Thoughts on coffee machines?

AlienC on 04/05/2019 - 13:24

Been thinking about trying a coffee machine.

I only really like creamy and chocolaty type coffee and drinks so cappuccino and hot chocolate etc.

Wondering what's a good reliable one.

Eyeing a cheap aldi one but thought to ask you guys what are some good coffee machines.

I will also be making vanilla milkshakes but using a blender and other ingredients but thought to add that in case I combine the two.

Ice cream coffee with hot chocolate anyone.

So what are your top recommendations for easy tasty coffee or should I stick to cheap cappuccino sachets from coles and Woolworths which are honestly not bad.

Food & Grocery Coffee Machine

Comments

  • EightImmortals on 04/05/2019 - 14:22

    We had a cheap Breville (couple of hundred bux)and it was OK. We upgraded to a small Lelit Italian machine and it was a step up in coffee quality. I have had to replace parts in it though after a couple of years and the temp indicator LED is fubared. Might try the Breville dual boiler next time for that sort of money. Just buy a cheapy and see how you go with it first up. But better yet, buy a decent grinder (Breville smart grinder)and some good beans (coffeesnobs or similar) and you WILL notice a much better coffee IMO. :)

  • PAOK11 on 04/05/2019 - 14:24
    -2

    it won't be a vanilla milkshake if it has coffee in it. My advice is don't get a manual machine, although it's cheaper to buy whole beans than pods the mess,time and work far outweighs the benefits.

    • owli on 04/05/2019 - 15:06
      -2

      I agree the time spent on manual machines does not make economical sense, I love the ritual though.

    • itevenhasawatermark on 05/05/2019 - 22:22
      +4

      Takes me 4 minutes from grind to wash to make a coffee on my HX machine. I still remember first upgrading from a pod machine and it felt like I’ve never had proper coffee until that point. The taste far outweighs the effort imo, along with being economical.

      • PAOK11 on 05/05/2019 - 22:45
        +2

        I don't think OP is looking to spend over 2k for a machine and another $300 on a smart grinder. Especially when they are somewhat pleased with moccona cappuccino satchels. I'm sure there are times when even you would like to press the button and be done with it

  • owli on 04/05/2019 - 15:05

    Rancilio Silvia

    • virginiagrant on 14/05/2019 - 19:17

      I use it also, a good choice

      • nformone on 22/05/2019 - 22:44

        I opened the thread to say exactly this. You can buy a Silvia used with a Rocky grinder very cheap and they produce a coffee every bit as good as the local cafes.

        And they last, mine is at least 10 years old.

  • barbarella on 04/05/2019 - 15:40
    +1

    I have had one of these for 5+yrs now and I am quite happy with it:
    https://www.betta.com.au/breville-bes250-coffee-machine-espr…
    I have plenty of time to make my coffee, so it doesn't matter that it is not a speedy way to make good coffee. Also, I usually only have to make coffee for one person at a time - would be time consuming to do a few extras every time.
    But, a good grinder is also needed.

  • nubzy on 04/05/2019 - 17:44

    Get a good, entry level Italian machine. Lelit or Rancilio are both good choices. Pair it with a good grinder and you will be making great coffee. Aside from the Breville Dual Boiler, I would advise against appliance machines. Not designed to last, and the seals and other parts seem to wear out faster which eventually results in pressure loss and other problems. I would recommend head into Jet Black Espresso or Di Bartoli and exploring the range, the staff there are very helpful and will find the right machine for you.

  • AlienC on 05/05/2019 - 03:18

    How much am I looking at spending for the currently recommended ones.

    I want to buy something decent but it will be mostly used in a small office type situation so lots of people here and there but still maybe only a few cups max per day but basically not just me so might need to be simple to use and prone to abuse etc (if it was just me it would be taken care of perfectly and slowly but my housemates are rough and a bit careless with appliances and keeping a coffee machine to myself would be looked down upon in this house).

    So I need something good but also not too big and something not to hard to use but still economical.

    As for the milk shake I might just make a nice coffee / hot chocolate and then add to ice cream every now and then is maybe what I meant.

    But if there is something with a multi purpose function coffee machine / milk shake / thick shake appliance I might be interested is what I'm saying if it exists.

    • Dave Id on 05/05/2019 - 04:51

      Keep an eye out for Aldi's 15 bar machines which are usually $149 or less,as a starter and take it from there.

      I use a DeLonghi Dedica EC685 and a Breville BCG820BSS grinder.Got good prices on both at the time, ~ $280 for both from Amazon.(More like $500 right now).

      • AlienC on 05/05/2019 - 05:00

        Ok so the one that is around $89 is not worth getting the coffee pods ones?

        I was looking at that because they were like 33 cents a pod or something not as cheap as 10-15 cents for sachets but if they are miles better I might buy one

        • Dave Id on 05/05/2019 - 06:21

          Not really my cup of tea :)

          Might be worth a go though.

          The ones that use a portafilter are my preference.

          Foot in the right direction toward decent coffee.

  • barbarella on 05/05/2019 - 10:11

    In your situation (as you explained above) I would stick to the coffee sachets (Moccona 'strong' are good). House mates will never look after/clean your coffee machine properly and it will just be a nightmare.

    • AlienC on 05/05/2019 - 14:00
      -1

      Reading about having to maintain it and clean it and descale it (idk even know what that is) yeah I might stick to the simple stuff.

      Plus the kitchen space is getting smaller so need to really pick only useful constantly used items like the microwave, kettle and toaster (which I need to find a new one).

      • Dave Id on 05/05/2019 - 15:15

        You make it sound like a countertop sarpa salpa farm :)

  • ibelynn on 05/05/2019 - 12:11
    +2

    When I first started out looking at espresso machines, I went to the site " coffeesnobs dot com dot au ", I learnt a lot of info at this website, they have forums etc, they also have used machines and coffee grinders for sales too, in excellent condition, also fresh coffee to order and delivered next day. Looked at video's on how to use and clean them them etc. I have a "Rocket" espresso machine.
    These machines also need regular cleaning and descaling. A fair bit of work involved.
    Research, Research, and decide if these type machines are what you are after.
    Good Luck !

    • Cheapskate Mate on 08/05/2019 - 14:57

      I also have the Rocket, pricy but money well spent especially if you add up 2-3 coffees a day if you were to buy from a coffee shop. Plus you get excellent coffee the way you want it. Now that i have one i would not buy another machine sub the 2k mark.

  • kronicmacstigator on 27/05/2019 - 13:22

    I'd go a good milk frother like the Breville if you wanted to do milkshakes as well.

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