There are many threads about newbie machine shopping (one of which is mine), so I apologize for the redundancy. (Though I've read the vast majority before re-posting)

I've been doing massive amounts of research into machines (mostly on here and coffeegeek), and have found several to be very attractive. Unfortunately, each one I've been attracted to has some sort of "catch":
-Silvia: Solid machine, but finicky and requires temperature surfing. Both make it seem like a difficult and frustrating machine to learn on.
-SL 70: Good machine, perhaps more consistent than Silvia, affordable. However, cannot be purchased new--this is a "catch" because I don't want to nor feel competent enough to repair a used machine.
-Quickmill Anita: by far the most attractive machine to me, but out of my price range.

Does anybody have suggestions for other machines that wouldn't have these drawbacks, or advice on how to ameliorate the problems mentioned?

My budget is small; the focus/priority is on single shot quality and consistency; I've never owned an espresso machine before, so ease-of-use or "learnability" is strongly desirable (though not at the expense of quality or consistency).

Thanks for the suggestions,
Adam.

Adrock,
I know how you feel all to well. Around the first of the year I began the search for a machine. I was contemplating saving my pennies and maxing out my credit card to buy a machine like the Anita, but decided against it thankfully. I finally settled on the Gaggia Espresso, paired with the Rancilio Rocky. From all the reviews I read, the Gaggia machines are less finicky than the Silvia, and with the Espresso at less than 1/2 the price thats the way I went. About a month and 1/2 later, I am very happy with my setup and although its no Prosumer HE or DB machine, I'm learning a lot and developing my technique with it (I think), and enjoying better than average coffee every day. I don't know what your budget is, but as I'm sure you've read a million times already, pick the grinder first, then use whats left of your budget on a machine. I hope to have been some help!

Best of luck,
Jeff

Adrock wrote: ... [my] focus/priority is on single shot quality and consistency; I've never owned an espresso machine before, so ease-of-use or "learnability" is strongly desirable (though not at the expense of quality or consistency).

Don't rule out spring-driven or even manual levers such as the Ponte Vecchio Export and the La Pavoni Europiccola, respectively. Their learning curve is exaggerated. They can be found used for less than the price of a new Silvia. Of the two levers, the Pavonis are much easier to find. The Export, as a spring-lever, will produce a more consistent espresso than the manual lever because the spring produces the same brew pressure every time.

Regards
Timo

Have you considered a Bezzera?

I think the lever recommendation is a good one. After getting a Ponte Vecchio Export, I think it is a much better machine investment than a Silvia or a Gaggia. It is a very powerful and dry steamer for its size, and steams much better than a Gaggia. The machine is also more forgiving in terms of distribution and temp control. It seems that with the Gaggia, and even more so with the Silvia, great coffee is possible, but only within a narrow band of performance parameters. That band of performance parameters is much wider with my spring lever.

Lever machines are known to be limited to brewing 3-4 shots before overheating. However, trying to make more than 4 shots with a Gaggia or Silvia will drive anyone nuts, so I really believe that the $500 single boiler machines share the volume limitations of levers.

Finally, if you one day decide that you really want to invest seriously in an expensive machine, rather than selling a Gaggia/Silvia, the unique shot qualities inherent in lever machines will make you want to hang on to your lever machine so that you are ideally diversified in your espresso-brewing capabilities.

Mark

Maybe I should have studied more before buying my Silvia 5 years ago! I didn't know I wasn't supposed to pull 3 doubles every morning (all in the same session for 3 individuals); at this point Silvia has dispensed well over 5,000 shots (and saved me a small fortune) and I've been very pleased with the machine and the Rocky grinder that partners with it.

I'm considering an upgrade now because Silvia needs a new heating element. The machine goes on vacation with us and has been used in a moving motorhome and on a boat and I've inadvertently left her on a couple of times for the day; so my assessment is that I killed the element rather than it just giving up. Since I need to steam milk for the doubles in the morning I'm considering an HX machine to reduce the time I spend making coffees in the wee hours of the morning but I've been so pleased with my Silvia that I'm also considering repairing her and maybe going the PID route. [I can't do both at once (the repair/PID and a new machine) so the decision is driving me a little crazy at the moment!]

Best wishes with your research and purchase.

Dogshot wrote:Lever machines are known to be limited to brewing 3-4 shots before overheating. However, trying to make more than 4 shots with a Gaggia or Silvia will drive anyone nuts, so I really believe that the $500 single boiler machines share the volume limitations of levers.

With most levers, moreover, there is no time lag going from steaming to brewing or from brewing to steaming. The single-boiler pump machines in the $500 range cannot make this claim.

Regards
Timo

P.S. I don't have any real stats to back this up, but one of the things Silvia owners seem to do very often with their machines is sell them.

timo888 wrote:P.S. I don't have any real stats to back this up, but one of things Silvia owners seem to do very often with their machines is sell them.

Based on my personal experience over the last 5 years with my Silvia I'd say the answer is twofold with a kicker:

1) It's really the first "serious" machine a lot of us purchase after the steam toys or Gaggia Espresso, et al. It's a great learning tool and usually fans the flames of wanting to learn more and explore other machines and rather than have two machines the Silvia is sold.

2) It's sellable. It's a nice enough machine that it can be sold unlike machines at initially lower prices and has the components to run for years.

3) Kicker: there have to be some folks that just don't like the machine. Again, it's usually the first (relatively) expensive espresso machine that a lot of new espresso converts purchase and some probably don't find the process very rewarding (or too fussy). [Or they read these darn forums and upgrade-itis sets in quickly! ]

I can guarantee three things about every product out there...someone loves it, someone hates it, and there are a bunch in the middle.

Hi, Adam -

I'm surprised nobody has pointed out yet that the grinder is really more important than the espresso machine. In your situation, I would be very tempted to spend ~$500 now for a new Mazzer or Macap grinder (or ~$250 for a used one on eBay), along with a $200 Gaggia Espresso (like gtrman).

That combo should give you very good drinks - better than pairing a more expensive espresso machine with a lesser grinder.

When upgrade fever strikes and you want a new machine, your grinder will be up to the task. In the long run, this approach will probably be cheapest.

Jim

With, say, $500 to spend for a starter kit, I would choose a well-made burr hand-grinder for $50-$75 which would leave $400 for the machine and tamper (after shipping). Hand-grinders with micro adjustment (e.g. Kym, Zassenhaus) fare quite well when compared to much more expensive motorized grinders. When in good shape with sharp burrs, the hand-grinder produces an excellent grind.

Regards
Timo