Hey there!

Over the past few years, I dropped my basic Breville espresso machine to switch to a Cuisinart brewer. The Breville is already pretty basic and makes coffee which I consider to be "ok". Why did I switch? In the morning, I like to leave home with a big mug of coffee. Filling the mug with espresso is just too long since it takes two or three shots to "brew and go". Also, when I wake up, I'm just too sleepy and lazy to start the machine. The only way for me to make my own coffee at home before leaving for the office was then to get a coffee maker with a timer. How's the coffee? Not that good... Do I use the machine more often? Of course!

With that said, I would like to go for an espresso machine which will be easy to use even if I still got the eyes closed and which will be quick to use when I come to leave for the office. I've read a post about Nespresso, but I'm afraid that it'll get expensive with time. If you drink two coffees a day at 75 cents each, it means that you've spent about $550 at the end of the year. After three years, that already makes $1,500 without even counting the machine itself. Also, if I want to fill a regular 12oz mug, how many pods or cups will I need?... It's not that I can't afford this kind of money, it's just that I look at that and I feel like I'm paying more plastic than coffee.

So here's the problem: I've heard about automatic machines. I don't know the difference between a semi-auto and a full-auto... Well, actually, I know the difference, but not for espresso machines. Is there any machine which will be suited for me? Does an auto machine such as a the Saeco Xelsis or the Saeco Syntia will give a "decent" coffee? Of course, if I could get a cappuccino, it would be even better!

There one more thing which I don't like with the Nespresso and the Keurig systems: there's a lot of waste for the quantity of coffee made. Also, those can't go to compost, whereas the coffee grounds can...

As for my budget, there's no real fixed limit. Of course, I'm not wealthy enough to hire a waiter who will serve my coffee every morning. On the other hand, paying $!,000, $1,500 or $2,000 is not really a problem. As I said, I don't like the idea of paying for plastic cups. However, "investing" on a good machine is an option to consider.

What's your thought on that?

Thanks!


Pierre-Alexandre

You're probably better off asking on the coffeegeek forums as here we're more focused on taste than convenience.

Aecletec's suggestion was a very good one as for the most part we're strict adherents to the rather longish rituals involved in attempting to brew outstanding espressos; which for the most part would blow your budget out of the water and frankly those machines aren't what you're looking for in the first place.

However you can find some knowledgeable posters, who are more familiar with what you're after, at this forum: http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines

Keith

I can make coffee with my eyes closed. However, that took a lot of shots with my eyes open.

I'm not aware of anything that beats the Nespresso as an impressive balance between convenience, consistency, reliability and, yes, espresso taste.

I could elaborate but this place is for us, coffee fanatics who are after exceptional espresso, and Nespresso is definitely not that, and hence, not for us here.

Thanks a lot for your honest reply. Even if it's not recommended to do cross-posting, I will send this message again on CoffeeGeek. I guess that on that side, there will be a way to find a suitable machine for my needs.

By the way, I'm a coffee lover and I will keep on reading different topics on your website. When I was living in Kenya, I used to go to a friend's house to pick up freshly torrefied coffee beans. His family have been growing coffee berries for generations and they "burn" the beans themselves. I have to tell that this coffee was the best ever tasted.

Today, I just don't have enough energy in the morning to make a real good espresso. In the evening, I turn to tea. I understand what you talk about when you mention the tradition, the process and the ritual. Preparing a fine tasting coffee or tea needs time, precision and passion.

Thanks again for your help!

Why not just focus on a really good grinder and a nice brewer? Or a press pot? It doesn't sound like you really want espresso, it sounds like you want "regular" coffee.

Seattle Coffee Gear has reviewed quite a few superautomatic machines, have you seen these?
http://blog.seattlecoffeegear.com/categ...automatic/

It was the insipid flavor of coffee from super automatics that drove me into this hobby from which I draw so much pleasure. Now I make the best coffee in town. And when I want the flavor of espresso but a full cup, I have an Americano. It works for me without being too much work. But then, I'm lucky enough that I don't have to go to work.

I have had very good espresso from superautomatics. What put me off of them was the cleanup aspect! Wow, lots of plastic parts along the way, rather complicated disassembly, etc. At home I have my Vivaldi next to the sink, and even a full cleaning is really easy. At work, where I do not have easy access, I went with a Nespresso. Not even close to a home espresso, but it can make a "pleasing beverage" and is really easy to use and cleanup.