Entry level espresso machine with budget around $300 - Page 2

Recommendations for buyers and upgraders from the site's members.
johnnylarue
Posts: 103
Joined: 13 years ago

#11: Post by johnnylarue »

Definitely BUY A USED MACHINE, whatever you do!

Espresso machines are almost literally a dime a dozen on Craigslist. Lots of people buy them/receive them as gifts and end up not using them more than once or twice. And especially if you're just starting out, be aware that you're probably going to want to upgrade once you get the hang of things, so no sense in spending $300-$400 on a new machine and having to sell it for a lot less 6 months later! (Trust me, it's a slippery slope. ;) )

The Starbucks Barista--a decent, well-built starter machine--can routinely be found for $50 used and there are bucket-loads of them out there.

In the slightly fancier range, you could land a Gaggia Classic (with a nice commercial portafilter) for $150 or so if you're patient. Slightly less common is the Solis SL-70 but these have a good reputation and are also ~$100 on the used market. Rancilio Silvias can occasionally be found for $200-ish.

And yes, it's been said a gajillion times: get a good grinder first! Whichever machine you end up with will be useless without one. I personally recommend a nice vintage PeDe or Zass hand grinder--which can readily be found on eBay.de for about $50--if you're not ready to drop a lot of money on a proper countertop unit right away.

To people who are new to making espresso at home it can sound like the "GET A GRINDER!" mantra is just brainwashed snob-talk, but it's totally true: your machine will basically not work without a proper grinder.

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Maxwell Mooney
Posts: 284
Joined: 12 years ago

#12: Post by Maxwell Mooney »

Also, don't forget that you can get a Mypressi Twist V2 refurbished for $118!! No steam, but there are external steamers if you want steam.
"Coffee is evidence of Divine Grace, flavored coffee evidence of the Fall" -Kevin Hall

LMWDP #406

johnnylarue
Posts: 103
Joined: 13 years ago

#13: Post by johnnylarue »

Just noticed the OP was asking for buying advice back in April. Whoops.

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