Working overseas, need a 220V starter espresso machine.

[EspressoFool]

Hello all.

I owned a small deli in the Chicago suburbs for a while. I had a Saeco Modular, super-automatic system. It was reasonably decent for my needs. It was a bit touchy and maintenance heavy. I got away from the deli and now I'm working overseas in Iraq. I miss my espresso and Latte habit. I'm fishing for recommendations on a semi cheap (Ballpark of $500) 220V system. I need it to have a reservoir as I'm using bottled water as my supply. I plan on this being a training/throw away machine for the duration of my overseas working experience. I plan on moving up to a better machine when I return.

The only 220v systems I have been able to locate are the Delonghi series but they seem to come low rated.
http://www.220depot.com/s-46-espresso.aspx?PageNum=0

I'm sharing an office with a bunch of filthy coffee savages who drink double strength mud, so it needs to be sturdy. Half of these people drink "Turkish style" where they boil the water and pour over fine ground dust in the same cup they drink from. I can sacrifice flavor (*gasp*) for durability and reliability. I'm not particularly near a repair shop. I'm not particularly near civilization. Pretend that it's the most punishing and miserable working environment imaginable, with apes pounding on the equipment whenever my back is turned. I've been an electronics repair tech, working on computers and X-ray systems, so I can handle a screw driver.

Thanks for the info.
Ted

[JB130]

You might want to buy a machine from a European seller. There are often good deals on ebay.fr ... for example, this machine is actually pretty good ... Ulka pump, stainless boiler, brass group head and heavy brass portafilter.

[uscfroadie]

Ted,

I was just in Baghdad last year - Camp Victory to be exact, so I know your situation.

Although 220v seems like your only option, running 110/115v on a transformer is a very viable option as I'm now back in Germany and doing this here with my current setup - QM Alexia w/PID and a Mazzer Mini running through a transformer plugged into a 220V timer.

For a grinder, I recommend a manual hand grinder - hard to fault those, and for a machine....a Gaggia baby, Rancilio Silvia (used), etc. should keep you under your $500 budget.

Your biggest challenge will be getting decent beans. Yes, Starbucks can be had quite easily, but you'll need whole beans, not pre-ground, which seems to be in short supply. (Forget about getting fresh roasted beans locally)

Best of luck in your quest to find espresso nirvana (albeit Iraqi style - there are obvious tradeoffs!).

Stay safe.

[jrd1955]

I have been using an Expobar Office Control and a Rocky in italy on a 220/110 stepdown transformer for 18 months without difficulty.

Jim

[EspressoFool]

Thanks for the input. I worked in liberty for a while. Nice place. Very roomy.

I was trying to avoid a transformer. I'm afraid of overloading the electrical in the area with a 1500 watt draw for the heating element and a 30-50% safety margin for the transformer. I found another person in the area who has a 110V machine on a transformer and is experiencing no problems. I'm starting to lean in that direction. I would hate to be the one who burned down the office for a latte.

I owned a little deli and coffee shop in the USA and I have a friend at the roastery sending me beans. Im ordering once a month and getting it shipped very quickly, so its working out well.

Again, thanks for replying.

[jrd1955]

I guess a latte is as good a reason as any to burn down a room.

[uscfroadie]

I'm afraid of overloading the electrical in the area with a 1500 watt draw for the heating element and a 30-50% safety margin for the transformer.

Not sure where you got that 30 - 50% figure, but it's way off. FWIW, I have a 1500 watt heating element in my QM Alexia running on a 1600 watt transformer with absolutely no trouble whatsoever.

Good luck on your purchase!

[EspressoFool]

After browsing the forums and thinking a bit, I settled on some Ebay Values.

I picked up a Starbucks Barista - Saeco Venezia that I snagged on eBay for $100. Its a 110V system so I will be using a transformer. For a grinder I bought a Zassenhaus hand grinder, for $100. All told with shipping, transformer and everything, I should be under $300 and still be able to start to learn how to make espresso.
If the stuff gets damaged, its not a major loss. I can abandon it when I leave, so others may yet enjoy them.

Again, thanks for the input.