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gofish
21st January 2012, 05:57 PM
Just wondered what people had & how good they were (or were not). After many years ours has finally given up the ghost & we need to find a new one....ASAP as I am already suffering :mad: . We don't mind spending a bit as we feel that this is a MUST-HAVE item in the house. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Cheers.

Marshall
21st January 2012, 06:42 PM
Depends on what you want. In my opinion, these are the best options out there:

Low budget: Phillips Senseo. Machine costs around $100, coffee pads are about $6.50 for 18 at woolies. does me for before I go to work.
Medium budget: Sunbeam "Cafe series" currently at $699 by Bing Lee. Apparently the "home" version of a proper commercial machine
No Budget: Probably a Wega single group. I have an old machine I scored from a cafe. Makes brilliant coffee. look on ebay, a decent one may set you back around $2000 new and about $800 second hand
But... spend around $300 - $600 for a decent grinder...

neil 90
21st January 2012, 06:46 PM
nuova simonelli oscar, fantastic commercial type machine for home use, about $1300, and you cant go past a wega mini grinder for around $550.
please dont go for one of the over priced and under engineered automatic jobs from hardly normal. they are rubbish if your passionate about coffee. also so overpriced for a below average brew.
have been in the speciality coffee business for nearly ten years and repairing machines for nearly as long, if i can help please let me know, you can really make some fantastic coffee at home, just not with the demongi type machines.

cheers

neil

Chops
21st January 2012, 06:57 PM
This could be interesting.

I have just recieved a machine for Xmas, a Breville "Aroma Fresh", never had one before, so I'm about to use it for the first time. (I'll let you know if I think its a good one).;)

This machine is the type where you put your pre-ground coffee in the top seive (s?) section, and wait for the water to transfer through to the continually heated jug.
Not sure if this is the type if machine you are referring to or not, but it should suit us as we drink a fair bit, and it will just sit there heated so we can use it as we need it.

I like my coffee, but I've not much knowledge of which coffee's to use, so we will try a few I guess. Every time we're near a shopping centre, we like our "Muffin Break" coffe's, it seems to be a nice mix, but I'm sure theres better out there.

DieselDan
21st January 2012, 07:11 PM
We've got a saeco machine at home, which is pretty good. Can't remember what model though, sorry.
The sunbeam one at work is also really good.

Sent using Tapatalk

WhiteD3
21st January 2012, 08:54 PM
I love my coffee and am addicted to (being a Briso) Di Bella's Serafini blend.

But, being a tight (cross donkey with a horse) I've always stuck with plungers at home and work. These days I use one of these at home, work and camping :D:D:D:D

Swiss Gold One Cup Filter, My Di Bella Coffee (http://mydibellacoffee.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=1_63&products_id=335&osCsid=vv98dk8rkhjjhr7hmmgr5fi632)

neil 90
21st January 2012, 09:11 PM
I love my coffee and am addicted to (being a Briso) Di Bella's Serafini blend.

But, being a tight (cross donkey with a horse) I've always stuck with plungers at home and work. These days I use one of these at home, work and camping :D:D:D:D

Swiss Gold One Cup Filter, My Di Bella Coffee (http://mydibellacoffee.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=1_63&products_id=335&osCsid=vv98dk8rkhjjhr7hmmgr5fi632)

that looks great mate, we have used DiBella for years, its been a major factor in our businesses, so much so we asked phil if we could call our beaudesert espresso bar Felici, very glad he said yes. best coffee in the world!!!

Homestar
21st January 2012, 09:42 PM
I found a new home for a 1976 LaCimbali Coffee machine that was being thrown out when a Cafe was being renovated. It is a 2 group unit that is now plumbed up on the end of my bench. I fully rebuilt it, which cost about $500 in parts, and it mostly works like a champ.:)

It s however currently out of action as the boiler needs cleaning out - these is too much scale in it and it makes the water taste funny. That is a big PITA to do, but worth it all in all - it is a real talking point as well.

