Greetings all.

New member, first post. Be gentle.

As the title implies, I am considering buying a used super-automatic.

Specifically, it is the Bosch Benvenuto B20, retails ~ $1100 and I have found it for a measly $350 on craigslist. Wealthy older couple, pot of coffee instead, too much trouble, recently purchased, never use it, ad nauseum. I am going to check it out later this week and if all goes well, bring it home with me. However, the miser in me begs to ask: "Am I being daft for considering used espresso equipment?" I want to find a good deal, however I am concerned that my neophyte status with all things coffee will cause me a great deal of headaches in the short term.

My inquiry is two-fold: I am going to check it out this week; will you please aid me in becoming aware of potential pitfalls beforehand? Please illuminate my path oh wondrous coffee scholars. Also, what questions should I be asking/what should I be looking for?

Finally, if this is downright absurd and I shouldn't even consider such a proposition, feel free to lay into me and let me know.

Thank you. I look forward to contributing to this great community in time!

Kevin

Not many here would call that 'espresso equipment' The 'grinder' isn't

IMO, from the shots tasted from super-autos vs those from Nespresso, I'd look for a Nespresso. Better, more consistent taste and MUCH, MUCH less to go wrong.

cafeIKE wrote:IMO, from the shots tasted from super-autos vs those from Nespresso, I'd look for a Nespresso. Better, more consistent taste and MUCH, MUCH less to go wrong.

Ian's right. Searching on super-automatic will lead you to previous discussions. The bottom line is that they're all about convenience, not producing a memorable coffee beverage. Given their plethora of moving parts, super-automatics as a class haven't garnered a reputation for reliability.

feelingFRISKY wrote:Wealthy older couple, pot of coffee instead, too much trouble, recently purchased, never use it, ad nauseum.

Curious how an appliance that purportedly is the pinnacle of convenience is passed over for a pot of coffee. Perhaps they decided they'd rather have an exceptional french press/pourover than a mediocre espresso (I would).

I spent a lot of time trying to get a good shot out of my dad's super-auto, but the nespresso at work was still better.

However, neither of them hold a candle to a good grinder, machine, and fresh beans. And super-autos tend to break down more often and be much more complicated to repair, so buying used is much more of a risk than with a traditional machine.

Kevin, if great espresso is your goal, the answer is simple: PASS.

On the other hand, if convenience is preferable . . . well, I'd probably still pass -- in that a Nespresso is just as, if not more, convenient and far less likely to break.

I guess the question remains: what is your goal, Kevin?

I'll be 3 day spice and herb brining then cherry wood smoke roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving. I am also into high quality espresso.

In comparison could have turkey TV dinners for Thankgiving, paired with espresso from said super-automatic. The difference is that extreme.

Nothing wrong if preferring TV dinners, convenience over quality, just not for me.

Any given device has its niche in the market. Since you have not told us anything about what you expect from the machine it is difficult to give an opinion.

But if the best possible cup of rich, full-bodied coffee is a priority, spend the money on a good grinder and an "Espro Press." Chris Coffee has them for $70.

zin1953 wrote:Kevin, if great espresso is your goal, the answer is simple: PASS.

On the other hand, if convenience is preferable . . . well, I'd probably still pass -- in that a Nespresso is just as, if not more, convenient and far less likely to break.

I guess the question remains: what is your goal, Kevin?

My goal is remarkably good espresso every morning.

And I want to ease into this newfound interest with all things coffee re: purchasing and budgeting. I don't want my newbie status and fervor colluding together and costing me more than it should in the long run. So, I'm exercising restraint until I can find some concrete conclusions with the help of HB and coffeegeek. Convenience is little an issue at this point in time. Preferably, I want to be knowledgeable and skilled at my craft with my skill and wisdom increasing over time. I look to enjoy not only the spoils of victory, but also in the creation.

It seems as though you make an excellent and concise point zin1953. Therefore, a super-auto is out of the question.

I'll start at the beginning... 3 months ago I thought I knew a few things about coffee. I used a french press every morning, freshly ground grains, filtered water at the right temp, and enjoyed coffee in this manner. All was well. Then, an uppity young lass dragged me into Caffe Medici in Austin, Texas while we were in town floating the river. The espressos, americanos, and cappuccinos were the best coffee I had ever tasted. From there on out, I have become a broken man searching for good coffee since I returned home to Dallas, TX.

Where do I go from here?

HB wrote:Ian's right. Searching on super-automatic will lead you to previous discussions. The bottom line is that they're all about convenience, not producing a memorable coffee beverage. Given their plethora of moving parts, super-automatics as a class haven't garnered a reputation for reliability.

Good points all. A memorable coffee beverage is the end-game I seek.

Randy G. wrote:Any given device has its niche in the market. Since you have not told us anything about what you expect from the machine it is difficult to give an opinion.

But if the best possible cup of rich, full-bodied coffee is a priority, spend the money on a good grinder and an "Espro Press." Chris Coffee has them for $70.

I like your idea on the press. I checked his site and the product seems like a way I can get more familiar with coffee [grinder, bean selection, etc] and not have to make the plunge on an expensive E61.

I may consider getting a Vario and the espresso press while knowing I will be buying an espresso machine in the near future.

Thank you Randy.