HELP! Need something as inexpensive as possible. Too many options...

by **tash** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:09 pm

So a few years ago I was given a cheap steam type "espresso" machine. I like it. I love how fast it is. But recently my coffee has started to taste bad and I found that a gasket above the coffee basket has the permanent smell of old nasty coffee. The machine is no longer being made and there are no replacement parts (not that I tried that hard to find them). So I decided to just look and see about getting a new one. I have been all over this site and coffee geek but I am much more confused then when I started. So I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction....

I need something not loud. I have kids and I get up before them, plus I need to be able to hear them if they are up.
I need something fast. That is one thing I really like about my steam machine. It is quick.
I don't make espresso all day or even every day. So it doesn't need to be heavy duty.
I need something super easy to setup and clean. Like I said, I have kids, they take all my time.

I need something small. I don't have a whole lot of counter space.
I need something as inexpensive as possible. But I might consider something nicer if it's worth it. But with how little coffee gets drunk in our house it would be silly to spend hundreds and hundreds.

So does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.

by **Bluecold** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:18 pm

You're on the wrong website.

PS. It's generally considered rude when you just dump your demands on a website and let the internerds figure it out for you. Showing you've put some effort in it yourself by at least showing a shortlist goes a long way.

by **tash** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:16 pm

Ok, what website should I be on?

Also I am on another website where I am a sr member and we get newbies all the time with the whole "what should I buy?" question. Usually they just say something like "what should I get" and we have to ask them what their needs are. I was trying to help by skipping that step.

I don't have a shortlist because there are too many options. I don't know where to begin. It is very overwhelming. I seem to see a lot of Mr. Coffee, Delonghi, and Krups.

I also wasn't asking for an exact model. I just asked to be pointed in the right direction.

by HB on Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:40 pm

From the Guidelines for productive online discussion:

Help raise the discussion level. Use the how tos, resources, FAQs, search and search tips. "Newbie" questions are welcome, but they are more likely to receive thoughtful replies if some initial research is done beforehand.

To get you started and to save myself a bit of typing, I will repeat some general recommendations I wrote from another thread, Seeking advice about an espresso machine purchase, with minor modifications:

HB wrote:I know you've been slogging through a lot of reading, but if you want make an informed decision, I recommend you soldier on. To make your reading assignment less burdensome, I'll pick what I think cover the spectrum of choices and offer a soundbite for each:

Vibiemme Domobar Super - big steamer, easier temperature control among HX espresso machines, solid construction; deeper footprint than most in its class.

Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica - showpiece design and construction, demands eclectic usage, and yet easy to manage temperature control; an absolute dream steamer.

Quickmill Vetrano - plumbed in rotary model similar to the Andreja Premium; super quiet, requires attention to temperature control (unless you install Eric's E61 thermometer adapter), solid steamer.

Expobar Brewtus III - no-brainer temperature control, slower steaming than most E61 HX espresso machines; materials and workmanship are mid-grade.

La Spaziale Vivaldi II - this double boiler espresso machine has garnered many admirers for its no-brainer temperature control; quiet rotary pump and solid construction, powerful and easy steaming. It's wide, but shallower than most home espresso machines.
If the list above hasn't exhausted you, the Ponte Vecchio Lusso is among the contenders that deserves consideration as an easy to master espresso machine for home baristas.

I looked through the first few pages of this forum and did a quick search on "budget" (topic subjects only as suggested in forum search tips); here's a few related threads worth perusing:

Rational choices for a beginner espresso machine
$500-$600 budget for espresso/grinder, looking at Gaggia Classic/Pure
Buying new espresso machine with $1000 budget

by HB on Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:44 pm

tash wrote:I seem to see a lot of Mr. Coffee, Delonghi, and Krups.

PS: As you can see in the reviews, none of these choices fit into the site's demographic. If you're looking for ultra inexpensive good espresso, consider the Mypressi TWIST and a manual grinder. Absolutely cheapest decent setup discusses this option.

by **tash** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 8:56 pm

Thank you HB. I saw your general post in another thread, but I appreciate it being posted here.

I have been doing research but I am more confused then ever. I had no idea there were so many types of espresso machine. manual, semi auto, auto, super auto. It's all a bit daunting. Then I read that some have huge amounts of water and take 1/2 hour or longer to heat up. Yikes! Then I get distracted in learning about tampers (3 days ago I didn't even know those things existed)....

Oh, is there a glossary somewhere? I think part of my problem is that I don't understand all of the terminology used with coffee. (I think I am still a bit confused about moka vs espresso for example).

I did see the cheapest good setup thread. I will go reread it though. And thank you for the mypressi rec.

Off to go read the links.....

by HB on Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:09 pm

tash wrote:Oh, is there a glossary somewhere?

Yes, there sure is! Similar strategy led me to Moka coffee vs. espresso.

by **tash** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:15 pm

Thank you so much Dan.

by HB on Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:15 pm

tash wrote:I have been doing research but I am more confused then ever.

The budget and planned use (type of beverages, number of drinkers) typically narrow the field dramatically. Since you've already identified cost as an important factor, the question is how much in taste/convenience/consistency are you willing to sacrifice for it? It may turn out that a Moka, stovetop steamer, and manual grinder are all you need (easily less than $150, half that if you go used). Or a French press and a good grinder.

by **Bob_McBob** on Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:41 pm

I could probably live with the modified refurb Saeco Aroma and Kyocera hand grinder setup I mentioned in the last thread.


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