Coffee Machine - opinion of Sunbeam EM7000

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ageorge

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#179142 28-Aug-2015 12:59

Coffee Machine - EM7000

Hi there I have a EC820 delonghi in great condition. The Delonghi has always made reasonable coffee from excellent beans and Sunbeam burr grinder, but Im considering upgrading? to the Sunbeam 7000 model.

I asked Sunbeam if they had demonstrations of this model so I could ascertain if its worth changing from one machine to the other, and they dont around here, and would not accept a return on the basis of I was not happy with it.

To summarise, Im reasonably happy with the Delonghi, but in theory the Sunbeam should produce better coffee.

Any comments appreciated especially from owners of the Sunbeam model.

Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#1375684 28-Aug-2015 13:49

What theory is there to suggest that the different machine will make "better coffee"?

My thought is that at this end of home espresso, the biggest difference which can be made is through better/more consistent grinding, and I'd have grave doubts that any cheap (<$500 or so) electric grinder is up to the task. I think Breville make something called the "smart grinder" for less, which on paper seems interesting. However whenever I looked at forums, there was always discussion about adjusting the grind, how much room temperature, humidity etc affected the grind, and how to tweak it and by how much.
Personally, I think that's >50% BS. I use a Mazzer grinder. It came with a sticker on the adjustment ring from factory calibration, and to my surprise, with a medium roast bean, it was close to bang on first time I used it. I almost never adjust it - except a one off when changing beans (I buy in 1kg lots). Supermarket coffee beans - then that's another story, every bag has a different degree of staleness which is hard to pick from smell or look. The grind might vary slightly between a humid hot day and a cold dry day, but IMO not enough to make a difference, but importantly the grind won't vary if I'm grinding for one cup or five - which absolutely does happen with small grinders as they warm up and tolerances shift.
Last time I looked, there seemed to be consensus that for consistent grind, a Rancillio Rocky was about as budget as you should go. There's some criticism as that grinder has stepped rather than micrometric grind adjustment (such as the Mazzer I have does), but IMO that's an overstated issue.

ageorge

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1375699 28-Aug-2015 14:12

Hi agreed about the grinder but I am more than happy with mine see my review here:
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sunbeam-conical-burr.html

If you are serious about your coffee, you will know that after a good grinder, there are temperature consistency, tamping, filter and various other parameters to do with a reasonable coffee machine. Hence my question.

Prefer answers from those who actually own an EM7000 who can comment as per original post thank you.

davidcole

6029 posts

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Trusted

#1375702 28-Aug-2015 14:17

ageorge: Hi agreed about the grinder but I am more than happy with mine see my review here:
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sunbeam-conical-burr.html

If you are serious about your coffee, you will know that after a good grinder, there are temperature consistency, tamping, filter and various other parameters to do with a reasonable coffee machine. Hence my question.

Prefer answers from those who actually own an EM7000 who can comment as per original post thank you.

The lack of answers from owners of that particular machine may tell you everything you need to know.

This might be close? http://www.coffeetamper.com.au/kb/reviews/sunbeam-silvia/ I was looking for that other sunbeam with the thermoblock.

I looked at one of those, as I was moving from an $800 machine to the next level, but ended up with a rocket.

Like the the previous chap I'd be aiming at the rancillo as an more established brand.

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Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#1375710 28-Aug-2015 14:37

ageorge: Hi agreed about the grinder but I am more than happy with mine see my review here:
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sunbeam-conical-burr.html

If you are serious about your coffee, you will know that after a good grinder, there are temperature consistency, tamping, filter and various other parameters to do with a reasonable coffee machine. Hence my question.

Prefer answers from those who actually own an EM7000 who can comment as per original post thank you.

I'm sorry to say, but that grinder doesn't come even close to what you need. Presuming that you've got consistent quality coffee beans, then the grinder is the next major variable in the "production line".

My coffee machine is also a Rocket brand as per Davidcole above. Expensive machine with rotary pump etc, quite a work of art. To be honest, the fact that it is a work of art and has intangible "qualities" is why I have it. It looks and feels very nice - superbly made.
However I'd bet I could make a better more consistent coffee using a relatively inexpensive delonghi/breville/sunbeam machine (so long as it has unpressurized baskets) if I could use my Mazzer (or equivalent quality) grinder, than I could using my $4000 espresso machine with any sunbeam grinder. Don't think I haven't tried this, I had the Mazzer grinder before the Rocket arrived, and used with a cheap Breville machine with unpressurized basket, the coffee was remarkably good.

