Seattle Coffee Gear has select Stone Espresso Machines on sale for $999.97 - 10% when you apply discount code REKSKJSD via checkout = $899.98 aach. Shipping is free.
Thanks to Deal Hunter Navy-Wife for sharing this deal.
Available (price after code REKSKJSD applied via checkout):
This collaborative space allows users to contribute additional information, tips, and insights to enhance the original deal post. Feel free to share your knowledge and help fellow shoppers make informed decisions.
Seattle Coffee Gear has select Stone Espresso Machines on sale for $999.97 - 10% when you apply discount code REKSKJSD via checkout = $899.98 aach. Shipping is free.
Thanks to Deal Hunter Navy-Wife for sharing this deal.
Available (price after code REKSKJSD applied via checkout):
Breville Bambino uses thermoblock, so it heats up water as it flows.
where as boiler machine heats up a pot of water. so it requires more energy, and therefor time.
but thermoblock has its issues, lots of issues if you aim for perfection: the temperature coming out of the thermoblock is inversely proportional to the speed of the flow. if you have a perfect flow, e,g, around 27 seconds for 1:2 ratio, then it works wonders, but if you flow differs, say it is bit too fast, then not only you take the penalty of under extraction due to fast flow, but also much lower temperature. so instead of be able to fix two variables out of three (grind size, temperature, time) and fine tune your drink one variable at a time, you are now moving two variables at the same time. this is extremely hard to do if you want consistent good taste of light roast coffee.
you don't have to take my word for it, got yourself a thermometer and test the water out of the Bambino (or anyother thermoblock machine), turn it on and just see the number jumps from 95 to 80 in no time. you would be lucky to have 15ml of water at desired temperature before it fluctuates
i personally have/had espresso machine priced from 200 dollar to 4000 dollars, i think the single most improvement one can do as far as espresso machine is concerned is to move to dual boiler with PID (so you do milk based drink much faster and better). but this been a HX at this price is probably as good as it goes. i won't mind getting it if i were to throw away my current setup
Personally I think the Bambino's 10 second heat up time is a gimmick because the portafilter is still cold. The water might be hot but my extraction is going to suck if the group robs all the heat away.
Because that's not the whole story. 10 minutes means the entire system gets up to temperature, including the relatively large steam boiler, the group, and the portafilter. All this equates to impressively stable brewing temperatures and great steaming performance. No need to preheat the portafilter, and the water temperature coming out of the group is much more consistent, check out Kaffeemacher's review on youtube. It also goes without saying that the stone is extremely serviceable and can be maintained to run indefinitely. Sadly Breville still does not provide parts for their machines, and they are a pain to service the internals. I personally think this thing is a steal, and pretty handsome in person. I own the Lite version, in addition to a La Marzocco GS3, and I admittedly use this machine much more often, with extremely similar results.
For ~$900, one could get a Turin Legato espresso machine with PID, a DF54 grinder, and a bunch of accessories (tampers, knock box, cups...) and still have $$ left over for coffee.
For anyone who likes steamed milk drinks, a thermoblock is invariably a source of disappointment. Been there, done that many times. I ultimately had to spend a lot of money to get a machine that could produce good microfoam.
Genuinely curious and just learning about coffee making, can someone explain why coffee machines are so expensive and how various technical specs (and costs) are actually related to various qualities of a good cup of coffee?
Creating a good quality cup of coffee involves many factors, starting with the skill level of the barista. Like any other craft, your skill is the most important aspect, and for coffee, the learning curve can be quite steep.
Apart from skill, the most significant factor in making good coffee is using freshly roasted beans. No matter how good your machine is, store-bought coffee will always lead to subpar espresso. Freshly roasted coffee is essential.
Next, the grinder plays a crucial role. The more uniform the grind, the better the quality of the espresso. The espresso machine is certainly important, but it comes last in the hierarchy of factors.
Now, focusing on the equipment: you can make an equally good cup of coffee with a standard machine like the Bambino compared to this entry-level prosumer machine. What these higher-end machines offer over entry-level models are numerous quality-of-life features, such as:
The ability to steam and brew simultaneously.
The capability to maintain a constant temperature, which is critical for a good cup.
Higher steaming power
A more aesthetically pleasing design, among other features.
And why these machines are so expensive, mostly because these are high-precision machines made with high-quality materials. A good espresso machine can last for more than 10 years with proper maintenance. Being a niche product also contributes to their higher cost, as they cater to a specific market willing to invest in premium coffee equipment.
