Dying cappuccino machine.

[mikeb921]

I don't drink, smoke or use drugs. I MUST have a very good cappuccino every day or else. My Starbucks Barista machine is on it's last leg. They don't make that model any more. I'm confused by all the choices out there. Can someone sugest a reasonably priced machine? It doesn't have to be fully automatic, just able to pull a good shot of espresso.

Thanks,
Mike

[glenfiddich]

I work at a gourmet coffee roaster in Vermont -- the one whose stock has skyrocketed in recent years. I get a good deal on hardware, so could pretty much get any espresso maker I wanted. After much research, including diving into the database to see how customers rated them, I went with the Rancilio Sylvia. Awesome machine that uses commercial parts available everywhere, rock solid, and rebuildable. Had it for six years now and it's been completely reliable, plus puts out a crema to die for!

If $600 is more than you want to spend (even amortized over 20 years), check out the excellent reviews on CoffeeGeek.com.

Pete

[Troutluck]

+1 on Silvia. Had one for years. PM if you want more info, but there are plenty of reviews out there. Coffeegeek.com is good for info , too.

[weggsa]

I am running a francis x5 , picked it up refurbed at homegoods. 4 or 5 years in without a glitch ! Replaced a krupps which was also refurbed , ran that for about 7 years. The francis was around 300 rebuilt. Very good machine.:drink

[mikeb921]

Thanks guys, that was the kind of info I was looking for. I researched both suggestions and it seems like the Rancilio Silvia would probably be the best bet (being rebuildable). A great cappuccino is one of life's little pleasures and my only remaining vice.

Brew Safe,
Mike

[Troutluck]

Silvias are "hackable," too. Check out some of the mods people have done to stabilize the temperature cycles. I've never done it, but there is some wisdom to "temp surfing" the boiler cycle for optimal shots. You'll like the Silvia.

I *highly* recommend getting the Rocky companion grinder. It made the biggest difference in my espresso experience, and has probably paid for itself over the years in wasted coffee. The Silvia is pretty sensitive to a good grind. Once you get it dialed in, you'll understand.

Go ahead and get a good tamper, too, if you don't already have one. :drink

[Montana]

Your machine simply is a branded Italian Saeco.

We have the Silvia-Rocky combo (moved up from a Baby Gaggia). I also recommend Coffeegeek for everything you want to know; wholelattelove is good, too.

[RoboRider]

Sylvia - Rocky here, too. You might like the Rocky without the measuring hopper. Without the hopper you collect the ground bean immediately. Can't get fresher than that.

[mikeb921]

After the good reports here and days of reading on line, I'm pretty much sold on the Silvia-Rocky combo. The best deal I can find is $943 unless of course I want the stainless steel base withe 2 drawers for storing all the tools. That brings the total to $1,043. On top of that, the V3 Silvia is not due to ship until approx 4/1/10. It's not even in stores yet. Anyone know of a better deal? I thought motorcycles were expensive.

Cheers,
Mike

[RoboRider]

That was about what I paid at wholelattalove. Yeah, it's pricey, but it's quality. It's the BMW of coffee makers except with no final drive problems! If you have Googled the price, I think that's all you can do.

My neighbors come around now for capps and lattes. Being my first name is "Robert", they have started calling me "Star-Bobs" now.

The Sylvia is a single boiler. By that, it means you make the espresso shot and then flip a switch to generate the steam for the milk. I've developed a routine so that the 60 seconds or so it takes to build pressure is not wasted.

But, a dual boiler would be nice. That is one where one boiler is at espresso temp and the other is at steam temp--no waiting. Most of these units however run on 220v and cost another $500. But if I were doing it again, I'd probably have done it and run a 220 volt line to the kitchen. Heck, that way if I ever needed to MIG weld in the house I'd be all set!

Coffee, yeah, it's addictive, but the machinery even more so....

[mikeb921]

Well, thanks for all the help. Saturday, I ordered a Lelit Pl042LET. It got rave reviews and it was in stock. I should have it by Wednesday. The reviews said the temperature was more stable than the Rancilio and no need for temp surfing. It has a built-in grinder which also got very good reviews. Made in Italy with all Italian parts. At $750 including shipping, they're not giving them away but if it is indeed a quality unit, that's not too bad. I can't wait to try it out. Cappuccino anyone?

Ride and brew safe,
Mike

[RoboRider]

I think you'll find ANY well made pump (not pressure) espresso maker will be fine. I wouldn't want the combined grinder but that's me. At $750, you should have a fine machine I'm sure.

The temp surfing with the Sylvia is crazy to me. This is the idea that you run some water through the unit until the heat comes on. Then you load a shot and wait until the heater turns off and make your shot, using the highest temp. of water. I used to do this and then discovered it was a waste of time. I connected my Sylvia to a timer that fires it up in the AM so that by the time I get up it is already hot and waiting for me.

[haughty]

WOwo did coffee just become a legal drug?
laffin at 7 bills and more for coffee..
wait , yes I did spend a few bucks on the beemer,,,

and no it doesnt make coffee..

nevermind answer has finally computed..

