Hi all the pros here..getting poisoned deep deep
So lets say it I wanna get a semi auto (kinda first timer - have a ENA3 collecting dust in storeroom)
Look through unwanted MO, got a slight inclination towards Brezza (Cos its Italian made).
Consumption not high,probably 1 cup a day or less only 3-4 on weekends, not worried about the ROI and stuff. Will probably be making more milk based as my 6 yr old like cappuccino.
I have a few unanswered questions hope to get some help here.
58mm Proprietry vs 61mm group head any major diff for first timer.
Grinder choice very new to this, since previous is a all in one ENA.
And lastly wat accessories do I need to get of the machine to work out a budget about 3k in all?
THnx alot
I'm selfishly tempted to advice u to get a slayer, bosco, londinium, versuvius, gs3, hydra, musica or cremina so you can share with us your 1st hand inputs on a machine i think none of us here have. (so I may consider buying it for a future purchase.
)
But seriously I think with your budget alot of options are open to you. may even want to consider 2nd hand market as alot of bros here may want to sell away some stuff after acquiring new ones.
If u are just making one espresso a day I'll say just get a single boiler PID. If steaming to make more milk drinks is important to you then get a HX at least. Test out the demo machines so that u know which machine are u most comfortable with. SOme machines are 4 hole, some 2 hole some 1 hole tip and they all need slightly different techniques to get the best results. Most higher end ones can change the tips but its good to know which one will initially gets u the best results.
For noobs, personally I feel the vendor who offers u the best intro or demo to their machine, lots of hands on and instructional on how to use and maintain it properly and reliable after sales service takes the cake rather than one that offers the cheapest or fanciest machine. (hint hint to all vendors out there).
If you are already comfy with basic espresso brewing then u can delve into the minutiae of the different machines. There are differences even between similar looking e61 machines and to me I feel they are significant but of course you are free to disagree.
For grinder i would say get at least a 58mm burr size. It may not be the bigger burr size per se that gets better results but generally bigger burr set means a more pro level grinder with commercial level motor and other quality parts that should last longer. I used a delonghi first and upgraded to a rocky, a compak k3t and now using a HG one. I'll buy a HG one again in a heartbeat if its broken but i'll never go back to the other grinders i've used before. I feel i'm able to get more consistency with the HG one and waste less grounds but your needs might dictate that you get an electric to make more drinks and grind faster for your kids waiting to go to school.
I've not heard of a 61mm filter basket. Maybe u are refering to the e61 groupheap. 58mm is the most common while the smaller ones are found esp on lever machines.
Gd luck!