If you want a tradition e61 with excellent build quality, ease of repair, wiring neatness, and quality control, look into the ECM Synchronika.
How are people comparing a 900 bucks deal to an almost 3000 machines?
Nothing against you personally but the discussions going on in this thread is very interesting to say to least.
For example, how are people even comparing single boilers and thermoblock to HX? Is the workflow even comparable? The point of HX is it doesn't cost as much as dual boiler but technically allows you to steam drinks with good power very fast and efficiently back to back, which a single boiler or bambino cannot do.
The real concerns I have for this machine is the real of lack high quality reviewers out there testing this machine.
I have a Quick Mill Vetrano Dual Boiler PID which is on the upper range of the E61 machines.
There's this perception these machines are high quality but honestly, they are not. They look great but if one looks at the metal work carefully the quality control (fabrication, welding, fit and finish) is awful. The "electronics" inside are a kludge of wires and connectors with an off-the-shelf PID just bolted on. I opened mine up to install a shorter 20A line cord and just looking at it gave me a headache.
That all said... the E61 designs have been tweaked over the years so they've hammered out the problems. Parts are easy to come by and there are lots of maintenance instructions available online.
I'm keeping an eye on Odyssey Espresso, which I think is great engineering. They just need to hammer out the production issues and scale the volume.
ya. those machines are polished to a shine on the outside but not much to say for the craftsmanship if you ever open one up. (honestly i don't give a crap about electronic stuff made in italy, if anything, i think those are overpriced for the quality it produces)
my Evo 2B had some just the wildest assembly issues such as... they put the silicon gasket in the water tank the wrong way that causes a slow leak. or that some of the wiring aren't fixed in place, or the noise dampening pad isn't glued properly. i also had to replace the pressure gauge as it was broken right off the bat. i think i have completely dissembled my system no less than 2 times.
but if you go with, say Breville (which i also had), you will be presented a different problem: it is all plastic inside, open the machines for parts replacements (solenoid pump have a finite life span) are pain in the ass because those machines are not meant to be serviceable.
so at the end, i tent to stick with a machine that i can fix. I would actually want to get the parts and build one myself, so i know everything is put in right.
Last edited by seanleeforever July 26, 2024 at 02:19 PM.
The best value in a "real" espresso machine is the Bezzera BZ10, it makes great lattes.
It does not have, however, an E61 group head for those who care.
I would go for profitec go. Physical easy use of Pid, easy opv control, and profitec is sister company of ECM(major brand in espresso machine). I don't get why people go crazy on E61 this price range. I think PID is much more important than E61 this price range. And Please do not compare this kind machine with bambino or express.
Last edited by Pericope July 26, 2024 at 05:30 PM.
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The best value in a "real" espresso machine is the Bezzera BZ10, it makes great lattes.
It does not have, however, an E61 group head for those who care.
Great machine, but for the price I would find one with a PID
I am no dummy, but after reading through this entire thread I am still not sure if I should even consider this one, let alone buy it. 🙂 No like, really...
I am no dummy, but after reading through this entire thread I am still not sure if I should even consider this one, let alone buy it. 🙂 No like, really...
A grand is a lot of money to spend on an unknown in the coffee world...it would be better spent on the known value of a good machine, that has the features and workflow you desire. Unfortunately, it costs a lot of time and money to discover exactly what you desire..but that IS part of the journey.
Last edited by alphawave July 26, 2024 at 04:53 PM.
I am no dummy, but after reading through this entire thread I am still not sure if I should even consider this one, let alone buy it. No like, really...
The only way I'd buy this is if I could return it within 30 days without too much hassle and cost. If you buy it and it's crap, you will not be able to resell it without a big loss for the same reasons they are having difficulty selling it new.
BTW I bought a used Londinium L1 a few years back for exactly $1000. Buying a used known-good machine locally could be a better bet.
nah, because labor cost. if you buy Chinese brand, it is 50%+ cheaper but very high quality and performance.
Quote
from Nm4223
:
Creating a good quality cup of coffee involves many factors, starting with the skill level of the barista. Like any other craft, your skill is the most important aspect, and for coffee, the learning curve can be quite steep.
Apart from skill, the most significant factor in making good coffee is using freshly roasted beans. No matter how good your machine is, store-bought coffee will always lead to subpar espresso. Freshly roasted coffee is essential.
Next, the grinder plays a crucial role. The more uniform the grind, the better the quality of the espresso. The espresso machine is certainly important, but it comes last in the hierarchy of factors.
