nyerinla wrote:Oh, and that shot, I'm surprised my work firewall didn't ban it. Its like espresso porn.

Sorry Peter, but that shot needs improvement. I'm not picking on you, just illustrating the point that a bottomless portafilter does not ensure quality in the cup. The photos exhibit defects that will be evident in the cup.

• There are dry areas in the middle right in the first photo and the left is gushing.
• There is a large no flow, dry area behind the cone in the second photo. Zoom in and you can just make out the basket holes.
• Looks like the shot is channeling near the handle where the stripes bulge.
• The two photos were taken 7s apart and the shot is already blonding.

Concentrate on prep and note the taste improvements.

Ike, I appreciate the constructive criticism. It's worth noting that this shot was taken (and pulled) before I replaced the burrs on my grinder. I had put it off for too long. You have motivated me to take out the real camera and get some shots of some prime pulls. Regardless, the error was not in the machine, but clearly the prep. I'd still very much recommend the Gourmet, as well as the ease of use and service of Astra, being local to LA.

nyerinla wrote:Sorry, I shold have been more specific in what I was looking for. I was hoping to find a place similar to Seattle Coffee Gear, but local. We have a fair share of local roasters, and am kind of surprised I couldn't find more of a specialty retailer that caters to espresso machines.

Keep in mind that Seattle Coffee Gear sells most of their espresso equipment to people who do NOT live in Seattle . . . let alone that the actual coffee sold by them is, to the best of my knowledge, not roasted by them.

So the short answer is, "No," there are no stores in LA that are like Seattle Coffee Gear . . .

By and large, companies are either major retailers of espresso equipment OR they are major retailers of freshly roasted coffee beans that they roast themselves. Two exceptions that come to mind (and I am sure there are others):

• Chris' Coffee Service in Albany, New York is one of the country's largest and most respected espresso equipment retailers; they also have a roaster on site and offer a variety of different Machristay coffees, including the well-regarded Black Pearl.
• Mr. Espresso is an Oakland, CA-based company primarily known to the public for their oak wood-roasted coffee beans, but among (primarily) restauranteurs in the SF Bay Area, they are a supplier of commercial espresso equipment (along with some home models.

But virtually every roaster sells some equipment -- Intelligentsia in Venice and Silverlake sells accessories, grinders, and even LM GS/3's. Hey, even Peet's and Starbucks sells grinders and home machines, BUT my recommendation is to stick with the experts!

In the greater LA area, you have several top-notch roasters. Use them as roasters, not sources of equipment. For equipment, while it is true that there are two manufactures nearly (Astra in Canoga Park, and Salvatore up in Solvang), I think you're much better served by sticking with retailers such as the aforementioned Chris' Coffee Service in New York, 1st-Line Equipment in New Jersey, Stefano's Espresso Care in Oregon, or Great Infusions in Santa Cruz . . .

No connections to these vendors, other than as a satisfied customer.

Cheers,
Jason

IDrinkItBlack wrote:Ike, I appreciate the constructive criticism.

You may want to read Ian's comments in Dosing, Distribution, Tamping Survey before thanking him.

I think you're much better served by sticking with retailers such as the aforementioned Chris' Coffee Service in New York, 1st-Line Equipment in New Jersey, Stefano's Espresso Care in Oregon, or Great Infusions in Santa Cruz . . .

Jason, I agree that the above vendors are great (I've purchased from CC many times and would again), not sure why you would recommend them above Salvatore and Astra. In case you have not had experience with them (I have), they are exceptional. Also, there is the added advantage that they are close by and can service a machine purchased from them (without shipping across the country)--this is a pretty rare, and nice option.
Rob

Hi All,

Thanks for the suggestions. Jason, there were a few places on your list I wasn't even aware of, will check their sites out tonight. For now tho, I am leaning towards an Astra Pro... by the way, you guys here are dangerous. I was thinking of a 1200 budget for machine and grinder, now I'm in that ballpark just for the machine. Pretty sure the grinder will be a Vario, as I like french press coffee too, and am intrigued by cold brewing.

Anyway, as I said I'm leaning towards an Astra Pro since it seems like a very nice machine in both build quality and practical engineering design. And I definitely like how they're literally up and over the (low) mountains. The sales rep (Richard, who I later found out from a thread here is also the owner/engineer/designer in addition to sales rep) offered up that I can swing by the factory, so thats a nice selling point. I'd like to see where these babies are born.

Thank you, Rob and Peter for suggesting them. (Peter, I'd drink that shot you pulled any given day of the week)

I'm leaning Astra Pro, but I'm also intrigued by the Bezzera BZ02S that 1-st line is advertising. They're both roughly the same size in footprint and power draw, tho not internally. But well, a few hundred cheaper. Tho I lose the "drop it off before work" aspect in case anything happens. And I don't get to "poke at it" before buying. Which is honestly the main reason I wanted a local place. I'm not hurting (since I'm willing to buy a machine) but spending over a $1000 qualifies as a big ticket item to me, and I guess I'm old fashion at heart, but I want to kick the tires first for big ticket items.

I decided against the One-Black because I read on a thread here and in the CG reviews that it can't really be set up on an appliance time, and that it can't be left on for long periods of time. The timer aspect never occured to me, since honestly I never even knew of such a device (brilliant!!). So now that I know it can be done, its a MUST have. 30-45 min of sleep is important.

So anyway, that's where I'm at right now. Thanks again everyone for the suggestions.

Qi

rbh1515 wrote:Jason, I agree that the above vendors are great (I've purchased from CC many times and would again), not sure why you would recommend them above Salvatore and Astra. In case you have not had experience with them (I have), they are exceptional. Also, there is the added advantage that they are close by and can service a machine purchased from them (without shipping across the country)--this is a pretty rare, and nice option.

Rob, the reason is quite simple . . .

IF an individual is interested in a machine made by Salvatore or Astra, then by all means . . . But, OTOH, if an individual is interested in an Elektra, a Quick Mill, a Bezzera -- or has no idea WHAT they want -- talking with someone who carries a number of different makes and models, with different price ranges, capabilities, options, etc., can provide them with a wealth of information and give them food for thought about things they didn't even contemplate.

In other words, my suggestion isn't a knock against Salvatore or Astra machines, but rather to provide the OP with options in their price range.

nyerinla wrote:I looked at the places mentioned and they're a little above me, price wise. I'm trying to keep it under 1200 (total), so an HX or commercial machine would be a no-go. I also live in an apt, so space (and power draw) is an issue too.

$1200 total (including grinder) - $450 (Vario grinder) = $750 (SBDU machine)

Now, personally, I think the OP should try to save up a bit more money and get an HX, but that's me . . . I always try to stay within an OP's stated budget (+10 percent).

Cheers,
Jason

Jason,
Yes, there is always the price factor, and the Astra and Salvatore are not cheap. I always encourage people to take a look at them though because the quality of construction and components is so high. Both machines are made to last, and at least to me that is well worth the extra money. Also, Qi is in the near both manufacturers, so why not check them out!

Qi,
If you get the Astra Pro, have Richard put the thinner dispersion block on the group head. The stock dispersion block is very thick, and you are better off with the thinner one.
Rob

+1 on the thinner dispersion block.