Beginner Machine?

ksknnr · 02-05-2020, 03:05 PM

I have been thinking about buying a cappuccino/espresso machine. I found a few on Amazon for like 75-100 bucks to start out with, anyone have any suggestions, or warnings?
thanks

mosesbotbol · 02-05-2020, 06:00 PM

I would advise not buying one at anything near that price. Espresso machines are expensive and for a reason.

Do you have a quality burr grinder?

CigarNut · 02-05-2020, 06:14 PM

I opted for Nespresso and the capsule route. They offer a good variety of flavors and the machines make a great espresso. It’s a good compromise between regular coffee and a full blown espresso machine, grinder, etc. We used to have all the gear and downsized to the Nespresso. We’re very happy.

mosesbotbol · 02-06-2020, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I opted for Nespresso and the capsule route. They offer a good variety of flavors and the machines make a great espresso. It’s a good compromise between regular coffee and a full blown espresso machine, grinder, etc. We used to have all the gear and downsized to the Nespresso. We’re very happy.

That's a good alternate and you should be able to find used Nespresso items on CL.

https://boston.craigslist.org/search...resso&sort=rel

BigAsh · 02-06-2020, 07:31 AM

I've had a Nespresso for years and love it...don't drink espresso that often to warrant a full blown maker....quick, easy and makes a great espresso in my opinion

ksknnr · 02-06-2020, 08:04 AM

I was looking at Nespresso also, I think that is the route I will go, thanks for the input gents

CigarNut · 02-06-2020, 09:49 PM

There are two kinds of Nespresso machines: original and virtueo (or something like that). The original capsules are labeled to indicate what kind of shot — you need to look at the capsule to know how much espresso to make (ristretto, espresso or lungo— short, espresso or long shots). The lungo is supposed to be more “coffee-like”, but with crema.

Most Original machines have two buttons — one for espresso and one for lungo.

The virtuo line pods are encoded, so the machine will automatically do the right thing (although you can overrride).

We have an Original and like it a lot. The original capsules are cheaper than the virtuo.

You can also find 3rd party capsules; Costco carries Peet’s coffee capsules at a fantasitic price. I like the Peet’s, but they do leak a little bit (inside the machine), so the catch tray needs to be checked more frequently.

02-05-2020, 03:05 PM	#1
ksknnr Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2012 First Name: Kevin Location: MA Posts: 520 Trading: (13)	Beginner Machine? I have been thinking about buying a cappuccino/espresso machine. I found a few on Amazon for like 75-100 bucks to start out with, anyone have any suggestions, or warnings? thanks __________________

02-05-2020, 06:00 PM	#2
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Beginner Machine? I would advise not buying one at anything near that price. Espresso machines are expensive and for a reason. Do you have a quality burr grinder? __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

02-05-2020, 06:14 PM	#3
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Beginner Machine? I opted for Nespresso and the capsule route. They offer a good variety of flavors and the machines make a great espresso. It’s a good compromise between regular coffee and a full blown espresso machine, grinder, etc. We used to have all the gear and downsized to the Nespresso. We’re very happy. __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

02-06-2020, 07:31 AM	#5
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Re: Beginner Machine? I've had a Nespresso for years and love it...don't drink espresso that often to warrant a full blown maker....quick, easy and makes a great espresso in my opinion __________________ Keith

02-06-2020, 08:04 AM	#6
ksknnr Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2012 First Name: Kevin Location: MA Posts: 520 Trading: (13)	Re: Beginner Machine? I was looking at Nespresso also, I think that is the route I will go, thanks for the input gents __________________

02-06-2020, 09:49 PM	#7
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Beginner Machine? There are two kinds of Nespresso machines: original and virtueo (or something like that). The original capsules are labeled to indicate what kind of shot — you need to look at the capsule to know how much espresso to make (ristretto, espresso or lungo— short, espresso or long shots). The lungo is supposed to be more “coffee-like”, but with crema. Most Original machines have two buttons — one for espresso and one for lungo. The virtuo line pods are encoded, so the machine will automatically do the right thing (although you can overrride). We have an Original and like it a lot. The original capsules are cheaper than the virtuo. You can also find 3rd party capsules; Costco carries Peet’s coffee capsules at a fantasitic price. I like the Peet’s, but they do leak a little bit (inside the machine), so the catch tray needs to be checked more frequently. __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.