Now, focusing on the equipment: you can make an equally good cup of coffee with a standard machine like the Bambino compared to this entry-level prosumer machine. What these higher-end machines offer over entry-level models are numerous quality-of-life features, such as:
The ability to steam and brew simultaneously.
The capability to maintain a constant temperature, which is critical for a good cup.
Higher steaming power
A more aesthetically pleasing design, among other features.
And why these machines are so expensive, mostly because these are high-precision machines made with high-quality materials. A good espresso machine can last for more than 10 years with proper maintenance. Being a niche product also contributes to their higher cost, as they cater to a specific market willing to invest in premium coffee equipment.
The only way I'd buy this is if I could return it within 30 days without too much hassle and cost. If you buy it and it's crap, you will not be able to resell it without a big loss for the same reasons they are having difficulty selling it new.
I wouldn't buy this because it has no PID, no E61, no OPV valve (only pressurestat for any sort of brew pressure adjustment), and no pre-infusion/flow control whatsoever..just an on/off switch.
I wouldn't buy this because it has no PID, no E61, no OPV valve (only pressurestat for any sort of brew pressure adjustment), and no pre-infusion/flow control whatsoever..just an on/off switch.
C'mon man, that's too much to ask for a $1K machine! This machine is not for someone looking for pre-infusion and flow control.
BTW, if you're an advocate for the E61 group, I'm guessing you're not as long and deep into this game as me. Flow control on the E61 is almost an oxymoron.
FYI I started from a lowly Krupps machine, spent many thousands up and down the range, and ended with a simple lever. It's a fun hobby that can last decades, but eventually I just wanted a good cup of coffee without the PhD thesis. Many people start and end with just wanting a good cup of coffee. This machine might be it, but without solid reviews, we can't know.
And please don't get pissy. I have no opinions I will not change immediately to avoid an argument.
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C'mon man, that's too much to ask for a $1K machine! This machine is not for someone looking for pre-infusion and flow control.
BTW, if you're an advocate for the E61 group, I'm guessing you're not as long and deep into this game as me. Flow control on the E61 is almost an oxymoron.
FYI I started from a lowly Krupps machine, spent many thousands up and down the range, and ended with a simple lever. It's a fun hobby that can last decades, but eventually I just wanted a good cup of coffee without the PhD thesis. Many people start and end with just wanting a good cup of coffee. This machine might be it, but without solid reviews, we can't know.
And please don't get pissy. I have no opinions I will not change immediately to avoid an argument.
U can get pid and opv valve on profitec go.
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where as boiler machine heats up a pot of water. so it requires more energy, and therefor time.
but thermoblock has its issues, lots of issues if you aim for perfection: the temperature coming out of the thermoblock is inversely proportional to the speed of the flow. if you have a perfect flow, e,g, around 27 seconds for 1:2 ratio, then it works wonders, but if you flow differs, say it is bit too fast, then not only you take the penalty of under extraction due to fast flow, but also much lower temperature. so instead of be able to fix two variables out of three (grind size, temperature, time) and fine tune your drink one variable at a time, you are now moving two variables at the same time. this is extremely hard to do if you want consistent good taste of light roast coffee.
you don't have to take my word for it, got yourself a thermometer and test the water out of the Bambino (or anyother thermoblock machine), turn it on and just see the number jumps from 95 to 80 in no time. you would be lucky to have 15ml of water at desired temperature before it fluctuates
i personally have/had espresso machine priced from 200 dollar to 4000 dollars, i think the single most improvement one can do as far as espresso machine is concerned is to move to dual boiler with PID (so you do milk based drink much faster and better). but this been a HX at this price is probably as good as it goes. i won't mind getting it if i were to throw away my current setup
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https://espressooutlet.
https://espressooutlet.
For anyone who likes steamed milk drinks, a thermoblock is invariably a source of disappointment. Been there, done that many times. I ultimately had to spend a lot of money to get a machine that could produce good microfoam.
Apart from skill, the most significant factor in making good coffee is using freshly roasted beans. No matter how good your machine is, store-bought coffee will always lead to subpar espresso. Freshly roasted coffee is essential.
Next, the grinder plays a crucial role. The more uniform the grind, the better the quality of the espresso. The espresso machine is certainly important, but it comes last in the hierarchy of factors.
