Hi, First time poster in this forum. I am looking at several "pro-sumer" units. I really like the:
1 - Quickmill Andreja Premium (the video at Chris's Coffee seduced me) This machine looks to be built to last and is a work of art. And I can plumb it later when I can convince my wife to let me drill a hole in her granite counter
2 - Rocket Espresso Cellini Premium Plus
3 - Rocket Espresso Giotto Premium Plus
4 - Brasilia Mini Classic
5 - Expobar Brewtus IV-R (this might be getting out of my intended budget)
6 - la Valentina Semi-Automatic
I don't know the difference between # 2 & 3
If there others in this price range I should consider please chime in.

My first foray into a home espresso a machine I thought I could spend $700 and be happy. I bought a Gaggia Baby Twin and a Baratza Preciso. I like the grinder although I should have maybe spent a little more. I'm sending the Gaggia back I won't bore you with the reasons I just don't like too many things about it.

I have read a lot of the helpful information on this site but maybe someone has additional buying advice before I make another mistake.

Thanks,
John

John--I'm sure you've scoured the site and found lots of reviews, comparsions, etc. I probably spent a month reading here and elsewhere before pulling the trigger on an Andreja Premium. I haven't owned another prosumer or lesser espresso machine, so let that temper what follows.

About two months in, I couldn't be happier. I've managed to put about 7-8 lbs of coffee through the thing, and each day I work on my technique and find the AP provides improved results. With the addition of a good scale and bottomless portafilter, among other accoutrements, I'm already pulling shots that are so much better than most of the coffee houses I used to visit (I live in Austin, where coffee is starting to take off).

I absolutely can't wait to plumb in, and wish I'd come across the advice to buy a better grinder before the machine (I'm now seeing the limitations of my Rocky). That said, I've been very happy with my purchase. Workmanship/fit/finish is great, operates exactly as advertised, is easy to adjust (i.e. boiler pressure, etc). If you add the grouphead thermometer, you'll be a much happier camper.

What was unexpected is how much my wife has picked up the habit and run with it. For all my hours of watching milk frothing videos, she's the one pouring the latte art best at our house, and her shots are pretty tasty as well. She was lukewarm at best to the idea of spending that much money on an espresso machine, but now gets involved in selecting the next batch of beans to try. I think it says a lot about the machine--easy to learn, easy to operate, and the results have been satisfying.

It wasn't my only candidate, and I haven't had any regrets at all. Plus, Chris Coffee's service rocks, if you happen to buy from them.

Hey John I've been looking at the same machine and also the New Alex II by Izzo and it's in the same price range. I also will be upgrading from a Gaggia Baby which I've had for two yrs but I've got a pretty good grinder which I got from Chris Coffee. It's a Cimbali Junior and I've had it now for a year and very pleased with it. I like the Andreja but the Alex has a bigger boiler, it's 2 liters where the Andreja is 1.6 liters but in that sense it should get up to operating temps quicker.

My head is spinning and I'm becoming obsessed with getting the best machine I can get and there are so many great machines to choose from it only keeps getting better and more expensive. I plan to call Chris' Coffee as that looks like a good place to go.

I was convinced "The New Quick Mill Andreja" was the one! Then gbastiani mentioned "The New Alex II" which is also plumb-able has a quieter rotary pump and PID. Definitely worth consideration.
1) Is this too much for a newbie or will it make my path to espresso nirvana smoother?
1a) I am already planning to spend X for the Andreja the Alex II is ~$100 more.
2) Is this machine likely to provide the reliability of the Andreja?
2a) Any issues I should be concerned with?
3) Is the rotary vs vibrator pump that huge other than just the noise?
4) One more question unrelated to the Andreja and Alex II. The Rocket Espresso Cellini/Giotto Premium tout a nickle plated copper boiler with brass end plate. Is that a variable I should put high on my list or no concern?

Thanks,
John

Are you planning on changing your grinder as well or keeping what you have? I am just putting it out there if you haven't already thought of it.

As Aaron was saying about upgrading your grinder also. At Chris he has buyer's remorse and the last time I looked he had a Andreja for 1495.00 and also some grinders. So if you are going to call him you may ask for maybe a little discount if you buy a espresso machine and grinder..... Good Luck.

I wasn't planning on upgrading the grinder at least in the short term. I just got it with the Baby Twin and it seems to do the trick. Maybe after I get my new espresso machine whichever I decide on and find the grinder it is inadequate I'll plan to upgrade. But considering ~$2000 for a machine I might have to wait on that one.

Do you think I won't be able to make good espresso with the Baratza Preciso?

Thanks for the feedback.

BTW I called Chris' Coffee earlier today to fill in a few more data points. Leaning towards the New Alex II.

John

Let us know what you think of the Alex II if you get it. I am suffering from upgraditis (and a leaky KitchenAid Proline) myself and am leaning toward the Alex II also.

jwill911 wrote:Do you think I won't be able to make good espresso with the Baratza.
John

I guess "good" espresso is a little relative. You will see a big improvement in espresso quality with a grinder upgrade. You can usually get a deal if you buy the machine and grinder at the same time, but it's your money not ours As many have testified to here, a quality grinder is important. You can always save up and look for a grinder later. It is just something to think about.

I noticed Chris' Coffee is out of stock on the Alex II. Says taking pre-orders I sent email asking when they expect to restock. I'll call tomorrow if I don't get a reply to my email.

Just a little anxious. I am definitely leaning towards the Alex, I like the PID controller and the quiet rotary pump. The Alex is a little bit wider than the Andreja 14.25" vs 11.5". I would probably add the upgraded cup rails as I won't plumb it right away strange that the rails are extra but the Andreja come with them. Not a deal breaker.

jw