Hi everyone, I'm looking for a coffee machine that doesn't use pods (not sure what they're called really). I've nothing against the pods. I just want to be able to use the coffee grounds in my garden afterwards and can't be bothered emptying each individual pod out. I've never owned one before and the range that's on the market is making my head spin so I'm looking for other peoples experiences. My budget is around 200-300. Is it possible to find a decent machine for that price? Maybe even including the grinder? Thank you in advance for your input.
Good and cheap coffee machine for under $300?
Lsonia le on 24/08/2015 - 12:51
Comments
Have a look at this http://www.ebay.com.au/rpp/treat20/rp-fathers-pr-the-foodie/…
With this deal
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/208273If you are able to stretch your budget a bit further this is a excellent combo
I'd put in a vote for the aeropress. For the machine in that price range, I'd go for the basic Sunbeam cafe crema EM4820. I've had this and the Breville and both are great, but the Sunbeam is just a bit easier to use.
For the grinder it is difficult if you're on a budget. Just try to ensure you get a conical burr grinder. I've heard good things about the sunbeam EM0480 but haven't used it. My vario one is probably out of your price range but if you can splurge, it's great.A good electric grinder is probably going to set you back at least $199 (Look up the history of the Breville Smart Grinder deals here). You can get Sunbeam ones for cheaper, but they're not as good. As brownbag says, make sure you get a conical burr one.
The other option is to get a hand grinder - if you don't mind a bit of manual work :)
I've never used an aeropress, but a few barista's I know use them themselves at home (and no, they weren't trying to sell me one at the time). I think a lot of places sell it in a kit with a little hand grinder.
Thought I'd chime in here..
I was racking my brain looking for a decent upgrade from the pod machines and I ended up grabbing a Saeco Odea Giro Plus Espresso Machine (https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-odea-giro-plus-espre…).
I bought mine for $150 off a local gumtree seller, then paid a serviceman $70 to perform a full clean, checkup and service.
2 years on, it's still going strong - I can make a variety of coffee types and use whatever beans I like.
Thanks for all your help guys. I like a good mug of coffee in the morning. A friend is going to lend me her machine so I'll see how I go with it :)
FWIW I've been watching my mates use aeropresses for the last 2 yrs and finally got my own to use at work. Takes a couple of days to get used to but is very easy to use! Much better than instant, not quite an espresso, but close!