Hi all

this is my first post to the forum.

I'm looking into purchasing my first espresso machine + accessories and currently getting confused by the enormous variety of machines / grinders etc, coupled with the reduced availability + higher prices here in China (I'm based in Shanghai).

Just wondered, does anyone know of any decent Chinese brands of espresso machines or grinders, I should be able to get a much more competitive price on local kit compared to imported. I've already found Hey Cafe grinders (just round the corner from my office) but as far as I can see they're a touch on the large side for my small kitchen. Also noted these on taobao (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=1188519413) but for the price they're selling at I really don't expect it's up to much.

anyway, any help you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Disclosure first. I have no personal experience with any of the mentioned machines. Just from reading too many coffee forum posts:

For local Chinese assembled E61 machine, consider the Gly Shuttle. It is actually an authorized production of the Giotto for RMB 7900, about USD$900:

http://www.coffee.com.cn/goods.php?id=174

Since the recent detente, Taiwanese merchandise can be shipped across the strait, especially after the passage of ECFA. The Gee is interestingly enough that there was talk at another coffee forum about importation to the US:

http://www.gee-coffee.com/ch/coffee_mac...chine.html

You will definitely need fresh coffee beans. In Shanghai, try

http://www.carmo.com.cn/

If you want to roast your own, the 220V version of M3 roaster can be shipped to mainland China.

The Hey Cafe was discussed here or at coffeegeek. Use the search function. The grinder you previously posted may not be suitable for espresso, but could be fine for siphon or drip.

Just curious - what do the Hey Cafe grinders cost?

C

Thanks Chang00, the Gly is out of my budget but the GEE looks interesting, I can pick one up for about 3500 RMB on Taobao.

Thanks for the carmo link, that's going to come in useful!

From other forums, it appears an espresso worthy grinder is available locally in China. It is called Welhome ZD-15 (惠家ZD-15), a rebadged Sunbeam EMO 480. It generally sells for about RMB 600. Again, because this grinder is not available in the US, I have no direct experience.

There was some information about the Gee machines on The Crossland Espresso Machine Project - potential game changer thread on CoffeeGeek earlier this year.

Guys
thanks for the advice, I've got a GEE and and a Welhome ZD-15 on order, arriving (hopefully) just in time for the Chinese Autumn holiday!

The Taobao looks to be the same as the little flying horse which is the same as the Kitchenaid ProLine.

Apologies for resurrecting this post but thought I'd post an update!

I've been using the Gee for just over a year now and never managed to get consistent coffee out of it (although that's probably as much to do with my lack of skill as the machine). Now it has major issues.

It started a while back, leaking from the steam wand, just dripping at first but now it won't turn off at all and barely dispenses any coffee, it's just losing all the pressure.

So, I tried descaling it (I've done this several times before), but during the process I noticed something floating in the waste water. I held it up to the light and noticed the water was swimming with small metal fragments from the machine (has anyone seen anything similar?). Descaling had no effect on the leak, it continues and now I'm not using the machine at all.

Now I need to decide, is it worth me getting it repaired, frankly I'm not satisfied with it so I don't really want to spend much money on it, or do I just upgrade? I've been taking a look at the Gly Shuttle, does anyone have any experience with these? Or any other recommendations on machines available in China?

thanks a lot for your help!

Craig