Hello,
I've seen so many requests for suggestions on this site, but I've yet to find the combination I'm looking for...

I'm looking for a great espresso machine that can make great tasting espresso. Here are the attributes I'm trying to maximize:
* I have a small kitchen, I want a compact machine (I love the E61s, but they're soooo big)
* I am often running out the door in the morning, so I need something that I can put on a timer to heat up and requires no attention until I walk up to it to make my espresso (such as running steam through after turn on but prior to heat up or temperature surfing)
* I don't want to hack the machine or buy a hacked machine (why doesn't the silvia come with a built in PID?)
* Want a fullsize group head
* Would like it to have a brew head pressure gauge (optional)
* I steam milk for the wife (just had to clarify it isn't me putting milk in my espresso), don't need to do both at the same time (although that's a nice to have), but would need a quick conversion.
* Budget of up to $2000 (but obviously would prefer less)

Please let me know if this makes you think of any specific machine - I'd love this groups thoughts.

Also, if you do respond, please let me know where your suggestion falls in terms of espresso quality comparing against the well known machines like a silvia or rocket.

Thanks!
Paul

Paul-

I'm not one to advise someone else on how to spend their money, but I will pass along this advice: check out the links at the top of the page, especially Resources, Reviews and FAQS. After that, you may want to Search the forums for posts on specific items, and for more specific info. Members of this forum are friendly and helpful, and will be more so if your questions are specific and haven't already been answered right here at HB.

Also, how much money have you budgeted for a grinder? If you stay around long enough to make your second post you will probably be told how important the grinder is (VERY!).

Ed Bugel

Are there ANY espresso machines that do not require some bleeding off of either steam or over-heated water? Maybe. I would say a dual-boiler with PID would be about as close as you will come to a walk-up machine that can be put on a timer and also give steam with as little hassle as possible. Now the list drops off considerably because of your small footprint requirement. The VBMs are narrow but tallish. Your inclusion of Silvia in your list points to some confusion or ignorance on your part (no insult intended) as to how these machines operate as it is not a walk up and go machine, even with a PID. IMO, if that list is truly what you want, I think it is a tough bill to fill.

You have a lot more research and thinking to do....

Bezzera BZ07 is an inexpensive small footprint HX which requires minimal cooling flushes, about 5 to 10 seconds; and make very good shots. The NS Oscar is another small HX machine, this one with a very understated plastic case. The stock basket is not very good, but the machine mated with better baskets pulls good shots.

Brewtus has a relatively small footprint, mostly when compared to other double boiler machines. It's very walk up friendly. I use mine as you describe every morning.

It may be worthwhile waiting for a while and seeing what more will come out about the Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, I've seen a first look and from the initial details I was very impressed with the potential this machine is offering for the price; but there is very little information yet. Price is expected to be around $1400 which would leave change for a decent grinder in the price range you are looking at. However it has yet to come to market and there are no full reviews.

The one major downside of the machine is that there seems like an awful lot to go wrong on it.

This reminds me of a little project i am going to do (some day). Install a small hx boiler from an Isomac into the body of a Silvia. Boiler should just fit in the area under the drip tray, no water tank in the machine - water lines will stick out the rear for a Brita. Or I could go a step further down the rabbit hole and plumb in a rotary pump in the cabinet...

I'm not sure just how small your machine needs to be, but I'd second Jim's recommendation of the BZ07. It's one of the smallest prosumer machines around, and seems to meet your other requirements.

Don't forget you'll still need counter space for a grinder and other accessories (knock box, tamper, pitcher, etc.) so the machine is only part of the equation. The smallest quality grinders would probably be the Lelit or the Baratza Vario or Preciso. With a BZO7 and a Vario, you'd have a nice compact setup for about $1,500.

Small footprint, quick to heat up, steam at the same time, gauge, full size grouphead - sounds like my Silvano. I am also on a very limited timeline in the morning - I turn it on when I roll out of bed and it's ready in minutes (small 0.7 L boiler).

I have the Quick Mill Silvano as well. Ended up replacing the Livia 90. Great shots. Quick, simple, easy. Pretty decent steam/foam results as well with not too much effort. Love it.

Mike