Cheers - Gav

gofish
21st January 2012, 10:16 PM
Thanks for the replies. I have had an automatic machine in the past & think that I would rather go back to a group. Just unsure what the better brands are, servicing, etc. Thanks again.

adm333
21st January 2012, 11:20 PM
I have a Lavazza a Modo Mio pod machine which was about $400

I love the convenience of it, as I can turn it on and be drinking great coffee 2 minutes later.

No mess, no mucking around.

And the Lavazza pods have more coffee in them than nespresso.

Dave

DieselDan
22nd January 2012, 12:30 AM
I love my coffee and am addicted to (being a Briso) Di Bella's Serafini blend.

But, being a tight (cross donkey with a horse) I've always stuck with plungers at home and work. These days I use one of these at home, work and camping :D:D:D:D

Swiss Gold One Cup Filter, My Di Bella Coffee (http://mydibellacoffee.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=1_63&products_id=335&osCsid=vv98dk8rkhjjhr7hmmgr5fi632)

Yeah those do look good, will have to see about getting one of those to add to the brewing collection :D

These things are good too
www.aeropress.com.au

lebanon
22nd January 2012, 01:18 AM
The Nespresso is very good, the result is a high aroma espresso. Both the machines and the coffee cartridges are expensive.

Jojo
22nd January 2012, 03:21 AM
For advice about what machine/grinder/coffee to use, check out this site:
Coffeegeek (http://coffeegeek.com/)

I have a Solis (bought it with a huge discount at Merlo's in Brissie when they had a clearing sale) and use a plunger otherwise. Don't like the pods and use only freshly grinded stuff.
Cheers

knodes85
22nd January 2012, 04:17 AM
If you're after a sub $1,000 single boiler, check out some reviews on the Le'Lit Combi (http://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/shop/p/lelit-pl042em/). It's a FANTASTIC (and importantly) simple and repairable unit.

trog
22nd January 2012, 06:45 AM
i have always used the stove top "machine " , but my preference is a straight black coffee , no sugar. great for home and camping but not a glamorous show piece.

Pedro_The_Swift
22nd January 2012, 06:49 AM
I'm still amazed we dont have a coffee sub forum,, hey Inc,,
:angel::whistling:

mick88
22nd January 2012, 07:52 AM
Easy method for me, just like the cowboys do it!
I have a percolator and a plunger but cleaning them afterwards drives me mad.
I just use a pyrex jug, put a couple spoons of nice ground coffe beans in it, then add scolding hot water, let it sit for a couple of minutes, give it a stir and its ready to pour.
It makes a good coffee with no fussing about.
I use the same method when I go bush, however just in the billy.

Cheers, MIck.

Jezzaol
22nd January 2012, 08:51 AM
We have a Nespresso Machine, small, quick, easy, No mess and good COFFEE:D I have a 1800 Pure sine Wave inverter that runs it in my Camper Trailer for awsome coffee where ever I am !! Nothing like cracking out a CAFE style flat white in the middle of no where !:cool:

Lostkiwi
22nd January 2012, 09:19 AM
I'm still amazed we dont have a coffee sub forum,, hey Inc,,
:angel::whistling:


Have to second that one!!

Isn't rule Number 1-- Make a Coffee:rulez::D
I always do when i sit down in front of the laptop for a good AULRO session!!

George130
22nd January 2012, 11:54 AM
We bought one of those fully automated units ALDI last year. Was great till it broke down. Now it's just a sore point as we can't find the receipt to get it replaced:angrylock:.

Means we have been back to instant for quite some time now.

flagg
22nd January 2012, 01:05 PM
For 'Budget' - A Rancilio Silvia is great, and the obvious pair is with a Rocky Grinder.

For the 'Real Deal' - a Rocket Expresso Giotto paired with a Mazza Mini.

