Espresso Machines

[Beerdoh]

I'm thinking about buying this: http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_325004024797_-1

Anyone have one of these? I use a Moka usually, just on the hob, and it makes lovely espresso - but I like gadgets too!

Anything better available?

Thanks! 

[Hop Bomb]

I own one plus the matching grinder & base (ive been told by a few people the best coffee in Galway is at my house ) Its way better than a mocha pot but also more expensive. Only down side to them is they dont have a temp or pressure gauge. When you get nerdy into coffee you'll find yourself wanting these features.

I bought mine on ebay for 180e.  Much cheaper than any store here. In a nut shell its the best of all those entry level machines.

[Hop Bomb]

I bought this exact set-up for the base (with knock box) & grinder for 80 quid from ebay UK & i then sold the machine to a mate for 50e.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-GAGGIA-coffee-grinder-italy-Espresso-Coffee-Machine-BAR-pavoni-/330896462719?pt=Coffee_Machines_Makers&hash=item4d0af7537f

The MDF grinder is 180 new on ebay & the base is another 65e or so. Worth buying an old set-up like that for the base & grinder to go with your shiny new Gaggia classic.

The tamper that comes with the machine is shite. As is the steam wand (both plastic) but you can buy better ones on ebay if you want.

[JimmyM]

Jyyaysus lads - would yas not just have a mug a tae!

I can get "all the tea in china" for the prices being bandied about there

[Hop Bomb]

You'd buy a lof the of dutch gold for the cost of all your homebrew kit too. Who wants to drink shit beer/coffee though? 

[Beerdoh]

I bought this exact set-up for the base (with knock box) & grinder for 80 quid from ebay UK & i then sold the machine to a mate for 50e.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-GAGGIA-coffee-grinder-italy-Espresso-Coffee-Machine-BAR-pavoni-/330896462719?pt=Coffee_Machines_Makers&hash=item4d0af7537f

The MDF grinder is 180 new on ebay & the base is another 65e or so. Worth buying an old set-up like that for the base & grinder to go with your shiny new Gaggia classic.

The tamper that comes with the machine is shite. As is the steam wand (both plastic) but you can buy better ones on ebay if you want.

Wow - thanks. Having the grinder would be really useful as I prefer beans over pre-ground stuff - i've always found the flavour to be that bit more distinct - say using Lavazza Espresso pre-ground over whole bean version. Out of interest, what's wrong with the machine in that ad that I would go off and buy the shiny new one!?

Hmm - I wonder does the machine come with the picture of that guys family too?

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJlbAUYE-ls[/media]

[DEMPSEY]

You can never have enough coffee making machines.

[Hop Bomb]

Out of interest, what's wrong with the machine in that ad that I would go off and buy the shiny new one!?

Ive owned both. The white baby gaggia was grand. A bit cheap feeling & looking as its made of plastic. But the coffee was good. Id bid on that lot on ebay as the grinder is class & worth it alone.  I bought the gaggia classic based on reviews of machines in that price bracket. Its a great machine.

Re: coffee - You should try some of http://hasbean.co.uk single origin whole bean. They've a few different ones every few months. Best coffee ever! Amazing. A few coffee shops in Ireland use it as there house coffee now.

[Beerdoh]

Cool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!

[Hop Bomb]

Cool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!

Long story. I bought a keggerator kit from a US company over two months ago. Parcel never arrived & Im having a dispute with UPS & the US homebrew company. During that period the beer was in a cornie with no C02 on it. Thought it'd be grand as I batch primed it but tasted last week & it was sour. Had to dump it

[Ciderhead]

Cool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!

Long story. I bought a keggerator kit from a US company over two months ago. Parcel never arrived & Im having a dispute with UPS & the US homebrew company. During that period the beer was in a cornie with no C02 on it. Thought it'd be grand as I batch primed it but tasted last week & it was sour. Had to dump it

Hijack Alert
ya doirty egit I could of let you borrow or flushed co2 into a cornie for you!

[newToBrew]

sweet jebus 270 quid for a coffee machine !!!!

I've been looking around for one myself - bought a delonghi burr grinder for 50 quid a while ago - had one of the whirly choppy ones prior to that
Am still using a french press - but the grinder upgrade improved the coffee a lot
I've been nosing on adverts and done deal for ages looking for a low end espresso machine, have seen one or two but they would require me to travel !! 

recently stuck me head into a local elecrical shop having a sale - saw one one in there for 100 notes

walked out with out it - for some reason - I just couldn't fork out the money !!!
I mean I love my coffee - but 270 notes ? phew !!!

*edit *

Sorry man - I shouldn't be like that - each to there own - and we all have our passion for things - don't mind me - I'm just jealous !!!

[Hop Bomb]

Boys and their toys haha. I payed 180e for mine new from an ebay seller in Italy. The mdf grinder & base cost 30 GBP (total bargain)

It really depends on your budget. Same for brewing. Some ferment is buckets & others in stainless steel conicals.


Re: C02: Thanks for the offer Ciderhead. Kev sorted me with C02 for my last brew there. We were gona do the stout then too but it was gone bad. I just had the best news. Keg Connection are going to re-ship my order & settle the problem themselves with UPS so I dont have to wait any longer. Delighted!

[Rossa]

Try an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.

[CARA]

Try an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.

I use an aero press I got from 3fe-20yo's with all the bits and filters included, makes fantastic coffee PLUS you get pure joy from popping the spend grinds into the bin!