Gaggia Classic is very good. It's the same machine type as Rancilio Silvia, and about $150-200 cheaper. I can't claim that it's better as I have never owned Rancilio, but it's definitely worth considering.
Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
11–20 of 25 posts
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#12I bought a Saeco from Premier Appliance for around ~$430. They don't have the machine I bought, but the Giro is a great little coffee robot, too: http://www.premierappliance.com/storefrontprofiles/deluxeSFs...
The Saeco machine I bought has a built-in grinder, so its relatively clean. Makes very consistent espresso, good to very good with the right beans. The machine is quick to heat up, has two heating elements, and foams milk well. The build quality is better than the Gaggia machine I replaced.
I can't recommend a Moka pot, unless you're very precise, patient, and have an equally precise stove. Aeropressed, french pressed, and cold pressed are great ways to get good coffee, but they're not espresso.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#13I would suggest buying a french press and grinder instead.
I've got both - I need something that can make espresso.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#14Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#15If you can wait a month, the "Good Eats" episode on espresso is coming up for rerun on August 4th and 5th. If I recall correctly it goes into how to pick a good machine.
The episode also appears to be on Youtube for the impatient.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#16The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker makes beautiful espresso because of its 15-bar pump (most models in this pricerange have lesser pumps). Only 90$. I've had it for a while and it's awesome. Haven't been able to make very good capuccino yet, but I'm told that's a matter of milk-frothing technique :) Affiliate link: http://amzn.to/bmCMbK Regular link: http://amzn.to/bTsI8d
> Haven't been able to make very good capuccino yet, but I'm told that's a matter of milk-frothing technique :)
You won't get anything better than a semidecent froth on amateur machines like this no matter how good your technique is.
They either lack the necessary pressure or run out of steam midway.
This is about the best you could probably get: http://thealps.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/img_6168.jpg
This is what you want: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Classic_C...
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#17If you can wait a month, the "Good Eats" episode on espresso is coming up for rerun on August 4th and 5th. If I recall correctly it goes into how to pick a good machine. The episode also appears to be on Youtube for the impatient.
Wait a month? Insanity.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#18What grinder will you be using with this? Without the right grinder, the machine is basically meaningless, so you will want to spend money on that first.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#19What grinder will you be using with this? Without the right grinder, the machine is basically meaningless, so you will want to spend money on that first.
I've got the grinder covered. I'm just looking for a solid, dependable machine.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#20What grinder will you be using with this? Without the right grinder, the machine is basically meaningless, so you will want to spend money on that first.
I've got the grinder covered. I'm just looking for a solid, dependable machine.
I ask because most people looking in this price-range tend to under-spend on the grinder. In this range, the grinder should cost nearly as much as the machine to achieve good output.
At the volume and price you want, the Silvia is likely the best choice. You don't get great precision/consistency, but with some practice you will get great shots, and it will last a long time. It should be paired with a grinder like the Rocky at the very least.