new espresso machine but which one!?

[pewe101]

hi

i want to buy a new "espresso machine".
I found the DeLonghi ESAM 4200 S Magnifica and the DeLonghi ESAM 4400 Magnifica at the i-net.
Why is the price difference so big?
Has anybody made good experiances with one of these machines and can help me?
Thanks!

Greetings Chris

 

[shadow745]

To be honest neither is going to be great. Autos and super autos just don't get much respect and they shouldn't.... They do offer convenience and repeatability, but that's it. They might save time, but surely require cleaning and maintenance just like anything else. Most use some type of thermoblock heating system and they do not crank out the required temperature and pressure needed for great espresso. Most are also limited in how much they can be adjusted.

I'd recommend a good semi-auto machine and grinder. Might be more time consuming, but you will be rewarded with much better coffee.

Go to youtube and watch some of the videos with autos and super autos and look at the crap they produce. Later!

 

[miatagirl]

If you are a true coffee enthusiast, a semi auto is better...and cheaper! But for me, I don't have much time in the mornings, I have 2 toddlers and a husband who demand breakfast and other things, so a super automatic is absolutely wonderful in my situation. It's fast, easy and there's minimal cleanup. I bought a Saeco Odeo Giro-refurbished and love it. It puts out a decent cup of esspresso, latte, or long coffee, whatever you want, and has some cool features. Although I would prefer a different frothing wand, everything else is pretty good. It also puts out a good crema, similar to my older semi-automatic.