Hi guys,

I've got a good quality macap grinder and two Rancilio Silvias. One for work and one for home. I'm thinking of selling both silvias and buying one better quality machine and having it at home. I drink milk based drinks mostly, and I would preferably want something that doesn't take too long to heat up.

I'm a bit unsure what machine to get get next. There are single boiler, double boiler and HX machines. I don't know what one I should be looking for. Eg. if it is more desirable to have a double boiler or a HX machine.

Budgetwise - I'm not too fussed. I'd rather get a machine that makes great coffee and suits my needs, rather than skimp. I'll probably buy something second hand.

Is anyone here able to point me in the direction of some good threads about what I should be looking for.

Thaks Danny

e61 machines take about 45 minutes to heat, so if that is too long, get something else... or use a timer so it's ready when you wake.

Thanks for your response - I run hot water through the system in my silvia to heat it up quicker. Can you do that with these bigger e61 machines too?

Can you run hot water... ?

You can hasten warm up with some well timed flushing, but a timer is a better answer. Since a really good electronic timer with lots of programmable turn on/turn off options is less than $20, why not?

An E-61 is a very good group head, but it's not the only good one. There are many fine machines which use other groups.

Let's start with your price range and whether you think you'd rather use a heat exchanger (HX) or electronically controlled double boiler (DBPID). There are pluses and minuses to each system.

In use, DBs are more "set it and forget it," while HXs require more focus, but do on the fly temperature adjustments. Because of the inherent complications of a DBPID, HXs tend to give you more construction quality for the dollar. By way of example, what costs around $1800 in an HX typically runs around $2300 in a DBPID.

Start by checking the purchasing FAQs here at HB, then run down the stickies and threads in the Buying Advice forum (also here). You'll find a lot. You'll also want to take a look at the Espresso Machine forum as there's a lot of experience and advice concerning bringing used machines up to snuff.

Good luck,
BDL

Can I be a pain and ask you guys what are three good single boiler, double boiler and Hx Machine please. Or even a couple of brand names that I should start researching.

I'm absolutely lost, and am in need of a good place to start looking

I'd list my budget but it would be pointless. I live in New Zealand and our dollar is different to yours. Eg. an E61 Rocket costs $3,500 NZ dollars and a Rancilio Silvia costs about $1,200 NZ Dollars.

First of all, I recommend reading How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price and CoffeeGeek's How to Buy an Espresso Machine. These two articles give you the basic terminology and decision criteria.

disgrace wrote:Can I be a pain and ask you guys what are three good single boiler, double boiler and Hx Machine please.

Sure, click here and I'll include a lever espresso machine too. If you want to widen your net, click here. If that still isn't enough, click here.