Espresso machine upgrade


 
J

JohnShepherd

TVWBB Member
I've had a Delonghi EC155M espresso machine for a few years now, and after lots of practice have figured out out to make a consistently good cappuccino with it. This after some minor (and one literal) hacks to the machine. It's definitely not well regarded by the more anal barista snobs, but it's considered a good entry level machine with a lot of user knowledge and advice for it available on the intertubes.

One problem I've had with it is that the steam valve doesn't close fully, so there's always a costant drip when using the machine. About a year ago, I took the machine apart and replaced the valve. Finding the part in stock online took a while, and taking aprt the machine was challenging, and now the replacement valve is dripping even more than the first one, which results in less pressure and faster temperature drop while brewing. So I'm considering my options:
1) Buy another replacement valve (if possible). Might get me another year or two.
2) Buy another EC155M. Currently going for $180 (which seems like more than I paid).
3) Buy a better espresso machine. The Gaggia Classic seems like it might be the next step up in quality, and at $450 is pushing the limit of what I'd like to spend.
4) Give up espresso. (Not as crazy as it sounds. I wasn't a coffee drinker at all before I bought this machine. It was supposed to be a gift for my wife, but she didn't want to bother with the ritual, she just want's her damn coffee now! So I got her a Keurig.)

So, does anyone have advice on either of these two machines, or a good espresso machine in the sub-$500 price range?
 
Sorry can't help. My Espresso machine is my original Bialetti one of the many my uncle brought with him when he emigrated from Italy (Naples) in the late 50s. And it does one heck of a fine job :D
 
#4 is out. :ROFLMAO:

You've obviously figured your machine out, so #1 and #2 seem like very workable options.

For an "upgrade" machine (which will come with its own learning curve) you could consider a Rancilio Silvia if you can find one used. I see them around here reasonably often between $350-400, and they are regarded as one of the best single boiler machines, certainly in the sub-$1k category. I think there are at least three generations prior to the current "M" (retail $830) and "Pro" (retail ~$1,200.) I've lusted after a Silvia for years, but just haven't found the right deal at the right time.

I love the ritual part of making coffee (and many other things).

Rich
 
Repair yours and sell it. Use proceeds to upgrade to a machine you desire.

We use a Nespresso machine and love it for its simplicity and excellent tasting shots. And cleanup is a breeze. Probably below your preferred taste levels but we found it to be a super performer and easy to use and own.
 
Brett-EDH said:
Probably below your preferred taste levels but we found it to be a super performer and easy to use and own.
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Maybe not. I'm happy with what I can do with the Delonghi, but that doesn't make me an espresso aficionado. Can you make cappuccino's with the nespresso?
 
JohnShepherd said:
Maybe not. I'm happy with what I can do with the Delonghi, but that doesn't make me an espresso aficionado. Can you make cappuccino's with the nespresso?
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Yes. We have the previous gen of this version

Nespresso Lattissima Touch Original Espresso Machine with Milk Frother by De'Longhi Washed Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079WD2QZN/?tag=tvwb-20

You can go with a less expensive unit if you don’t want the milk frother, which we don’t use anyways.

I’ll heat my milk in the micro and Use this aerolatte if I want froth:

aerolatte Milk Frother, 8.5-Inch, Satin Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KZUNK/?tag=tvwb-20

Illy makes some great pods and I’ve bought them for $0.35 a shot at times. Peet’s are really good pods too. I’m usually at less than $0.50 a shot when buying pods on sale.

Clean is literally run a half shot of water through the machine and that’s it.
 
Many moons ago we had the Krupps espresso machine. While it made a good shot, the time it took, plus the cleanup, plus the mess and all those parts that needed to be cleaned every time, we just stopped using it. Then came Nespresso which was a game changer for us.

Everyone gets what they want flavor wise and caf and decaf wise. It’s just super easy to get a great result.
 
Rich G said:
I love the ritual part of making coffee (and many other things).
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Apparently, so do I. After some more "research", I decided to try a manual lever machine. (I can keep the DeLonghi to steam milk when needed.) I ordered a Flair Pro 2 from Amazon yesterday for $325 and it arrived this afternoon. Unboxed it, and it was clearly a used one. There was coffee residue on some parts, and loose grounds in others. I paid for a new one. Instead of doing the quick website return process, I called Amazon to talk to a human. They said they'd issue a full refund and I could keep or trash the machine. 😯 I guess I can clean it up and waste some beans in it to see how I like it.
 
JohnShepherd said:
Apparently, so do I. After some more "research", I decided to try a manual lever machine. (I can keep the DeLonghi to steam milk when needed.) I ordered a Flair Pro 2 from Amazon yesterday for $325 and it arrived this afternoon. Unboxed it, and it was clearly a used one. There was coffee residue on some parts, and loose grounds in others. I paid for a new one. Instead of doing the quick website return process, I called Amazon to talk to a human. They said they'd issue a full refund and I could keep or trash the machine. 😯 I guess I can clean it up and waste some beans in it to see how I like it.
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Ugh, I REALLY hate it when that happens, though you do now get the opportunity to have a true risk-free trial! I haven't looked into the Flair Pro lineup, though I've heard them mentioned. I'm considering a PicoEspresso unit in the manual/"portable" category. Probably way more travel oriented than the Flair, but I suspect I would use it mostly at home anyway for 2-3 shots a week. ......most notably, it won't take up any counter or cabinet space, which is a must according to my wife! :)

Let us know how you like the Flair if you play around with it!

R
 
Rich G said:
I'm considering a PicoEspresso unit in the manual/"portable" category. Probably way more travel oriented than the Flair, but I suspect I would use it mostly at home anyway for 2-3 shots a week. ......most notably, it won't take up any counter or cabinet space, which is a must according to my wife!
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The tower for the Flair just slots into the base when you use it, and it comes apart and packs into a padded case about the size of a 3" thick ipad. It also comes with an optional allen bolt to secure the base if your wife changes her mind. ;) Some Amazon reviewers complained about the tower being wobbly. We'll see....
 
I have been using the Cuisinart EM-200 for three years or so. For the six or seven years before that, I was using the Cuisinart EM-100. I'm happy with these; I use them daily for a couple of cups in the morning.
 
I pulled a couple shots this morning, and I can now definitively say that I've never actually been able to make real espresso with the Delonghi, just strong, mildly thicker coffee. The shots I got out of the Flair are many miles above anything I've made at home before. And it's not much more complicated to use than the Delonghi. Not bad for a free espresso maker. :)
 
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