Always use freshly roasted beans (coffeesnobs.com.au - Index - Great coffee beans, machines, grinders and discussions on Australia's biggest coffee forum (http://www.coffeesnobs.com.au) will roast to order and express post to your door cheaper than supermarket compost). And grind them as you need them. In 10 min, the beans will loose their goodness once ground.

If you have a limited budget, spend more on the grinder and less on the machine. If you drink black coffee get a Mazza Mini and a stove top machine and you will be set. I know this sounds crazy but the grinder has so much to do with the quality in the cup. It has to cut the bean cleanly and evenly without crushing it, burning it or wasting the oil. All the machine has to do is supply water (or steam) at a constant temp and pressure.

I've had a Silvia for years and it is great. When funds allow, I'll go for a Giotto + Mazza mini electric. Got close a few months ago, but I left the browser window open and the missus saw the price tag :angel:

Anything with a pressure group is a waste of time (99% of the usual 'home espresso' machines). They also all use aluminium thermoblocks which are IMO extremely unhealthy - and if they can't take a blanking filter - you will never be able to clean them properly.

mattyg
22nd January 2012, 01:59 PM
I agree with Flagg - if you can, a mazzer mini and a giotto would be the perfect home set up. (one day i will have this)

My budget was significantly less so i went with the Sunbeam Em6910 twin thermoblock machine and conical bur grinder pack for $700.00.

Unless you want to drop a couple of grand this is the best bang for buck in my opinion. i was skeptical getting a thermoblock machine from an 'appliance' manufacturer (in a former life i was a barista) however i was blown away by the espresso this thing can create.

With good beans i can make better coffee than 95% of the cafes out there, its easy to clean and it is powerful enough to make 'microfoam' for proper milk coffees.

They are not without there 'issues' (like a rover) so get a extended warranty if you get one.



For 'Budget' - A Rancilio Silvia is great, and the obvious pair is with a Rocky Grinder.

For the 'Real Deal' - a Rocket Expresso Giotto paired with a Mazza Mini.

Always use freshly roasted beans (coffeesnobs.com.au - Index - Great coffee beans, machines, grinders and discussions on Australia's biggest coffee forum (http://www.coffeesnobs.com.au) will roast to order and express post to your door cheaper than supermarket compost). And grind them as you need them. In 10 min, the beans will loose their goodness once ground.

If you have a limited budget, spend more on the grinder and less on the machine. If you drink black coffee get a Mazza Mini and a stove top machine and you will be set. I know this sounds crazy but the grinder has so much to do with the quality in the cup. It has to cut the bean cleanly and evenly without crushing it, burning it or wasting the oil. All the machine has to do is supply water (or steam) at a constant temp and pressure.

I've had a Silvia for years and it is great. When funds allow, I'll go for a Giotto + Mazza mini electric. Got close a few months ago, but I left the browser window open and the missus saw the price tag :angel:

Anything with a pressure group is a waste of time (99% of the usual 'home espresso' machines). They also all use aluminium thermoblocks which are IMO extremely unhealthy - and if they can't take a blanking filter - you will never be able to clean them properly.

dmdigital
22nd January 2012, 02:27 PM
Vibiemme Domobar Junior or Bezzera Domus Galatea are both excellent.

Fresh roasted beans and a good grinder (e.g. Compak or Mazzer) are the other things required.

I usually get my fresh roasted coffee beans from Coffee Supreme (http://coffeesupreme.com.au/) in Abbotsford, Vic.

lebanon
22nd January 2012, 05:32 PM
Over here, a cup of coffee is essential and goes with every event of the day.A cup of coffee is usually the welcome drink.

Preparing is easy especially outdoors.

Turkish coffee - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

CoffeeGeek - Brewing Turkish Coffee (http://coffeegeek.com/guides/turkishcoffee)

Cheers

d@rk51d3
22nd January 2012, 07:14 PM
Had a Saeco Magic Comfort for a few years now. After about a week of use, we threw out our plungers.;)

damo_s
23rd January 2012, 01:47 PM
Hi mate.

