Was looking for a non pod coffee machine, something cheap for work where I can control the action (like jambaroo). These are on clearance for $99 in stores only, not online. Here is a phone number you can call for stock check at stores (I got the last one from Hurstville, there were a few more around Sydney area). 1800 814 788
My thoughts also but I take the gamble. Not too machines that are 'good' at $99
Over the years I've had three of these sunbeam entry level coffee machines. They do a perfectly fine job. I would suggest if there is a black rubber nozzle on the milk frother to take it off and just use the stainless steel because if you know how to do the milk, the rubber bit just froths it up way too much and you get a better result without it.
Everything else about it is perfectly adequate for making a nice cafe quality coffee. Note that with these entry level machines they don't have dual pumps so you need to do the coffee part first, then flick a switch to do the milk part after that, rather than at the same time.
Looks like the one we had for a few years prior to getting the Breville Ikon (our current machine). Had no problems with it from memory and it eventually dies after a few years for some reason I don't remember. :) For $99 you wont go wrong. Unless you belong to coffeesnobs.com.au :)
I have been using this machine for 2 years with every 2 months de-scaling rinse … amazing for the price I bought for $169 at Good guys can get a price match if u show it to them..
Quite good device, does the job. I've been using it for almost 2 years, and even for 169$ (TGG price) is it decent purchase. The only con is lots of scratches from cups on the metal base.
It's ok. Does the job and creates the crema for black coffee, froths the milk and heats it up. Nothing close to the industry machines, but does create better coffee than the pod ones (i find pods use substandard beans). Had mine for a few years now and still running strong.
Thanks for the positive review, sounds promising then :)
As an FYI, small machines like this usually use a double floor basket that creates more pressure, in a normal single floor basket it is the coffee grind that provides the resistance and creates the pressure. With a double floor basket you can use preground coffee or not worry as much about getting the grind right for the current conditions etc, but you will not end up with as good a result.
It may look like a crema but it isn't the same as what comes out of a bigger machine, though I used a cheap krupps machine for ages and it was more often then not better then most coffee shops, especially if you have reasonable beans and you grind them fresh, either way as long as you are happy with it that's all that matters.
I grind fresh every day
Agree fully with both above comments. Get decent grinder and grind beans daily as needed, get the grind and tamping down pat, and these type of machines will give you years of coffee pleasure.
Buy a unpressurised aftermarket basket to go with your fresh beans. Will taste 10 times better and you will have real crema
http://thingscoffee.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=109
@ddd:
Breville sell a pair of unpressurised baskets (single and double shot) that should fit most lower end home espresso machines for $24.95 plus postage:
http://www.breville.com.au/single-wall-filter-set.html
I've got a set for my Sunbeam Ristretto
I used a cheap krupps machine for ages and it was more often then not better then most coffee shops
My head hurts when you read this with the actual meaning of "then".
Maybe I needed more coffee :)
Spiritek,
Would you know the best unpressurised basket for this machine? I've been looking for it but they dont seem to fit the Sunbeam Cafe Crema series…
crema is for losers…
Nice. Good to hack a raspberry pi I to for an Internet coffee machibe
With added free Hepatitis A virus :P
The short life in some reviews is worrying, like "Good coffee for three days, then the machine died (Replacement machine did the same)". Also failed switch & leak issues. I'll pass.
I passed too but that's because there were none in stock in my local Target to impulse buy
Yes, none near me with either. Target should be fine for returns though.
I bought a Kogan Coffee Machine like this for around $70 or $80 like 10 months ago.
Gets used every day multiple times, still going great. Haven't bought a store coffee in ages.
awesome machine, at this price it's a steal.
The sunbeam units rated the highest in the Choice tests for low price machines. As for leaks, after heavy use seals need to be changed - they can be purchased on ebay relatively inexpensively.
Owned one and the turn dial failed within a month of minimal use, exchanged it for a pricier machine. It Makes fake crema using a dual wall basket.
