Coffee machine recommendations?

Forums › Off topic › Coffee machine recommendations?

1 | ... | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

11927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9683

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3075110 11-May-2023 16:35

openmedia:

jonathan18:

That said, the only cheap model that Consumer recommends is the Breville Bambino and, if I was buying a small machine today, it's probably what I'd go with given Breville's reputation for making the best 'affordable' espresso machines.

The Bambino is a little underpowered, but the Bambino Plus looks like a reasonable replacement for my current machine.

I'm confused. AFAIK Bambino and Bambino Plus have the same thermojet and 15 bar pump.

The big difference is the automatic milk frothing on the Plus.

tweake

2648 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1139

#3075111 11-May-2023 16:35

aeropress released the flow control cap a fair few weeks back and i think the clear aeropress is now out.

https://aeropress.com/products/aeropress-flow-control-filter-cap

i got the flow cap in and been using it the last few weeks. its working very well. a lot like the prismo except it fits a wider range of older aeropresses and you can use the standard filters without having to have a metal filter in it as well (and accidently knock out the metal filter and loose it). i got it because i burnt my hand doing the inverted method.

jonathan18

7415 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2850

ID Verified

Trusted

#3075112 11-May-2023 16:36

Yep, pretty much the same machine underneath - lots of webpages comparing the products, eg https://craftcoffeespot.com/espresso/breville-bambino-vs-bambino-plus/.

Edit: this could make a difference to usage though, if you have milk in your coffee: "To start, the steam wand is bigger on the Bambino Plus. Second, the Bambino Plus wand has four holes vs the Bambino’s one. That means the Bambino Plus can steam milk in about 30 seconds versus 60 seconds for the Bambino."

Handle9

11927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9683

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3075113 11-May-2023 16:36

openmedia:

openmedia:

The Bambino is a little underpowered, but the Bambino Plus looks like a reasonable replacement for my current machine.

Ok I'm wrong. Same power and the reviews are generally very good

- https://craftcoffeespot.com/espresso/breville-bambino-vs-bambino-plus/

Snap!

roderickh

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 63

#3086365 8-Jun-2023 08:46

Thought this was the most active thread re coffees on GZ

Does anyone want a 3d printed mignon bottom tray FOC before it goes into the bin..?

https://imgur.com/a/O4u1o6I

Sharesies referral

jonathan18

7415 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2850

ID Verified

Trusted

#3101147 8-Jul-2023 07:16

Any recommendations for a decent but good value descaler available in NZ? I’ve previously used vinegar, but have read it’s not necessarily a great alternative.

Thanks…

Geekzone

Want to support Geekzone and browse the site without the ads? Subscribe to Geekzone now (monthly, annual and lifetime options).

Fiordland

13 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 12

#3101155 8-Jul-2023 08:27

Had two quality Italian manual coffee machines and shifted to an Italian made auto by De'Longhi and would never go back to manual.

Doesn't have to be Delonghi could be Gaggia. Just ensure its made in Italy and nowhere else.

Don't buy one where you have to froth the milk, ensure its got the milk cartridge that you just leave the catridge in the fridge.

We leave it in permanent standby and have adjusted the integrated grinder to make a strong brew and increased it to maximum heat.

It's generally getting fed 100 percent Arabica and we buy 1kg bags for under $30 whenever the specials appear in Amazon, Countdown of Vittoria, Lavazza, etc.

Very important that you get a machine with twin boilers, it's essential as it's significantly quicker than single boiler machines so don't get the Magnifica with the smaller cartridge.

This is the link to the version that I have that should have the twin boilers but check as there are so many iterations https://www.delonghi.com/en-nz/ecam350-55-sb-ex-4-dinamica-automatic-coffee-maker/p/ECAM350.55.SB%20EX%3A4

Here is the review https://www.coffeeness.de/en/delonghi-dinamica-review/

There is a more expensive machine called the eletta that does cold espresso, we don't normally drink cold coffee and it wasn't out at the time. However if you've another $500 then why not.

cleggy2

167 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 14

#3101158 8-Jul-2023 08:45

We have the non touch screen version of your model. Best purchase ever. We use it everyday. It's so easy to use and the auto frothing is perfect

Stu

Hammered
8744 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2409

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3101159 8-Jul-2023 08:51

jonathan18:
Any recommendations for a decent but good value descaler available in NZ? I’ve previously used vinegar, but have read it’s not necessarily a great alternative.

Thanks…

I purchased some Breville descaler from Briscoes during a sale. At half price I thought it was okay for that product.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

openmedia

3451 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 879

Trusted

#3101160 8-Jul-2023 08:53

jonathan18:

Any recommendations for a decent but good value descaler available in NZ? I’ve previously used vinegar, but have read it’s not necessarily a great alternative.

Thanks…

I'm currently using the Breville one which is really made by cafetoo

Briscoes had it on offer compared with other retailers, and this bottle will provide 10 cleans.

I had considered the Spectra Descaler as it changes colour so you know when your machine is finished - but the Breville branded one works out a lot cheaper.

https://www.alturacoffee.co.nz/machine-grinder-cleaning/cafetto-spectra-descaler-eco-friendly/

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

OllieF

85 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 18

#3101708 9-Jul-2023 16:16

jonathan18:

Any recommendations for a decent but good value descaler available in NZ? I’ve previously used vinegar, but have read it’s not necessarily a great alternative.

Thanks…

I have the Breville Barista, and use 2 tbsp of citric acid. I have seen stuff that says its not that great for the machine, but in all honesty when comparing it to the breville product, it seems very alike. I imiagine the breville powder is part citric acid and part something else.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

Senecio

2856 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3169

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#3101719 9-Jul-2023 17:15

roderickh:

Thought this was the most active thread re coffees on GZ

Does anyone want a 3d printed mignon bottom tray FOC before it goes into the bin..?

https://imgur.com/a/O4u1o6I

How did I miss this post? If you still have it @roderickh I'd love to pair it with my Eureka Mignon.

Dingbatt

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#3128776 17-Sep-2023 13:50

Fiordland: Had two quality Italian manual coffee machines and shifted to an Italian made auto by De'Longhi and would never go back to manual.

When my Breville Duo CM packed up recently I replaced it with a De’Longhi Automatic machine. The WAF was huge because it is smaller and way less messy than Breville, and it is (virtually) fool proof.

While it makes excellent coffee, I am disappointed by the quality of the milk it produces. It has an attachable milk tank with its own wand/nozzle that uses hot water to entrain milk and aerate it. As a result the milk has no texture to it and certainly does not have the smoothness that I used to achieve using the steam wand on the Breville.

I like my flat whites, so I am beginning to question my purchase. I am wondering about trying to find a stand alone milk steamer/wand. Note I’m not looking for one that aerates and warms the milk. This machine already does that. I’m after a proper barista style steam wand. There is a commercial one I’ve found online but it is $1000. The other option is to buy the cheapest (and smallest) espresso machine I can find and just use the steam wand. Seems a bit of a waste though. Never mind the reduction in WAF.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

roderickh

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 63

#3129604 20-Sep-2023 08:25

Been an interesting journey with coffee machines. 11 months in and have changed machines twice.

No looking back though, this thing is a beast!

https://imgur.com/a/CjBrcg3

Senecio:

How did I miss this post? If you still have it @roderickh I'd love to pair it with my Eureka Mignon.

Sorry mate, the item has been thrown out :(

Sharesies referral

Handle9

11927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9683

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3183316 18-Jan-2024 08:17

@jonathan18 this video from James Hoffman is probably in your wheelhouse. I found it really interesting.

1 | ... | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24