LMAO

[martinPH]

At a national rally a few years ago, a lady showed up with a small espresso stand.
She had just gotten it and this was her first event. I spoke to her before the rally and she was worried that she wouldnt get any business. Next morning there was a long line up at her stand before she opened; she had to get more help. Guess we need our kick start in the morning!:coffee

[mikeb921]

Well, my new Le'lit machine arrived and after a few attempts I'm able to pull a pretty nice espresso. The first few tries were way to strong. I had to adjust grind and tamp but after a couple of hours of playing with it I'm getting it dialed in. It's kind of like adjusting carbs, one thing affects another. I'll prolly be jacked up all weekend so if I post more than usual, y'all will know why.

Cheers,
Mike

[RoboRider]

I hear ya'. When I got my Sylvia, I was playing with grind, tamp, etc. I had so many espresso shots I was buzzed out of my brain. The next day, I continued but I had to sip and spit. I wasted a lot of coffee playing with that thing.

[119240]

Jura Capresso F9 model - Coffee,Cappuccino,Espresso

[geisterfahrer]

I have a Krups machine I got in the early '90's, along with an Estro grinder. I haven't used them in a long time, but I do remember "dialing them in" on one Saturday when I first got them. I had no idea caffeine could cause such a buzz.

I had to cut way back on caffeine several years ago when I started having heart arrhythmias. Doc wants me to give it up entirely, but I can't quite do that. I drink mostly tea now, which has much less caffeine than coffee. So far, so good :thumb

[DarrylRi]

I've been watching this thread, but it seemed like most of the posters were really hard core. In the 90s I had a Krups espresso machine and could operate it in the dark with my eyes closed (at about 5:30am).

But then I bought a Saeco Magic De Luxe about 10 years ago, and I haven't looked back. It has given me yeoman service, producing well over 10,000 shots. Alas, the grinder stopped working last December (though I think it's really the power supply).

Fortunately, this happened right after Xmas, when everything was on sale. I bought a Gaggia Titanium, which is now getting close to its 400th shot. (It has a counter. Kind of like the post counters here! :)) It's an excellent machine, and when I have guests who want a latte or some other fru fru drink, the second boiler means that I can froth the milk immediately before making the shot, with no waiting.

For me, the thick layer of crema it lays down is what it's all about.

Now that the researchers are saying that coffee and chocolate are health foods, I'm really in heaven!

[geisterfahrer]

Now that the researchers are saying that coffee and chocolate are health foods, I'm really in heaven!

That'll change soon...:p

[36654]

That'll change soon...:p

Those Harley guys might have a bevvy of scantily clad biker chicks, but us Beemer guys, we've got espresso machines.................:whistle

[RoboRider]

I bought a Gaggia Titanium, which is now getting close to its 400th shot. (It has a counter. Kind of like the post counters here! :)) It's an excellent machine, and when I have guests who want a latte or some other fru fru drink, the second boiler means that I can froth the milk immediately before making the shot, with no waiting.



Aw, great, Darryl, now I want a Gaggia to go with the Sylvia. It's like bikes. I have 4 and I still want a few more. I don't think my wife will tolerate two espresso machines, but that Gaggia looks like a great deal and DUAL BOILER! Awesome.

[mikeb921]

Darryl, I hope you weren't referring to me when you said hard core. I'm just trying to improve on a 10 year quest to extract the perfect essence of the bean on a reasonable budget. I've learned a lot in the last week alone. Unlike my very forgiving Starbucks Barista machine, this Lelit requires the operator to make a few good decisions and do things properly to get the desired results. When done correctly, you're rewarded with a savory cappuccino that begs for a back porch and a cool breeze. A Nonni's Biscotti tops off the event. Life is good, I'm going for a ride.

Ride Safe,
Mike

[RoboRider]

Darryl, I hope you weren't referring to me when you said hard core. I'm just trying to improve on a 10 year quest to extract the perfect essence of the bean on a reasonable budget. I've learned a lot in the last week alone. Unlike my very forgiving Starbucks Barista machine, this Lelit requires the operator to make a few good decisions and do things properly to get the desired results. When done correctly, you're rewarded with a savory cappuccino that begs for a back porch and a cool breeze. A Nonni's Biscotti tops off the event. Life is good, I'm going for a ride.

Ride Safe,
Mike

Mike, you just described hard core in my mind! Hey, nothing wrong with hard core!

[DarrylRi]

Darryl, I hope you weren't referring to me when you said hard core. I'm just trying to improve on a 10 year quest to extract the perfect essence of the bean on a reasonable budget.

Everyone has to have a hobby. I used to be hard core about making beer. Only all grain and my own cultivated yeasts. Double or even triple decoction mashes -- bring it on! But, I'm basically a lazy soul, and when the micros became good and plentiful, I gave it up. These days I work on old bikes instead.

[DarrylRi]

That'll change soon...:p

LA LA LA LA LA LAAAA!!! LA LA LA!!!

I have my fingers in my ears, I can't hear you!