Geektastic

17942 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1375717 28-Aug-2015 14:53

Speaking as a European, 'Sunbeam' sounds a bit budget. Sort of the Lidl or Aldi of appliances.

ageorge

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1375793 28-Aug-2015 15:46

Thanks for your reply Rocket man.

Ive done a bit of research before this post, and there is some interesting reading. The previous Sunbeam 6910 was a good machine, but the 7000 is a much better machine. I guess you brought your Rocket prior to 7000 being released? Anyway the 7000 is a result of Sunbeam listening to its customers over any dislikes of the 6910 and improved accordingly.
Review for the 7000:
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-equipment-midrange-500-1500/33714-sunbeam-em7000-first-impressions.html

I just found these which pretty well answers my question. If anyone wants a good Delonghi mine will be up for grabs in a week or 2:

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-equipment-midrange-500-1500/39748-silvia-vs-em7000.html

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-equipment-midrange-500-1500/34689-sunbeam-em7000-feedback.html

Best wishes.
Al.

Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#1375818 28-Aug-2015 16:25

ageorge:
I guess you brought your Rocket prior to 7000 being released?

No. You can't compare breville/sunbeam machines with high-quality European machines made using commercial grade components. As I said, not solely coffee quality as those cheap machines can make very good coffee in the right hands. I bought my machine in mid 2013. I expect it (and the grinder) will still be working perfectly in 2023.
The rest is IMO kind of a zen thing. I own or use very few kitchen gadgets, but those I do use need to be right.

BTW, if you're going to read Coffeesnobs forums as per your links, then this leaped out and hit me in the face:

"I love Silvia and swear by her. I agree that she can be rewarding but also difficult to deal with but I think it's worth it if for no other reason the longevity you will get from the superior quality of the components. However if buying the Em7000 allows you to buy a decent grinder then that should be deciding factor. You should at least aim to spend at least the same again on a quality grinder"

("Silvia" BTW refers to a Rancillio Silvia single boiler machine, about $1000, well made and and capable of making excellent coffee, but rather difficult to master. The machine I have is very much simpler to use)

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ageorge

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1375821 28-Aug-2015 16:51

Fred99:
ageorge:
I guess you brought your Rocket prior to 7000 being released?

No. You can't compare breville/sunbeam machines with high-quality European machines made using commercial grade components. As I said, not solely coffee quality as those cheap machines can make very good coffee in the right hands. I bought my machine in mid 2013. I expect it (and the grinder) will still be working perfectly in 2023.
The rest is IMO kind of a zen thing. I own or use very few kitchen gadgets, but those I do use need to be right.

Hi Freddy.
Thanks for your valued input.
Agreed, its nice to have quality, but some well designed cheap stuff can do a good a job also, just as you say.
I have sold several different coffee machines, as a part time business and even some of the automatic Delonghi can turn out a reasonable cup. My current non-auto Delonghi is one such machine.

I hear what you are saying about the grinder loud and clearly but feel that after reading the reviews about the EM7000 (check out the links if you havent already) I feel that will be an improvement over the Delonghi.
Note also some users comments comparing the EM7000 to much higher cost machines that they have personally owned and it makes interesting reading if they are honest.

After buying, I will post here as a follow up. Even if I am wrong

Guv

94 posts

Master Geek

#1375831 28-Aug-2015 17:15

Hi

My 2c

Have had several sunbeam and breville machines and grinders over the years and got sick of them not lasting long at all - a few years and it was time to replace. In the case of the sunbeam grinders it was 2 machines within 6 months. Having said that I have no idea about the new sunbeam stuff.

4 years ago I got a VBM Super and Mazzer Mini grinder and have not looked back. These things last for ages - well maintained they will last many many years.

Roast my own coffee in a modified bread maker as well.

Most important is fresh roasted coffee (not supermarket stuff) and correct grind for the type of machine you are using.

Good luck with whatever you end up going with.

Guv

ageorge

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1380368 5-Sep-2015 18:59

Videos EM7000
1..Unboxing
2..First successful pour (pour #4).
3..First try at EM7000 milk frothing. Could do for improvement.

Summary - End product tastes heaps better than coffee made with my trusty Delonghi.
Its working well with the EM440 grinder unshimmed. Thank goodness; wife would not be happy me spending more on a better grinder.

I've used about 10-15 different makes of espresso machine (used to sell used machines); none made coffee of this standard; highly recommended. Others had told me not to get a better machine; get a better grinder. Am glad I made this decision instead, however, if your grinder is below EM440 I would not bother.