Which coffee machine?

[neonplanet40]

Hi guys, Basically, ever since I went to Rome and Venice I haven't been able to get a coffee that is anywhere near as nice as it was when I was there!

I have just moved into a new flat (my first flat woo) and my mum has told me that she will give me £120 to spend on a coffee machine. Given that I am teaching, it is only natural that I start to drink an abundance of coffee

However I am baffled by what to get. I have a peculator and don't really like the coffee you get from it, it also is not hot enough!

My favourite type of coffee is cappuccino and I also like latte. However there are LOTS of different machines available at all different prices as well as these nespresso machines. So I just want some advice from people who possibly have one and can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

[Flibb]

Did read that Currys are selling off Gaggia classics for £130, think thats in store only though. I use a Gaggia coffee deluxe, picked it up on ebay for £50, replaced a gasket and has been working fine for a couple of years. I do have my own grinder, and buy roasted beans from an importer thats based in a local town.

[neonplanet40]

Think that deal is gone now. Not sure what to get. So many machines and I have no idea what I am actually looking at

[Flibb]

£170?
http://www.simplyelectricals.co.uk/gaggia-classic.html
havent used simply electrical myself. Advantage of going for one of the big brands is that you will always be able to get spares, or have the machine serviced. There are also plenty of strip down and repair guides out there. I looked through some of the coffee forums before getting my machine and grinder, can take a bit of searching to get info on normal home machines, as a lot of forum members are after info on getting commercial kit (for home use).

[Butcher]

I got a factory refurbed gaggia classic off ebay for £130. Worth every penny.

[Fjo]

The big difference between a home set and the sort of machine a barista has is the pressure.
I've not looked at the domestic machines available for a bit now but while you're searching, keep note of whether it's a steam or pump machine - pump is better, and any advertised should say what the pressure is in bars, and you want at least 15 bars of pressure.
Have you also considered grinding your own beans? A burr grinder makes all the difference.

There's the Gaggia Classic on Amazon for £180 (Pump, 15bar):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI81...4486266&sr=8-1

The DeLonghi is a bit cheaper, but gets good reviews (Pump, 15bar):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-EC3.../dp/B000C3MLJS

It's cheaper still on Argos's site but it's closed for maintenance atm. Either way, it would leave you a bit spare for something like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-KG7...4486205&sr=1-1

And some coffee beans to start

Hope this helps, have a shop around of course.

[Fjo]

Ah, sorry, for some reason i read your initial as £170. Still, perhaps the DeLonghi

[circuitmonkey]

Personally I own a filter with an automatic timer, I'd never be able to get to work without it

If you prefer your coffee a bit fancier, I just bought my dad one of these DeLonghi Espresso Icona ECO310
http://www.johnlewis.com/230858171/Product.aspx

I'm very impressed with it

Would also invest in a bur grinder, you'll then be set for delicious coffee

[neonplanet40]

What's the difference between the DeLonghi and Gaggia?

[neonplanet40]

Also which coffee beans and where to get them? I want coffee like the Americana coffee in Rome

[shaithis]

I've had an Icona for a year now.....it certainly makes very nice coffee although I am a little bit concerned at it's build quality....mine is getting a little rattly already.

[circuitmonkey]

What's the difference between the DeLonghi and Gaggia?

Honestly, I don't know, I read a couple of which reviews before selecting the Delonghi, as it got a good review, and was in my price range it was the one for me, try not to over-think these things.

Also which coffee beans and where to get them? I want coffee like the Americana coffee in Rome

I would get yourself down to you local Whittards (Yes there are a few left on the high-street) and get a selection of 125g bags of beans. I've been always quite partial to the the Guatemalan elephant (albeit made in a filter machine, couldn't tell you how it tastes in a espresso)
Get a good whiff of the beans and talk to the staff, they know their stuff and have always been nice to chat with, they'll make some recommendations for you.

Once you have a better idea of what you like, try your local supermarket and online to see if you can beat Whittards for price/convenience

[neonplanet40]

Unfortunately my closest is 50 miles away

[Flibb]

With Gaggia you will be able to get spares and servicing in 10 years time, my rather old Gaggia still has pumps, heaters, etc available. You can also get upgrades, such as better steam wands, and PID heater controllers (DIY jobs available as well).

As to beans, is there a decent independent coffee shop any place nearby, or anyplace that you travel to. The problem with buying mail order is that the postage costs soon bump the price up. If you venture into a largish city, its might be worth checking out a few coffee forums as to where to grab a cup, then see if they sell the beans. Quiet a few good independents sell beans or ground coffee.

[chrestomanci]

The DeLonghi is a bit cheaper, but gets good reviews (Pump, 15bar):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-EC3.../dp/B000C3MLJS

That machine is currently £85 at John Lewis.

I've had an Icona for a year now.....it certainly makes very nice coffee although I am a little bit concerned at it's build quality....mine is getting a little rattly already.

I have had one for about 18 months. I am not sure there is relay an issue with build quality, just that the pump is noisy, and sometimes the whole machine resonates and makes a loud noise. I have found that if you keep the water reservoir full, then it damps the vibrations, and the machine is much quieter. My other tip is to de-scale the machine fairly often. I live in a hard water area and drink 1-2 cups of espresso a day from the machine, and I find that I need to de-scale about once every three months.

Anyway, I recommend the machine. It produces good espresso if you learn how to use it. It is also available in a range of nice colours, which could be important if your other half wants a colour co-ordinated kitchen. Don't skimp on the quality of the beans. Personally I import ground coffee from France (I go there regularly) because I prefer the taste of French blends, and it is usually cheaper (€3 for 250g of fair trade 100% arabica). I also keep my opened pack in the fridge for freshness.

Don't buy an nspresso machine, as if you do you are locking yourself into their product, which is not cheap, not fair trade, and environmentally questionable.

[Fjo]

Gaggia are certainly a premium product, whereas DeLonghi are somewhat more mainstream. However, when you consider the price (as backed up by chrestomanci), and the positive reviews, the DeLonghi looks to be a good start at least and they're a known brand in their own right. There are other machines, obviously, but i chose those two as a comparison, based on the fact that they're both compact, 15bar pump systems.
I like Lavazza as an easier brand to get hold of, but there are so many options for beans - branded or otherwise - that you're really just gonna have to take a leap to begin with and try some out.
If there is a specialist shop nearby, have a chat in-store and explain your situation, otherwise the net may be the best option. Something like:
http://www.espressodrinker.co.uk/cof...customerreview
Or
http://www.garraways.co.uk/c74347/co...-the-kilo.html
Have a look around. It's likely you'll take a few attempts at least to find that flavour you're after.