Looking for inexpensive, easy to use espresso machine - Page 2

Recommendations for buyers and upgraders from the site's members.
User avatar
brokemusician77
Posts: 391
Joined: 15 years ago

#11: Post by brokemusician77 »

Bluecold wrote:I, as a newbie, bought as my first machine a La Peppina. I love it to bits. It is easy to use and inexpensive. I am not on crack. If i had money for crack i'd buy an Elektra Nino first.

Ok. Fair enough. I think inside the box a bit too much on this stuff. No disrespect intended. As a relative newbie, myself, I still freak a little bit whenever I hear "lever". If she's interested, I'm sure that could be a great option.
"There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon.
LMWDP #326

SwingT
Posts: 217
Joined: 15 years ago

#12: Post by SwingT »

Can someone in the S.C. area direct the OP to a place where she can get a good espresso?
Depends on where in SC she is.

If she's in the upstate - coffee and crema is pretty good, IMO.

27 S Pleasantburg Dr # 130
Greenville, SC 29607-2577
(864) 235-0051

They have two locations - one in the mall that has an E-61 machine, commercial -machine , umm, can't remamber - Faema?

The above location on/off Antrim drive is the better one IMO.

http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rl ... 1344938975

The one on S. Pleasantburg/Antrim has a La Marzocco and is using a Macap MXK grinder, IIRC.

They use Counter Culture Blend beans for the espresso -

Generally are pretty good - I have had one or two that weren't as good as the others I've had there - different barista's, different times of day, etc.

Still, pretty good.

If she's in coastal areas that's four hours from this cafe, though.

before I had really good espresso - I didn't understand how good it can taste and not be bitter/harsh, with a bitter bite to it.
LMWDP #258

User avatar
Bluecold
Posts: 1774
Joined: 16 years ago

#13: Post by Bluecold »

timo888 wrote: Though there is always the Peppina + hand-grinder option. Excellent espresso, but Debbie might not have a GFCI outlet to protect herself from electrocution.
:shock: Should i be scared? The Peppina is grounded, nothing can happen right?

Oh, and brokemusician, 'lever' doesn't have to mean 'intimidating' or 'hard'. It's just a different means of pressurizing water.
LMWDP #232
"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death I Shall Fear No Evil For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."

User avatar
brokemusician77
Posts: 391
Joined: 15 years ago

#14: Post by brokemusician77 »

Bluecold wrote: Oh, and brokemusician, 'lever' doesn't have to mean 'intimidating' or 'hard'. It's just a different means of pressurizing water.
Yeah, I know. Just a knee jerk reaction I need to get over. Maybe I should buy a Peppina and rid myself of this phobia. :D
"There's a fine line between hobby and mental illness." - Anon.
LMWDP #326

new2espressosc (original poster)
Posts: 10
Joined: 15 years ago

#15: Post by new2espressosc (original poster) »

OMGosh!

Guys! My goodness, it's gonna take me rereading this all again to keep up! Please remember, I don't understand MANY of the terms that you are putting out there!

I enjoy a good espresso shot. (at least I think!) sometimes with a twist of lemon... please don't blast me for that! I don't know if that is a good thing or not. But, it's tasty. If it taste good, then it's gotta be good. I began drinking espresso and latte's or capp's when I started visiting my brother who lived in Italy at the time. Kinda stuck with me.

I will post some responses to each as I can... it's kind of a slow version of IM'in! ROFL
Thank you all, please keep it up. I especially like it when I'm being referred to in the third person! Makes me laugh.

Thank you all!

User avatar
uscfroadie
Supporter ♡
Posts: 1156
Joined: 16 years ago

#16: Post by uscfroadie »

On the cheap I'd have to say place a call to orphan espresso and see what they can offer. A good hand grinder and used (refurbed) lever machine can be had for under $500. Down the road you may want an electric grinder, but this one will get you started.

And for those of you that have never used a lever, it is far easier than you think. The only downside with my Gaggia Factory is that once the water level is down you have to let the machine cool in order to refill. Moot point unless you are holding a party for coffee drinkers.
Merle

User avatar
Arpi
Posts: 1124
Joined: 15 years ago

#17: Post by Arpi »

This is what I would chose

espresso machine: Gaggia classic $399 http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... opnav=&s=1

Grinder: Cunill tranquilo $235
http://sovranastore.com/esgrin.html

total $635 (but you really get a lot)

Cheers

User avatar
timo888
Posts: 2467
Joined: 18 years ago

#18: Post by timo888 »

Bluecold wrote::shock: Should i be scared? The Peppina is grounded, nothing can happen right?
Don't be scared, be prepared. 8)
Get a GFCI outlet.

User avatar
SlowRain
Posts: 812
Joined: 15 years ago

#19: Post by SlowRain »

If you're not making too many shots, a hand grinder would be the best bang for your buck. Orphan Espresso is probably your best bet for a quality, refurbished hand grinder. Send them an email telling them your situation. Beware of most new hand grinders as the quality just isn't there. (I'm using a Sözen Turkish grinder that I ordered from Turkey; the quality seems very good.) I've just started using a lever machine as my first espresso machine, but I wouldn't recommend it for most other newbies.

mgwolf
Supporter ♡
Posts: 825
Joined: 18 years ago

#20: Post by mgwolf »

Find out make and model of the grinder your brother offered you. Maybe it's a decent one? Also plz give Zin the answers to his questions about your intended use/habits; otherwise we'll be even less help than we've been so far :) Michael