Going insane shopping for an espresso machine everytime I know what I want it changes

[junkinduck]

I started out wanting a good espresso. I knew the dpt. store machines would not satisfy me. Thought I wanted a KA pro line. I got on this site and coffee geek, looked at chris and 1st-line sites thought I wanted a silvia. But I like milk drinks and my wife and I entertain, need to make drinks back to back. Read about it decided I wanted a HX machine the Bezzera BZ02S was for me. But I just dont like the looks. So the livia 90 looked good and over priced. Everyone seems to think used HX machines are asking for trouble. So in comes the E61 group head machine. I wanted an Isomac Tea but how about an Anita, good machine good price. The Andreja and the Vetrano are good but for a little more I can have Alex. I really didn't want to spend 1500.00 on this but the plumb in option looks good. Is this a normal thought process or do I need help? My wife won't discuss it any more, a couple hundred dollars turned to fifteen hundred in her eyes. If I had to buy this very second the Anita seems to have the most for the buck but tomorrow I am sure I will change my mind you can't plumb Anita in. We are building a new house in the spring and I want something I can build around and be proud of. I don't like to upgrade I try to buy as good as I can so I don't have to replace it as soon. And I know I need a good grinder looking at a new Mazzer or Macap unless a good used one finds me first. I am watching for one. If I don't find one before I go crazy I will order with the machine.

[2xlp]

yeah, its normal.

welcome to the club.

[cannonfodder]

Welcome to the obsession. You haven't even looked at the double boilers, lever machines or the small commercial machines like the La Cimbali Jr, Elektra A3 or the La Marzocco GS3. Those will push your budget up another 2K.

There is always another machine. Like purchasing a computer, if you keep waiting until the next one comes out to get the state of the art machine, you will never get one. Any of those last handfuls of machines would serve you well for many years. You just have to make a decision, grab the credit card and order your machine and grinder and not look back. Once you have them you will wonder why it took you so long.

Many of the HB sponsors will also give you a package deal if you call them and order the machine, grinder and don't forget the little necessities like a tamper, backflush basket, backflush detergent, thermometer for your frothing pitcher and a frothing pitcher. A couple of cups might be good as well. If you mention HB, maybe they will even give you a better deal.

BTW, where is Long Bottom Ohio??

[HB]

Is this a normal thought process or do I need help?

It's normal.

I spent more time researching my espresso equipment machine purchases than buying a house. Then again, I spent less than an hour before picking a camera that costs about the same as a Mazzer Mini, so it boils down to the importance of the little details. You have lots of good choices. If it helps, I would opt for a rotary pump espresso machine given that the difference in price has narrowed considerably the last couple years. They're much quieter and the convenience of direct plumb cannot be overstated. You will not feel the pangs of upgrade fever for a long, long time, if ever.

If you mention HB, maybe they will even give you a better deal.

Like I always say, if you're serious and have your credit card ready, make a credible offer. The worse they can do is laugh.

[jesawdy]

Well, if it won't lead to a divorce, I would recommend that you consider a machine that can be plumbed. It makes it very, very convenient, and you'll probably find yourself using that machine a bit more because it is so convenient. It takes less time to setup (no need to check water levels) and less time to use and to clean, just flush into the plumbed drip tray as much as you wish.

Yeah, I know it seems crazy, but you might consider yourself lucky that you don't have to go through an upgrade cycle. Plumbed machines at the $1500 or less would be that Bezzera (with plumb options), La Valentina, Andreja, Vetrano, Fiorenzato Bricolleta, Izzo Alex, and for a bit more money La Spaziale Vivaldi. You'll also have a less frustrating, consistent and forgiving machine in this price range (as you should). The Izzo Alex seems particularly attractive with the pourover, plumb-in options considering you will be moving in the near future, if you could not plumb it now.

As for a used machine, that is a call you have to make for yourself.... it depends on how handy you are, and whether your willing to be out there on your own without any warranty or direct vendor support.

Good luck!

[junkinduck]

Long Bottom is as far due West of Cincy as you can get. I am actually in Chester but no RFD just PO boxes. I am about 30 miles south of Athens on SR 33/7.

[Ron_L]

As the others have said, it's normal... Normal for espresso enthusiasts, that is!

The really sad part for me is that I bought a new machine last week (Izzo Alex), and I miss the research and watching eBay and the Buy, Sell, Trade forum at Coffeegeek!

The best thing you can do is take a breather from the research and take another look at what you want to use the machine for. If you think you'll use it primarily for espresso, then the Anita seems like a good choice. If you think that you'll be making milk drinks more than straight espresso, an HX or double boiler machine would be a better choice. Also, ask yourself how much you are willing to tinker. An HX machine requires some tinkering in figuring out the correct cooling flush, etc. A double boiler machine will eliminate much of that. Finally, you just have to make a decision and make the best of it. Any of the machines you've mentioned are good machines. They have their strengths and weaknesses no matter which you choose.

Good luck!

[cannonfodder]

I believe I have been in that area. I go south for motorcycle rides.