If i were you, i would go for one of the machines on the cheaper end of the scale. The ones that do the automatic milk foaming aren't too crash hot, in my opinion. The most important thing is the bean quality, and the grinding process. Getting it as fine or as coarse as you like.

We have one of the DeLonghi ones at work which looks like it could easily go into orbit. It makes nice coffee, but the milk leaves something to be desired. I would personally always go for one that allows you to foam the milk yourself, to your preference.

Good luck in your search for the perfect coffee machine, from one coffee addict to another :D

bell1975
23rd January 2012, 04:13 PM
Some sound advice in there.

I'm glad someone else mentioned coffeesnobs. My Dad and I have been buying our green beans from Andy for years now and the wealth of info on the site is always expanding.

If you really want to get serious you could buy a small home roaster and roast on demand. The freshness of your beans along with a half decent machine and grinder combo will see you making very high quality coffee in no time at all.

You'll soon learn the true meaning of being a 'coffeesnob'.

Post back what you've bought and we may be able to direct you to some discussions on coffeesnobs where you'll be able to tweak the machine to obtain some quality coffees.

For 'Budget' - A Rancilio Silvia is great, and the obvious pair is with a Rocky Grinder.

For the 'Real Deal' - a Rocket Expresso Giotto paired with a Mazza Mini.

Always use freshly roasted beans (coffeesnobs.com.au - Index - Great coffee beans, machines, grinders and discussions on Australia's biggest coffee forum (http://www.coffeesnobs.com.au) will roast to order and express post to your door cheaper than supermarket compost). And grind them as you need them. In 10 min, the beans will loose their goodness once ground.

If you have a limited budget, spend more on the grinder and less on the machine. If you drink black coffee get a Mazza Mini and a stove top machine and you will be set. I know this sounds crazy but the grinder has so much to do with the quality in the cup. It has to cut the bean cleanly and evenly without crushing it, burning it or wasting the oil. All the machine has to do is supply water (or steam) at a constant temp and pressure.

I've had a Silvia for years and it is great. When funds allow, I'll go for a Giotto + Mazza mini electric. Got close a few months ago, but I left the browser window open and the missus saw the price tag :angel:

Anything with a pressure group is a waste of time (99% of the usual 'home espresso' machines). They also all use aluminium thermoblocks which are IMO extremely unhealthy - and if they can't take a blanking filter - you will never be able to clean them properly.

bell1975
23rd January 2012, 04:20 PM
I agree with Flagg - if you can, a mazzer mini and a giotto would be the perfect home set up. (one day i will have this)

My budget was significantly less so i went with the Sunbeam Em6910 twin thermoblock machine and conical bur grinder pack for $700.00.

Unless you want to drop a couple of grand this is the best bang for buck in my opinion. i was skeptical getting a thermoblock machine from an 'appliance' manufacturer (in a former life i was a barista) however i was blown away by the espresso this thing can create.

With good beans i can make better coffee than 95% of the cafes out there, its easy to clean and it is powerful enough to make 'microfoam' for proper milk coffees.

They are not without there 'issues' (like a rover) so get a extended warranty if you get one.

This is my Dad's current machine and I can vouch for the fact that it can make very decent coffee. Well, it makes better coffee more consistently than the Gaggia Coffee Deluxe that he gave to me when he upgraded...

I can make very decent microfoam with it too. And it's easy to clean and refill. So sometimes the band that makes toasters also make reasonable coffee machine too! If Dad wants to upgrade again soon I'll happily take this one off his hands.

stevo68
23rd January 2012, 05:39 PM
Santa bought me one of the KFee Machines ( Swiss machine) from Aldi and the milk frother....same as a Nespresso....but bucket loads cheaper. So far....love it.....great assortment of coffees and strengths available. Can't fault it and a 2 yr warranty.

