What is the best espresso machine for me

[rock18567]

I have a custom grinder hamilton beach. I use it for espresso and mochas

I like you

[imarketd]

So far the Starbucks Verismo I bought a few weeks ago is working great! I love that the taste - even though not exactly equal to the one you get at the stores - is about 97% close to the real deal. I love the feeling of waking up in the morning, putting in one of the pods, and making a delicious espresso. The machine looks great and makes wonderful espresso and coffee. The milk pod is also really great and an innovation for Starbucks. It's really the best deal I could find out there, just $200. Here's a page that talks about all the pros (and more importantly the negatives!) of buying the Starbucks Verismo: Starbucks Verismo Reviews

[NathansCoffeeRoasting]

Nice try Starbucks rep! (6 posts, joined 2 days ago, all posts mentioning Starbucks)

[PinkRose]

It's either that or he really, really, really loves his Verismo

[CuppaCoffee]

How about the La Pavoni line, specifically the La Pavoni Napolitana Stainless Steel Automatic Espresso Machine. You won't be breaking the bank but you will be getting a fantastic great quality product for the money you spend. Most reviews I've read on this product talk about the years this machine has lasted them. Also has some great features.

[Ricpac]

maybe you all could recommend a grinder before throwing a machine up? i have learned that the grinder is more important than anything in the coffee process.

[gonzo45]

I have the la pavoni pc-16, and while it has some amazing attributes, it also has its drawbacks. while it is a very handsome machine, in addition to be robust and easy to repair, it has shortcomings such as the lack of a three way valve, which can make follow up shots difficult and it may sneeze at you. also, the grouphead gets very hot, effecting the follow up shots. it is great for making yourself a drink, but becomes troublesome if you want to make drinks for several people.

[gonzo45]

whatever you get, make sure to budget a decent burr grinder.

[shadow745]

I have the la pavoni pc-16, and while it has some amazing attributes, it also has its drawbacks. while it is a very handsome machine, in addition to be robust and easy to repair, it has shortcomings such as the lack of a three way valve, which can make follow up shots difficult and it may sneeze at you. also, the grouphead gets very hot, effecting the follow up shots. it is great for making yourself a drink, but becomes troublesome if you want to make drinks for several people.

Lack of a 3-way solenoid can be a blessing as that's one less thing to clog and/or require maintenance. Although it's best to wait 1 minute~ for pressure to dissipate, you can try this... slowly raise the lever while slowly unlocking the portafilter. It shouldn't take much upward movement to accomplish this and it should release the vacuum on the puck without causing a mess. That's what I did with my manual lever often and it worked well.

Levers can heat up with consecutive shots, but you can run the portafilter under cool water between shots or place a wet towel over the group between shots. Either method will help pull a bit of heat out of the group/portafilter, therefore dropping the brew temperature down several degrees.

[PinkRose]

and it may sneeze at you.

I knew what you meant, but I still had to laugh!

Rose