While I do not have any of the above machines, I do have an Isomac Millennium (Isomac Tea with a different body), a Gaggia Factory lever machine, Gaggia Achille lever machine, and a two group Faema commercial along with a Mazzer Mini and La Cimbali Jr grinder. You are welcome to play with the hardware if you want to put hands on before making a purchase. Dayton is about an hour and quarter from your location.

[junkinduck]

The best thing you can do is take a breather from the research and take another look at what you want to use the machine for. If you think you'll use it primarily for espresso, then the Anita seems like a good choice. If you think that you'll be making milk drinks more than straight espresso, an HX or double boiler machine would be a better choice.
Good luck!

Is the Anita not a HX machine? I'm sure I want an HX machine. I'm man enough to say I like milk drinks. Are the Isomac machines as good as the Chris speced Quick Mills?

[jesawdy]

Is the Anita not a HX machine? I'm sure I want an HX machine. I'm man enough to say I like milk drinks. Are the Isomac machines as good as the Chris speced Quick Mills?

Anita is a HX, he may have meant Alexia..., an E61 single boiler.

[Everman]

"For just a little more you can get this..." That's how it usually works, a slow steady climb to just a bit more

If you have a set budget, get a good grinder first, then see what machine the budget allows.

I'd say that Anita sets a pretty good baseline along with other HX machines in that area. Additional cost from there goes towards things like a larger boiler, better pressurestat, better valves, aesthetics, direct plumb, and maybe some others. Basically you're getting improvements on more specific details.

It can be a difficult decision even for people who know what everything is, moreso for someone rather new to it all. You just need to figure out what you need first, then see if there's anything you want over that.

[Ron_L]

Anita is a HX, he may have meant Alexia..., an E61 single boiler.

Yeah... That's what I meant! Sorry for any confusion! Proofreading is a skill

[cannonfodder]

...Are the Isomac machines as good as the Chris speced Quick Mills?

My Isomac has served me well with little trouble but I have modified the heck out of it, but a stock machine, in a word, no.

[signguy]

I started out wanting a good espresso. I knew the dpt. store machines would not satisfy me. Thought I wanted a KA pro line. I got on this site and coffee geek, looked at chris and 1st-line sites thought I wanted a silvia. But I like milk drinks and my wife and I entertain, need to make drinks back to back. Read about it decided I wanted a HX machine the Bezzera BZ02S was for me. But I just dont like the looks. So the livia 90 looked good and over priced. Everyone seems to think used HX machines are asking for trouble. So in comes the E61 group head machine. I wanted an Isomac Tea but how about an Anita, good machine good price. The Andreja and the Vetrano are good but for a little more I can have Alex. I really didn't want to spend 1500.00 on this but the plumb in option looks good. Is this a normal thought process or do I need help? My wife won't discuss it any more, a couple hundred dollars turned to fifteen hundred in her eyes. If I had to buy this very second the Anita seems to have the most for the buck but tomorrow I am sure I will change my mind you can't plumb Anita in. We are building a new house in the spring and I want something I can build around and be proud of. I don't like to upgrade I try to buy as good as I can so I don't have to replace it as soon. And I know I need a good grinder looking at a new Mazzer or Macap unless a good used one finds me first. I am watching for one. If I don't find one before I go crazy I will order with the machine.

Hey man, I just finished your current route. Lay back, try to enjoy it, from what I've learned from this great community, you'll have this equipment a long time & all of the machines you've mentioned are good. We're splitting hairs here, & why not, this is supposed to be fun, isn't it. I just ordered an Alex today, it wasn't my first choice, but I chose it because it was my second choice from my first choice supplier. I'm sure I'll love it, there are lots of Alex owners on this forum who are thrilled with theirs. I had chosen a different model strictly because of looks... go figure. Be sure to buy a quality grinder. I posted a few days ago having questions about machines & got lots of people telling me that your grinder is at least as important as your machine. You couldn't prove it by me as I have a $50 grinder & a $7 krups espresso machine that I bought at a tag sale. I intend to have more experience this time next year.

[julioale]

wow another one who chooses Alex, this is contagious. Which was your first option?


Julio

[k7qz]

As the others have said, it's normal... Normal for espresso enthusiasts, that is!

+1

Trust me, you'll get used to people (like your wife...) asking "Why do you need more 'coffee stuff' when you already have 3 espresso machines, 4 grinders, a dozen tampers and a couple of roasters?" Come on guys, all together now: it's not an addiction, it's not an addiction...

Enjoy the ride!

[junkinduck]

Thanks to all who have helped. I think I have decided after the first of the year I am going to order an Anita and a Macap stepless m4 doser. I just can't swing the Alex and grinder now.
I have seen this question before I seriously started this quest but didn't pay attention. Has anyone ever plumed in an Anita? I hear direct connect is not an option but what about an auto fill on the reservoir? Not knowing but what is in the chriscoffee pictures I can't tell much about plumbing options.

[HB]

See Converting a pourover espresso machine to direct connect. The Quickmill conversion kit is meant for the Andreja Premium. I don't know if the Anita has the necessary interior clearance to fit without modification, but Chris' would. More than likely it would work if you're willing to drill a hole in the back, however that would void your warranty.