Now I am just hoping that a mob called "Mr Coffee Pod" will do a a replacement cartridge as they have for the Nespresso...then I can use my Zarraffa's coffee that I buy and put that through the machine. So for my Zarraffa's coffee I use my trusty and unbreakable ( great for camping) Baccarat Espresso thingy Verona Espresso 9 Cup | Baccarat Cookware Kitchenware Tea Coffee Homewares (http://www.baccarat.com.au/espresso/verona-espresso-9-cup/w1/i1002243_1003436/)

Regards

Stevo

Chops
25th January 2012, 01:44 PM
Was watching Pats Mr 4x4 on the weekend,, their running a coffee compare in this months magazine

Nick S
25th January 2012, 02:51 PM
20 year old Atomic - bit retro but works well, not sure where I'll get spares if I ever need them
Nick42875

sheerluck
25th January 2012, 03:22 PM
We've got a Breville 800ES (from the so-called "professional collection") that I would describe as better than adequate.

It's very much on the lower end of the features scale, but it cost me $199 in the boxing day sale at the Good Guys 4 years ago, with a free conical burr style grinder (that was also valued at $199!). And it has been faultless.

The milk steamer/frother is a little limp compared to a proper commercial machine, but it does everything we want, and the price was spot on.

onesilop
25th January 2012, 04:46 PM
I have a vibieme domobar jnr it is great paired with a breville smart grinder.

If I was to do in all again I would get a grinder and coffee filter or syphon. But then again I mostly drink black coffee.

If you have 1000 (as an example) to spend budget at least half for the grinder, the better the grinder the better your coffee will taste. That is assuming that you know how to use it all. I am still figuring it out after a year....

gofish
25th January 2012, 05:50 PM
So far I really like the Rancilio Silvia. A mate has one & the coffee is great. He has paired it up with the Rocky grinder also......I just don't think I want to go back to an automatic machine although they do have "some" benefits. Great forum topic BTW. Good to see so many like-minded coffee lovers out there :)

Chucaro
27th January 2012, 06:15 PM
I would like to know if any member have the Map coffee pods machine and if the coffee is better that the lavazza.
Cheers

trog
28th January 2012, 07:01 AM
is any one growing there own ? I have two trees and got about .5kilo a few months back. After processing by hand , a chore , the local coffee outlet roasted it up in two batches dark and medium. As a blend it came out really nice. With all the rain the trees have put on a good show of flowers of late so hopefully a bigger harvest !

juddy
28th January 2012, 09:25 AM
Whilst on with coffee machines, we have a sunbeam cafe series, it's not been working, had it 3 years not really used it alot in that time maybe 10 times that's it. Cleaned it up de-scalled etc, strange thing is when you have coffee in the basket we get no pressure, despite altering the grind, but we you put the plastic cleaning disk in the basket and run a cycle, pressure is fine.
Any thoughts?

mattyg
28th January 2012, 10:00 AM
Whilst on with coffee machines, we have a sunbeam cafe series, it's not been working, had it 3 years not really used it alot in that time maybe 10 times that's it. Cleaned it up de-scalled etc, strange thing is when you have coffee in the basket we get no pressure, despite altering the grind, but we you put the plastic cleaning disk in the basket and run a cycle, pressure is fine.
Any thoughts?

So you have pressure when running the cleaning cycle with the disc?
Try putting the plastic disc in and then pressing the manual button- do you get pressure now? If yes than your grind still isn't fine enough or you are under dosing the basket or both. If no than its time for a trip to the appliance repairers.

Ps. If you are getting no pressure due to leaking out around the top of the porta filter you are putting too much coffee in.

juddy
28th January 2012, 10:04 AM
So you have pressure when running the cleaning cycle with the disc?
Try putting the plastic disc in and then pressing the manual button- do you get pressure now? If yes than your grind still isn't fine enough or you are under dosing the basket or both. If no than its time for a trip to the appliance repairers.

Ps. If you are getting no pressure due to leaking out around the top of the porta filter you are putting too much coffee in.

