville, I'd hazard a guess they'd be pretty difficult to pick which was which for most people (myself included), for the coffee snob that strives for perfection each and every time though, it won't cut it.

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