Anybody use a "STRONG" espresso machine?

[thoc]

They look solid, and are not badly priced. So has anyone tried one of them? thanks k

 

[John P]

when it comes to espresso machines, you get what you pay for.
I'll leave it at that.

 

[thoc]

Hey thanks John, have you used one? it's looking like either a Brasilia Portafino or a Rancillo Class 8 at the moment.

The La Cimbali people in the midwest (King Coffee) are far too flakey for me to even consider them anymore.

Thanks again!!

 

[John P]

I don't have to eat at Jack in the Box to know it's cr@p.

As I see it:

Top Tier: LaMarzocco, Synesso, Mistral

Very Good: Nuova Simonelli, Cimbali, possibly Brasilia and Conti (NS probably best of this bunch) These are excellent HX machines, for those who prefer HX machines.

Good: Faema --- Very good if you understand the nuances of the E61 grouphead, Elecktra, Astoria, and (maybe) a few others.

Please God Don't: Astra, Klub, and any brand that no one's heard of.

Most important is 24/7 availability of service and parts.
Quality of build to eliminate need for the above.
Quality and consistency of espresso it produces.

The best machines will last 15-20+ years without any major problems.

 

[thoc]

Thanks again John! I appreciate the help greatly

I'm going to look at a Brasilia New in box but old stock from 2005.

I was just talking to a local this morning and his wife used to manage a Starbucks, and their friend owns the place. He said he's pretty sure they still have the Marzocco machines in the basement that were replaced by super-autos they use now. I'm hoping to get a look this weekend.

Ken

 

[John P]

Ken,

be wary that the LM's from Starbucks will need a bit of work, I would recommend having a tech look at it before you make a purchase, but you can probably get a 10-12K machine for $4k or less.