Yes pressure is good when cleaning. Will try pressing manual button and see what happens.

mattyg
28th January 2012, 10:14 AM
Should take around 5 seconds to go up to the 'dark brown' on the dial thingy.
This is good to do every use or second use to keep it clean between proper cleans - it's called backflushing. Let it pressurize for about 20 sec then press the manual button again to stop it. Remove handle and empty any grinds then repeat.

juddy
28th January 2012, 10:52 AM
Ok it's worked with manual setting, with a grind of 0-1

And it's also just worked on a automatic setting.

So it looks as if it's all in the grind, but it will be more bitter as its so course.

The taste was very strong
Will try manual with less course setting.

Thank you Matty.

mattyg
28th January 2012, 11:14 AM
There Is no difference between manual and automatic just the amount of water let through by the pump. You should be getting 30ml of coffee in around 30 sec with the small filter basket and the single cup button.
And 60ml in 30 sec with the large filter basket and the double cup button.
If its too quick you need a finer grind and if too slow a courser grind but keeping the amount of coffee the same. If its still too strong use the manual button to cut the extraction short and let less coffee out, OR use a lighter roasted bean.
Make sure you use fresh roasted coffee. Supermarket or a lot of the Italian big names are always stale and will always taste bitter.
Di Bella and merlo are good and should be readily available on the gold coast.

There are very good instructional videos on the sunbeam website that I reccommend you have a look at to get the most out of the machine.

big guy
2nd February 2012, 08:24 PM
No matter which auto machine you buy, they will all produce similar coffee, some have bling digital display some have not, the simpler ones are possibly more reliable due to less electrics and steam ingress doing less harm.
I have a Isomac Millenium, similar to a ghiotto but more architectual in thats its square and has cleaner lines. My grinder is a Mini Mazzer which has conical blades to reduce heat whilst grinding and ruining the coffee.
Machine retails for $2500 and grinder as is for $1200.
Makes wicked coffee but one has to work the grind and the portion control constantly with changes in weather and humidity and since I only buy 250gr bags to keep it fresh, some goes to waste as I make adjustments.
Thats just the way we roll in our household, being in the industry for 20 years helps I guess.
PS. Never ever freeze your coffee, be it ground or bean style. that really ****s it.
my door is open for coffee anytime, just dont ask for soy, decaf or skim!:p

Ratel10mm
2nd February 2012, 10:06 PM
A bit off topic, however I recall the Aeropress getting good reviews on British Blades, for when you're out & about. British Blades :: Custom Knife Making (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/search.php'searchid=6537904) hopefully that search link will work.

As for the coffee, my favourite is Black Sheep.

ramblingboy42
5th February 2012, 06:02 PM
So, I've tried to find Di Bella serafini coffee but cant find it anywhere.....anyone point to it?

mattyg
5th February 2012, 07:02 PM
Get on the dibella website, they take orders online and ship it to you. At the moment shipping I free for orders over $50.

Dirty3
8th February 2012, 10:20 PM
This is cool.....talking about espresso on a car owners forum....who would have thunk it?

Anyway, I have a manual machine - GAGGIA Baby Class. Makes a great coffee, but it does come down so much to where you get the beans, how fresh they are, grind sizes etc. I love it.

I even take a stove top espresso when i go 4 wheel driving. My mates think i'm a ****** but they always ask for a coffee once I put the stove on and they smell it. Better than instant any day.[thumbsupbig]

inside
8th February 2012, 10:30 PM
Just my 2 cents but we have Jura Ena 5 that we absolutely love. It's strange how the noises of coffee machine can get one out of bed so quick in the morning.

ozscott
8th February 2012, 10:31 PM
FAEMA Due 2 group volumetric commercial and a Mazzer Superjolly. For many years now I roast my green single origin beans in a Corretto. I find it hard to drink coffees out...

Cheers

Sydr
9th February 2012, 09:48 AM
For 'Budget' - A Rancilio Silvia is great, and the obvious pair is with a Rocky Grinder.

