Automatic Espresso machine?

[Deleted]

Dh & I are planning to kick our starbucks habit in the new year. Between the 2 of us we spend $40/week. Insane. We are thinking of getting the machine linked below. Anyone have a similar type machine, or have any comments / advice when looking for an expensive coffee maker??


www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-syntia-cappuccino-superautomatic-espresso-machine

[Deleted]

We had a Saeco for a couple years because our awesome roommate had it.

Pros: really easy, really good coffee
Cons: parts did break (the door latch was broken when he bought it used, the hopper door on the top broke too), cleaning it if you used milk was a bit of a PITA, his was a European model that required a transformer that eventually tried to start on fire on our counter, I always screwed up trying to disassemble the inside to clean it and could never get it back together.

Overall, we replaced it with this:
www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/espresso-maker-6-cup-0420381p.html#.VJD-IHsyPSo

We also tried an Aeropress, but the moka pot is easier.

[Deleted]

We use a moka pot like @tokenhoser posted.

It's just so easy. Nothing to break. Not much to clean. Granted, it's not the programmable quick brew machine that some people desire, but I appreciate the simplicity of it.

[aurora]

We have a ~$200 Gaggia that's really easy and still going strong at age 4. From what I've researched, the grinder is more important than the actual espresso maker unless you're buying pre-ground (and Illy is awesome, but $$$).

We also use a mocha pot away from home frequently and it's pretty impressive for $20. Indestructible and makes strong coffee.

[Deleted]

Thanks ladies. I used a moka pot for a long time, but it didn't work with my new induction range.

Dh didn't like the coffee but I thought it was great.

We need something he will use too.

[Deleted]

The Saeco was well loved around here. It's not maintenance-free, though, and that's what was a deal breaker for me in the end. We could have replaced it with our own, but I've adapted to the $20 solution.

I liked the coffee from the Aeropress better than the moka pot, but it's slightly more labour intensive. If you want day-to-day easy, the fully automatic is that. I called it my "coffee robot".

[Deleted]

If money were not a factor, I'd probably go for a Jura. I'm lazy and we have a Nespresso.

[WhatYouSee]

We just splurged and bought this one as a joint Christmas gift. It was on an Amazon Lightning Deal last Saturday.  We haven't taken it out of the box yet and my DH did all of the research, so I have nothing else to add to the discussion.


www.seattlecoffeegear.com/breville-dual-boiler-espresso-machine-bes920

[Poppy]

We have had a Saeco Vienna Plus and a Saeco Talea Giro Plus - neither has a milk reservoir, just a stream wand. Personally I don't feel very comfortable with the milk auto frothers and keeping them clean.

LOVED the Vienna although it was ugly as sin. The steam wand broke after several years and DH bought the Giro in a panic, but ended up fixing the Vienna with just a new gasket and we gave it to his dad.

The Giro is kind of a PITA. It complains constantly and IMO prematurely (water level ONLY TWO INCHES or because the drip pan has "too much" at 20% full). It's harder to clean and the tray was poorly designed (too small for the stream wand placement).

However, I am really happy overall with the brand and would buy a Saeco again. I like Seattle Coffee Gear for their video reviews but find Whole Latte Love better for user reviews.

Other note - we thought we'd save money on coffee shop runs but now we still go out for coffee a lot but just drink way more coffee at home. No regrets though.

[Deleted]

I agree with Poppy that just getting one without the milk reservoir is better. Steam it or microwave it if you want a latte.

Also make sure you can source the effing cleaning supplies where ever you buy it. The one carrotsmakemefat posted would probably make you happy.

[WinterWine]

I have a Breville manual machine (an older model of this one).  I've had it for around 3.5 years and it has worked perfectly ever since I bought it, without a single issue.  I love the espresso that comes from it and I personally prefer the manual milk frother - there is also a fancier model that grinds the beans but is about twice the price.   I make a latte with it every single morning, and have saved myself a buttload in Sbux.  It also works great with back to back uses - I've probably made lattes for 5 family members on after another with no issue.

Good luck finding one you like and kicking the Starbucks habit!

[Deleted]

Thanks ladies. Key is fast so I need to figure out how long it takes to make a coffee. I am out the door for work at 6 am and currently getting up as late as possible to still get out the door. It's going to suck to have to get up extra early to make my americano misto!

[Poppy]

Dec 17, 2014 23:32:57 GMT -5 @gingerbb said:

Thanks ladies. Key is fast so I need to figure out how long it takes to make a coffee. I am out the door for work at 6 am and currently getting up as late as possible to still get out the door. It's going to suck to have to get up extra early to make my americano misto!

I found a YouTube video showing start-to-finish for the Vienna Plus. It was really quick (and held true for when I had one myself). You may try to find a similar video for the machines you're considering. Cleaning time is a factor too. I wish they spec'ed the time for the machine to come up to temp, that would be really useful. But reading reviews may tell you what you want to know.