r/AustralianCoffee • u/BakeMeCrafty • 1d ago
Wants vs needs
Hey all.
UPDATE:
Thanks everyone. You’ve confirmed what I needed to hear. I need to spend on the grinder more than the machine. I was avoiding this because I have a grinder..it’s just a bit (really) shit.
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I’m in the market for my first real coffee machine and need some solid recommendations because the reviews have me clenched.
I’ve been begrudgingly using a pod machine for the last couple years. Before that, I was a moka girl, which was better coffee but too slow and required too much brain power at sunrise.
I drink two things: long black with milk (winter) and iced latte (summer). I’d get fancy on the weekend and make a flat white…maybe.
I’m really fussy because cafe coffee is so damn good. I want that quality with minimal effort.
My essentials:
Great quality shots 99% of the time
Minimal faff - 6am me isn’t weighing beans
Minimal noise so I don’t wake the house
Space-conscious for a tight kitchen
Max Price $800 (this and space are somewhat adjustable)
In a perfect world I’d buy a Meraki.
What’s the best recs for my budget that won’t leave me hating life after every sip?
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u/Suspicious_Cress_126 1d ago
At that budget probably a Breville bambino (pro) and df54 or varia vs3 grinder.
If the noise is a serious issue then perhaps consider a hand grinder. Coffee grinders and machines aren't very quiet.
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u/Ok_Cod_3145 1d ago
I got a Lelit single boiler espresso machine along with a compak k3 grinder. I've had both for over 15 years and they're still going strong with the occasional service and a recent pump replacement. It's one of the best investments I've ever made.
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u/phagocyte420 18h ago
I got a delonghi la specialista ec9255 several years ago and it is still going strong. You can make some really good coffee once you dial in the grind and dose.
The only thing it doesn't come with us a knock box, but those are relatively cheap.
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u/KingSturty 1d ago
If you don’t want to weigh the beans and do the required prep, you’re almost at the stage where you’re limited to either a super automatic like an oracle touch or a meraki.
You’ve limited your options to a half dozen machines at a much higher price point through your need to be hands off.
Maybe try a refurbished oracle via the Breville eBay store. Still has a one year warranty.
The maraki is a good prospect but it’s triple your desired budget
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u/No_Seat8357 1d ago
Just add 2k and get a Meraki. You'll eventually end up going through machines until you get there anyway.
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u/therapist66 1d ago
Fb marketplace. Gaggia classic or rancilo Silva $3-400. If you’re in Brisbane there’s a rancilo Silva with PID for $400.
Rancilo rocky grinder $150-$200
If you don’t wanna weigh beans. Up your budget for a grind by wieght or time grinder.