Looking for espresso/coffee machine for moms birthday. Help? - Page 2

[quar]

I was just thinking the KitchenAid might be better than a Delonghi or something similar.

Oh, I know...just made me think about that machine...I was so excited to get it...So happy to get rid of it.

Beautiful looking machine...

[sweaner]

Maybe this Krups would be better:

http://www.krups.ca/All+Products/...nation+Machine.htm

[cannonfodder]

Might I suggest you get her a gift certificate and let her make the decision for herself. Maybe she will spend a little more and get a nicer kit. You don't need a $2000 machine and $700 grinder to make decent espresso. A Gaggia MDF grinder and Gaggia espresso machine for $500ish would do but the machines you have listed are, well, crap to put it bluntly. You might as well get a bottle of Sanka, microwave your milk and whip it with a whisk then call it a cappuccino. If that is what you like then have at it, but there is so much more out there.

[Freezebyte]

Thanks all for the insight, but its quite apparent i've upset the natural balance of "uber" coffee and espresso connoisseurs in this place so i'll have this thread closed and go back to my living with my friends and family with our mundane, subpar taste of coffee.

[quar]

You know, that attitude is rather uncalled for. You had several people try to offer you constructive advice. Advice that was even tailored to your "mundane" taste in coffee. The simple fact is that folks were trying to help you buy your mom a present that would make a decent beverage within the constraints that you applied. If that advice didn't lead to a cheap "espresso machine", then so be it. The type of machines that you're looking at are simply electric versions of a moka pot. You could buy an outstanding moka pot for half of what you're considering.

Mike

[HB]

I don't believe it was anyone's intent to belittle your choices, though I agree some could have chosen more delicate wording.

I started the self-deprecating Hall of Shame thread to remind everyone that we all started as "newbies." In closing, my advice remains the same: If you want to get what you're mom already had, economize. Some of the models you linked were 2x the cost for fancy displays and dials, but the internals were the same. If you want to expose your mom to better coffees, there are very inexpensive means (a grinder and Aeropress, for example). It won't be called an "espresso", but it will taste much better. That strategy worked with my dad and he's since thanked me several times for opening his eyes to great coffee.

Good luck in whatever you decide, and happy birthday to your mom. She's lucky to have a son who is willing to do the legwork to find the best gift.

[zin1953]

Thanks all for the insight, but its quite apparent i've upset the natural balance of "uber" coffee and espresso connoisseurs in this place so i'll have this thread closed and go back to my living with my friends and family with our mundane, subpar taste of coffee.

Obviously you and I have been reading different threads . . .

Dan is right; some people could have chosen their words more carefully, perhaps, but no one has said here "Go away little boy, you bother me." The only one who has suggested that you take your marbles and go home, Bryce, is you.

Dave has the right idea, IMHO. I wouldn't go below a Gaggia Coffee, which you can find at Whole Latte Love or at Amazon for $299, and both have liberal return policies. While it's true that a Gaggia MDF would complete the package (indeed, I used this combo for some 15 years and was quite happy with it!), it will put you over your budget. It, too, is $299 at Whole Latte Love, you may be able to find it for less from a retailer with inventory before the price hike.

I'd grab the Gaggia, and -- if there is a good quality local roaster -- buy her some coffee in a ½ lb. bag. Indeed, you may suggest to her that she continues to buy coffee in ½ bags, so it is as fresh as pre-ground coffee can be. But -- yeah -- a grinder will make a big difference. Maybe you can get her one for Christmas?

Cheers,
Jason