Comments on: A Renewed Focus on Traditional Espresso Machines?

By: Mark T Campbell

Mark T Campbell — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 23:12:18 +0000

I have had an infuser for seven or eight years, it pulls great consistent shots. For the money it’s a great machine. Breville has had decent support and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Breville; however, it won’t be a automated unit. I’d spend a bit more to gain more control rather than be tied to what the machine does by default.

By: Eric Zamir

Eric Zamir — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 20:42:29 +0000

I use a Bezzera BZ40 – no dual boiler, but that has never been a real issue – the small (3.7 liter) brass boiler has two heating elements, and there’s never a shortage or steam or pressure. I steam while extracting, no issues. It’s a thermoblock, the machine is easy to maintain – it has industrial grade components in a small package, hooked up to water and drainage. The parts are easily accessed and replaced, both the O-rings in the grouphead, and the pressostat inside, which is easy to adjust.
My only issue is that the styling is totally 70’s brutal.
If I were buying today… it’s hard to imagine what I’d pick, although the veteran Cimbali, and the Vivaldi would be in the running. Marzocco is nice, but pricey. I’d be curious to know what other “old-fashioned” workhorses people would recommend.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 18:19:29 +0000

I didn’t know their was a downside to the thermojet on my Barista Pro and I am not sure most of the things the snob end of espresso culture seem into matter much, so it has enough adjustability for what does seem to matter to me. They’ve been around for 500 bucks at homegoods. Just great stuff like a golden age of these machines.

By: Cath

Cath — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:11:51 +0000

In reply to B. So far the only replacement I would have for my Barista Express is another. I want simple, reliable and fancy free (as in I don't want fancy screens and computers). My BES has given me 9 years of great coffees. It really isn't that hard to learn how to pull a good shot. And the process becomes part of the experience.

By: mete

mete — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 03:47:14 +0000

After 4 months of searching for a simple traditional machine for myself I ahd to go with the infuser. I dont think there are any options at the same price range for people that are casuals but like meddling manually with their machines like me. I bought the infuser 2 months ago from Amazon for AUD $350, that was the only place that it was available. Had to send it to service though due insanely high pressure pump, which is a bummer, even though they slappe “9 Bar extraction with OPV” everywhere on the box. Dont think they going to fix it and i am gonna left with returning the machine back..

By: John

John — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 23:50:45 +0000

I have a Bezzera 10. It is a straightforward simple espresso machine that just works well. One minor repair in 8 years for a blown relay. Makes a perfect espresso and the wand foams milk quickly and effectively. No excess buttons required

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 23:02:36 +0000

I bought a Gaggia fully automated espresso machine. It was about $1k in price. It was the worst tasting espresso I have ever consumed. Automatic espresso machines are not for discerning espresso lovers. In fact, I returned my because it actually turned me off to espresso. I was even using very high end expensive beans. Didn’t help at all. If you don’t care what the quality of your espresso is, then you will save a ton of money by just getting the $70 espresso machine from Walmart because the quality is comparable.

By: Mark Prince

Mark Prince — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:56:40 +0000

In reply to Ofer. In my view, the Meraki looks great on paper, but also relies on a lot of "digital" to get things done, which is a bit of a concern; for instance, you can't operate the grinder manually, it is all through the display pane. I'll be curious to see what the machine is like once it gets out of prototype stage and is actually for sale and getting into consumer hands.

By: Ofer

Ofer — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 02:53:57 +0000

What about Meraki (link omitted) you can still control everything but easier?

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:03:01 +0000

While I completely agree with the sentiment of the article – it resonates very much with my wishes – I wonder whether it is targeted at the wrong company. Breville’s MO is all about automation and appealing to customers who want convenience. Personally, I look to other companies to supply the ultimate home barista’s perfect machine.