Search found 12 matches

by oknewell
July 9th, 2011, 4:45 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

$500! That's fantastic! You're absolutely right about the Silvia's resell value too. Well, congratulations. I think you will get a lot of good use out of the Silvia and the new grinder. Both have reputations for reliability and solid performance. Now all you have to do is find some good fresh roast.
by oknewell
July 4th, 2011, 1:50 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

MikeyDo, What did you end up getting?
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by oknewell
June 2nd, 2011, 12:17 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

I still think any of them will be fine, but you can get a Bezzera BZ02 Full Automatic from 1st-Line for 949.00 shipping included) That's brand new, with warranty! If you're OK with the machines looks, that's a hard deal to beat. Pair that with their Quamar M80 Espresso Coffee Grinder and you'll have...
by oknewell
May 21st, 2011, 5:52 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

Since all three are good machines, high quality, built to last, relatively easy to maintain, and produce historically good espresso, just get the cheapest one and learn to drive it like a Ferrari I think it's better to get a machine and learn on it than to go through the endless comparison debates t...
by oknewell
December 27th, 2010, 11:08 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 2
Views: 1496

HX/E61 pros/cons (~$1K loose budget)

Seems like information overload doesn't it? Did you ever consider the Bezzera BZ02 Full Automatic? 1st line has them on sale for less than 1K. I've been told that they're more or less the same as the Pasquini Livia 90, which is tried and true. I've met people that have had the pasquini, and then upg...
by oknewell
November 24th, 2010, 10:00 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 2
Views: 1488

Beginner's choice: Gaggia Classic or Isomac Zaffiro?

I had a Gaggia for years. The only issue with them is steaming capacity. Once you learn the temperature characteristics of your particular machine, you'll be able to (read - should be able to) pull great tasting and consistent shots. I don't have experience with the Zaffiro, but I'm sure it is a cap...
by oknewell
September 29th, 2010, 10:54 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 10
Views: 1617

Bezzera BZ02 cooling flush question

My guess is they are talking about the boiler temp and not the actual cooling flush that is ALSO required. The steam flush would be when you turn the machine on in the morning to get the boiler up to temp. The assumption I'm making is that you don't have one of those valves (can't remember the name)
by oknewell
September 19th, 2010, 12:34 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 13
Views: 1049

How much better should I expect my shots to be if I upgraded to a decent HX?

I was/am EXACTLY in your shoes. I have used my Gaggia for a while coupled with a commercial Nuova Simonelli MDX Grinder. The grinder did make a huge difference when I got her. So like you, I had some serious desire to upgrade (you know the deal.. to "bring you up to the next level") after reading
by oknewell
August 30th, 2010, 7:04 pm
Forum: Cafes and Get-togethers
Replies: 1
Views: 846

Any great ESPRESSO in Minneapolis downtown?

I'm in Minneapolis for the first time; staying at the downtown Hyatt. Is there anyplace to get a legitimate espresso around here? I've been to three place and got three TOTAL losers. All three had good equipment, they just didn't know anything about making espresso. Anybody know of some place downto...
by oknewell
August 2nd, 2010, 10:34 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 4
Views: 166

Is it worth upgrading Gaggia Espresso?

Looks snazzy, I'll check it out this weekend