Hello :)

[celeste.koay]

From normal drip coffee machine to the so-called entry level Nescafe Dolce Gusto. With the latter mentioned machine, I find that it's inflexible to adjust the intensity of the espresso and milk froth manually myself so I am ready now to move on to a real espresso machine.

Each day I need my shots of coffee whether at home, work or even on-the-go. Going up to at least 5 shots of espresso now and have been contributing to berjaya quite a fair bit during work days. Now I am thinking of investing in a proper manual espresso machine so I can achieve the perfect cup even at home, for myself and entertaining guests. I am still a newbie in this but I am so so so glad to find this forum!

Still contemplating for a Delonghi ec270 or a saeco hd8325, although Gaggia Baby Twin is definitely my dream machine at the moment but pricing wise, I am not sure if I should invest so much yet. Can anyone share your experience/thoughts. Delonghi or Saeco or save the initial investment and get a proper one?

[hxleong215]

Hi, if you can, always invest in a proper machine, that way u won't be hit by upgrade-titis and also these machines do have second hand value. Try and test a Rancillio Silvia, Nuova Simonelli Oscar or  Gaggia, those range are decent starting ones.

Not that De Longhi is bad, can still pull decent shots but you gotta know what you're getting and just be happy with it. Had a De Longhi for few years myself.

The unfortunate thing is the price is higher coz there is a hefty tax on home machines.

[joshua]

When you are 'ready' for 'better' and 'dream' machines, then the money spent on previous ones all wasted :p

[kkyoon]

If you are drinking 5 shots a day then it looks like your seriously into espresso...

The grinder is as important as the machine ( or even more ) , so I would suggest starting with considering which grinder to get. There's a pretty long thread about grinders in the hardware section.

[Leon]

Hi in my own opinion, all the machine's stated are good enough for starters. But the only drawback would be the passion to make 1 cup of espresso when you have to do the whole process starting from grinding and tamping compare to the 1 touch button.

Actually I'm quite a heavy coffee drinker and I understand that making one and instanly drinking one is different. Actually I have Gaggia Baby Twin and Brera. So I can make comparison for both machines.

[PatPelindung]

I was at same dilemma 7 years ago. Was about to buy a Ranchilio Sylvia but luckily my mate in oz has a brother in-law who is importer of ECM and he is willing to give me a family price. Luckily Wifey agree to the Giotto as we went through multiple upgrades when we started the tea hobby. Long story short, we never regret the decision, no major upgrade and we are pulling great shots everyday. I think the Sylvia is minimum if you are serious drinker. Sylvia and Rocky is good combo. Of course freshly roasted beans is also important.  When you have beans 3-10 days old...anybody can make great espresso.