Coffee Appreciation

After using a cheap Saeco machine for a few years I got a Silvia and Rocky combo as my first 'proper' espresso machine. They're both built like tanks and easily serviced. Gaggia classic is also a good choice, cheaper than a silvia and still as servicable and workhorse-like.

Agreed with Levitz to get the best grinder you can. It makes more of a difference than the espresso machine. Don't know much about different brands to recommend them, but I'm really happy with my Rocky.

@Tenderloin be warned, home espresso is a massive ballache, can be wasteful, hugely expensive and has a very steep learning curve.

It is cool tho.

Hmmmmm sounds great.

I was looking at Gaggia Classic, Rancillio Silvia and the rocket espresso machines

Grinder was looking at Baratza, Rocky or 2nd hand mazzer

Awesome, ordered a load! Thank you very much

Not sure how soon you're looking to invest, but I will have a gaggia classic and MC2 combo for sale by Christmas. Would be happy with about £175 for both.

PM if interested.

I used to have the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky combo. We then upgraded to the Orchestrale Nota with a Kompak k10 grinder. Grinder was bought 2nd hand off ukcoffeeforum in mint condition, it arrived before the Nota. The upgrade in shots of coffee from the better grinder was huge.

The coffee forum has some bargains in the classified section.

Theres a Rocket Espresso Cellini Evoluzione V2 for sale on ukcoffeeforum but am I better buying a cheaper machine (Silvia/Classic) and using the rest to spend on a grinder?

If it means you have to budget on the grinder, then pass on the Rocket. With a cheaper consumer grinder, you'll get more inconsistent shots which may have an imbalance of bitterness and acidity.

It's more fun buying the espresso machine, but you need a great grinder.

Yeah, I think this is true. I just really like the look of the Rocket and they're good (I think). But it would mean I didn't have much to spend on a Grinder

How much are they asking?

Bag of sand

am I better buying a cheaper machine (Silvia/Classic) and using the rest to spend on a grinder?

Yes. I'd highly recommend a Silvia - I've just refurbished mine because I don't think there's anything better that isn't bigger/vastly more expensive, and we don't want anything bigger.

I have a Mahlkonig Vario which cost more than the Silvia because it was new and the Silvia was secondhand. If you're spending more on your grinder than your machine that's the right way round.

Ok. So decided on a Silvia. Good job team!

In terms of grinder, best option for consistency of grind and small footprint?

Vario is very small and might well be perfect for what you need. I made great espresso with that for years.

lol'd

Baratza Vario is always a safe bet

Maybe a used super jolly if you can find one cheap. Lots of cafes have a spare lying around after they all bought Mythos Ones so might be worth asking around.

Also have the rust problem, do you have a tl;dr solution?

Sorry @amey missed this before. For prevention? I'm going to try plastidip around the potentially wet areas now I've had the frame powdercoated.

@tenderloin if you do get a Silvia I know them inside out now - they don't have many weak points really but the iron frame is one to watch out for.

Baratza Vario is the same as the Mahlkonig Vario for the avoidance of confusion...

What setup do you have now?

Ditched the espresso setup and went to filter only at home.

Currently don’t have enough space for it but I’m not adverse to going back to it in the future, when we have a massive kitchen.

This looks excellent but it’s a long wait

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/niche-zero-the-best-conical-burr-coffee-grinder#/updates/all

June 2108 :/

2108

Probably a more reasonable estimate as far as crowdfunding delivery predictions go.

Smart move IMO, home espresso is a huge faff/expense, especially considering how tasty filter can be

Or stove-top moka.