Now, focusing on the equipment: you can make an equally good cup of coffee with a standard machine like the Bambino compared to this entry-level prosumer machine. What these higher-end machines offer over entry-level models are numerous quality-of-life features, such as:
- The ability to steam and brew simultaneously.
- The capability to maintain a constant temperature, which is critical for a good cup.
- Higher steaming power
- A more aesthetically pleasing design, among other features.
And why these machines are so expensive, mostly because these are high-precision machines made with high-quality materials. A good espresso machine can last for more than 10 years with proper maintenance. Being a niche product also contributes to their higher cost, as they cater to a specific market willing to invest in premium coffee equipment.Nothing against you personally but the discussions going on in this thread is very interesting to say to least.
For example, how are people even comparing single boilers and thermoblock to HX? Is the workflow even comparable? The point of HX is it doesn't cost as much as dual boiler but technically allows you to steam drinks with good power very fast and efficiently back to back, which a single boiler or bambino cannot do.
The real concerns I have for this machine is the real of lack high quality reviewers out there testing this machine.
There's this perception these machines are high quality but honestly, they are not. They look great but if one looks at the metal work carefully the quality control (fabrication, welding, fit and finish) is awful. The "electronics" inside are a kludge of wires and connectors with an off-the-shelf PID just bolted on. I opened mine up to install a shorter 20A line cord and just looking at it gave me a headache.
That all said... the E61 designs have been tweaked over the years so they've hammered out the problems. Parts are easy to come by and there are lots of maintenance instructions available online.
I'm keeping an eye on Odyssey Espresso, which I think is great engineering. They just need to hammer out the production issues and scale the volume.
https://www.odysseyespr
my Evo 2B had some just the wildest assembly issues such as... they put the silicon gasket in the water tank the wrong way that causes a slow leak. or that some of the wiring aren't fixed in place, or the noise dampening pad isn't glued properly. i also had to replace the pressure gauge as it was broken right off the bat. i think i have completely dissembled my system no less than 2 times.
but if you go with, say Breville (which i also had), you will be presented a different problem: it is all plastic inside, open the machines for parts replacements (solenoid pump have a finite life span) are pain in the ass because those machines are not meant to be serviceable.
so at the end, i tent to stick with a machine that i can fix. I would actually want to get the parts and build one myself, so i know everything is put in right.
It does not have, however, an E61 group head for those who care.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
It does not have, however, an E61 group head for those who care.
BTW I bought a used Londinium L1 a few years back for exactly $1000. Buying a used known-good machine locally could be a better bet.
Apart from skill, the most significant factor in making good coffee is using freshly roasted beans. No matter how good your machine is, store-bought coffee will always lead to subpar espresso. Freshly roasted coffee is essential.
Next, the grinder plays a crucial role. The more uniform the grind, the better the quality of the espresso. The espresso machine is certainly important, but it comes last in the hierarchy of factors.
Now, focusing on the equipment: you can make an equally good cup of coffee with a standard machine like the Bambino compared to this entry-level prosumer machine. What these higher-end machines offer over entry-level models are numerous quality-of-life features, such as:
- The ability to steam and brew simultaneously.
- The capability to maintain a constant temperature, which is critical for a good cup.
- Higher steaming power
- A more aesthetically pleasing design, among other features.
And why these machines are so expensive, mostly because these are high-precision machines made with high-quality materials. A good espresso machine can last for more than 10 years with proper maintenance. Being a niche product also contributes to their higher cost, as they cater to a specific market willing to invest in premium coffee equipment.BTW, if you're an advocate for the E61 group, I'm guessing you're not as long and deep into this game as me. Flow control on the E61 is almost an oxymoron.
FYI I started from a lowly Krupps machine, spent many thousands up and down the range, and ended with a simple lever. It's a fun hobby that can last decades, but eventually I just wanted a good cup of coffee without the PhD thesis. Many people start and end with just wanting a good cup of coffee. This machine might be it, but without solid reviews, we can't know.
And please don't get pissy. I have no opinions I will not change immediately to avoid an argument.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
BTW, if you're an advocate for the E61 group, I'm guessing you're not as long and deep into this game as me. Flow control on the E61 is almost an oxymoron.
FYI I started from a lowly Krupps machine, spent many thousands up and down the range, and ended with a simple lever. It's a fun hobby that can last decades, but eventually I just wanted a good cup of coffee without the PhD thesis. Many people start and end with just wanting a good cup of coffee. This machine might be it, but without solid reviews, we can't know.
And please don't get pissy. I have no opinions I will not change immediately to avoid an argument.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!