Guess Monday I'll find out (or Thursday!)
I have the older version EM4800C for the past 3 years and have made great quality standard coffee with it everyday!… I can also recommend using coffee I buy from Costco for around $11 100% Colombian Coffee 1.36kg great stuff
Wow, $11 for a Kilo of beans would be cheap, let alone for 1.36Kg. That beats the Aldi $13 Kg ones which are also good value.
The grounds roaster have some pretty decent single origin beans. Some cafe in the city got some great offers too, such as Mecca, Nook or the like.
I'm a 9-10 hour drive to Sydney :-) but thanks for others.
the grounds of alexandria im presuming your talking about? Was there a few weeks ago… $15 for 250 grams of coffee beans… better off buying from like manna beans or bay beans
seem to be sold out
Like the OP says, in store only.
Spend a decent amount on a quality grinder and you will get good coffee from this machine. For a decent grinder its will cost more then this machine though
For this type of machine any burr grinder would be decent really
Does anyone know where I can get a cheap burr grinder? I bought a grinder from Kmart but it is crappy :(
I phoned the central number, only place in Brisbane that may have them is Strathpyne. Phoned Carindale direct and all gone from there
price match it at good guys
That link is above. Think for a cheap small machine this is good enough if it doesn't break!
Also sometimes those reviews are from idiots. You don't know what they did or didn't do properly to cause leaking after a few months. Did they descale?
I'd only trust reviews where the person elaborates on what is wrong and how they know it's not their fault . ie, 'i descaled and backflushed according to instructions and it still died.'
Just yesterday I accidentally ran my hot water dispenser with the tank almost empty (needed a coffee to wakeup - the irony). I noticed the water coming out in sputter/steam and stopped it within 2-3 secs. Filled up a tank and then ran an empty shot to cool it down. Its reasonable to assume a random person would take much longer before they realise wtf was going on. This burns down the boiler/block and causes premature failure.
However, in the end its a cheap entry level model and my mistake might have severely damaged it.
Awesome deal. None left in Belconnen, ACT, though :(
Anybody find this in Melbourne?
Called this morning, some in Waverley Gardens and Fountain Gate but best to call in and check again. Managed to score one from my local HN after being rejected by Good guys.
Might see if I can track one down tomorrow.. Guess I'll go for the $65 Kogan machine if I have no luck.
Nice find clarky, thanks.
Be warned this machine has a history of problems and a very short life span. I was thinking of getting one until I did a Google search and gazed upon all the reviews.
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sunbeam-cafe-crema-ii.html…
Ah none left in Canberra.
As long as it makes 21 coffees before dying, than I am happy.
Thanks. Got one. Manual says it is a pod machine ?
Well compatible with some sort of pods anyway.
I threw mine after 1 year on the council collection kerb.
++ nice coffee for the price
— takes a significant long time to make the coffee and froth the milk. (horrible for making 2+ coffees)
— inconsistent coffee extract, some are great, others bad
— Annoying to clean parts
Total score, 35/100
@frostman
Surely the last two points could be said of most coffee machines?
Also there are many factors affecting the extract - even the simple skill of tamping the coffee down has a huge impact on the result.
The inconsistencies can be brought about by low (bar) pressure pumps too. This affects the extract before the tamping comes into place. lower end machines have lower pressure pumps as it matches the price.
Glen wavely and Doncaster have 1, call them to double check.
dont bother went ages ago
its down to $36 now. on phone with target trying to find stock
bankstown 3
rockdale 2
chatswood 2
griffith 2
hurstville 2
burwood 2
macarthur square with 2
have rang the following stores with no luck
Bankstown
Chatswood
Macarthur Square
Not looking good ….
Checked Brisbane stores…
Only 1 showed stock.
1800814788 looked up latest 2 day old stock report & put me through to store - but no stock. Phantom stock - possibly was a return, or sold in last 2 days.
Back to my $6 Lavazza pod machine.
Good price, but can anyone comment if the machine itself is any good?