For the 'Real Deal' - a Rocket Expresso Giotto paired with a Mazza Mini.

Always use freshly roasted beans (coffeesnobs.com.au - Index - Great coffee beans, machines, grinders and discussions on Australia's biggest coffee forum (http://www.coffeesnobs.com.au) will roast to order and express post to your door cheaper than supermarket compost). And grind them as you need them. In 10 min, the beans will loose their goodness once ground.

If you have a limited budget, spend more on the grinder and less on the machine. If you drink black coffee get a Mazza Mini and a stove top machine and you will be set. I know this sounds crazy but the grinder has so much to do with the quality in the cup. It has to cut the bean cleanly and evenly without crushing it, burning it or wasting the oil. All the machine has to do is supply water (or steam) at a constant temp and pressure.

I've had a Silvia for years and it is great. When funds allow, I'll go for a Giotto + Mazza mini electric. Got close a few months ago, but I left the browser window open and the missus saw the price tag :angel:

Anything with a pressure group is a waste of time (99% of the usual 'home espresso' machines). They also all use aluminium thermoblocks which are IMO extremely unhealthy - and if they can't take a blanking filter - you will never be able to clean them properly.

Let me start out by prefacing these comments with the fact that I'm allergic to coffee . . . . . and never ever drink it.

Then, let me say that my wife is the most gentle soul, until you give her a lousy cup of coffee . . . .

For a significant birthday, we (son and I) did lots of research. What clinched my opinion was the comment from a major coffee roaster that she and all of her colleagues had exactly what you suggest, at their homes - a Giotto Rocket and a good grinder. It is a common theme that the grinder is more important than the espresso machine.

We started by giving her the Giotto, and I did a one day barista course. Xmas time, we added a Mazzer Jolly with electronic dosing because I did not want a mess (coffee is messy business and electronic dosing makes a bit less mess) and because each dose measured electronically is fresh into the group head rather than a hit and miss grind into a doser which might wait hours until used. That would defeat the object.

SWMBO is delighted, rates me as the best barista ever, - but it is the equipment that makes it easy. Your recommendation is spot on. Smells great, looks superb, wish I could drink it too.

Expensive, but my take is that I would rather buy good equipment once than have a disappointment and then have to upgrade anyway.

Now grappling with Latte art. My graceful heart shapes look like a fat person's rear end. :wasntme:

rossciv
9th February 2012, 01:23 PM
Hi Gofish.

Coffee is extremely important and I know as this is my business! We are coffee roasters based in Newcastle and design and build our own roasters that run entirely on cafe waste and biofuels -> the first and only in the world.

With regards to machine, there are a few options out there. See link below with is a good home machine with commercial group head, rated to 60 cups per day. Definately good enough for the home. I can get a roasters discount with a Mignon grinder for around $2100. If you want to venture further into the commercial size than a la san marco flexa which are great for the home and are full commercial machines with its own water reservoir (no need for plumbing). These are around the $2300 mark with our roasters discount. If looking at spending money on a good machine than please don't forget about the grinder as the grinder is by far the most important part of the set up (can get a good coffee from an ordinary machine and good grinder but not possible the other way round).

If I can be of any help with your set up just let me know. Happy to send you a sample of our coffee to get you started (medals well in all the coffee competitions).

Kind regards,

Ross
Sprocket Roasters - Air Roasted Coffee Beans - Newcastle Cafe (http://www.sprocketroasters.com.au)

La Nuova Era Cuadra Package coffee machine from espressoitalia.com.au - Coffee from Espresso Italia and Coffee Machines from Saeco and Segafredo Australia: We sell in Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth Hobart Darwin. (http://www.espressoitalia.com.au/coffee-machines/MACHINES/31+Traditional+Coffee+Machines/CuadraPackage/La+Nuova+Era+Cuadra+Package+-+Free+Shipping+Australia+wide)