You can get a lot more bang for your buck with a hand grinder, and lots of them can be modified to run with an electric screwdriver, so you don't have to turn it by hand.
lowsound
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Just upped my coffee game again
- Thread starter DigMe
- Start date
You can get a lot more bang for your buck with a hand grinder, and lots of them can be modified to run with an electric screwdriver, so you don't have to turn it by hand.
lowsound
I recommend a La Pavoni Europiccola, but they have a learning curve and you have to really love the art of espresso. They are definitely not a machine for someone looking to push a couple buttons and get a shot quickly.
It took some time for the wife and I to get good with ours, but now we absolutely love it. We found an old one from the 70's on craigslist for a couple hundred bucks.
-Mike
It took some time for the wife and I to get good with ours, but now we absolutely love it. We found an old one from the 70's on craigslist for a couple hundred bucks.
-Mike
I love coffee and I love good coffee, but I'm addicted to caffeinne so I don't get fussy about my everyday coffee; I drink it even lukewarm.
I wouldn't have a problem with it. In some cases, you'll end up with a better product.
Since we were talking grinders earlier, I'll put a word in for the one we use, a Baratza Vario. Great company run by people with a real passion for coffee. A small rock got in ours and tore the burrs up. I gave them a call. After talking coffee for an hour, they sent me new burrs and an upgraded motor.
-Mike
Since we were talking grinders earlier, I'll put a word in for the one we use, a Baratza Vario. Great company run by people with a real passion for coffee. A small rock got in ours and tore the burrs up. I gave them a call. After talking coffee for an hour, they sent me new burrs and an upgraded motor.
-Mike
Sorry to disappoint guys but I went cheap. I may get a grinder tho, but that will wait a bit. I'm still looking for a roommate and I may have to cover a few months solo so I need to control the expenses until I get a bit of security of that side.
No disappointment, we all have budgets. What did you go with?
With the right beans and technique you can coax a good shot out of almost any machine.
-Mike
With the right beans and technique you can coax a good shot out of almost any machine.
-Mike
Nice choice, excellent price. I'm sure it will do fine. The other option was nothing, so you're already ahead.
-Mike
-Mike
True! Finding a roommate for next year is proving itself to be a major PITA right now I hope I can get that sorted out quickly.
I have the same machine, it makes a decent espresso if you have a good grinder. The steamer takes a bit to warm up enough, but not a big deal. You can take the outer sleeve off of the steamer wand, then you don't have to worry about the little hole that is in it that is supposed to help beginners steam milk, but just makes it harder.
lowsound
lowsound
Good to know, thanks! Do you find the pressurized porta to be a problem? Some mentioned it was an issue on the way to a great espresso. A grinder is definitely on my "to-buy" list but not close to the top right now. I have some furniture and small appliances to buy before I can get to the "hobby" part of the list and get myself a few vinyl and a grinder 
Good to know, thanks! Do you find the pressurized porta to be a problem? Some mentioned it was an issue on the way to a great espresso. A grinder is definitely on my "to-buy" list but not close to the top right now. I have some furniture and small appliances to buy before I can get to the "hobby" part of the list and get myself a few vinyl and a grinder
I have never used the pressurized porta, so I can't comment on it. You would be doing well to buy a hand grinder like the Hario Mini (http://prima-coffee.com/grinder/hario-coffee-grinder-mini-mill-slim) which is super cheap and is good enough to produce very good quality espresso. If you want, you could even attach a drill to make it a none hand grinder and to grind faster.
lowsound
Sorry, I misunderstood you on the pressurized porta. It works well, but I have had it blow grounds all over when taking it off a few times. Usually when I have pulled 5+ shots in a row. I haven't found any sort of indication of when this will happen.
lowsound
Gotcha!
I might pull the trigger on this instead of the hario when time comes:
http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=13563{4}8
I might pull the trigger on this instead of the hario when time comes:
http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=13563{4}8
How are you liking the machine?
If anyone is ever in Kitchener/Waterloo area and you want fantastic coffee, check out Death Valley's Little Brother (Link Removed). Best coffee that I have ever had in my life.
lowsound
If anyone is ever in Kitchener/Waterloo area and you want fantastic coffee, check out Death Valley's Little Brother (Link Removed). Best coffee that I have ever had in my life.
lowsound
It's pretty good so far, no problems and it pulls good shots. I'm still in need of a grinder tho.
