$3-4K to spend. Which espresso machine and grinder do you choose?

[grinderz]

My PM at work is ready to plop down some $$ on an espresso machine and grinder and has been asking for advice. His budget is in the $3000+ range. If you were going to spend this kind of money today what would y'all choose and why? One of his criteria is size and esthetics so a commercial sized grinder is not going to work for him, BTW.

[Tex]

Let's hope the buyer learns to love the looks of Macap, Mazzer, or other commercial espresso grinder. I tell folks the espresso machine is an accessory to the grinder, and that they should buy accordingly.

With that budget I'd recommend this Palanca (or similar lever machine) and a commercial grinder - my personal favorite is the Rancilio MD50. This combo would satisfy the most demanding home barista.

[BoldJava]

...
With that budget I'd recommend this Palanca (or similar lever machine) and a commercial grinder ...

<Chuckles>.  You have no idea how many times I looked at that one, stopping just short of measuring the kitchen.  It's really not that big.

RE:  Espresso machine at work -- will you get stuck being the barista?  I can see that as a time sink.  Amateur hour if everyone pulls their own.

B|Java

[peter]

Most of you know what I'd be recommending.  For ease of use, pretty much bullet-proof, ready to play out of the box, not to mention excellent and repeatable shots, the Vivaldi was at the top of my list and worth your consideration.  If size of the grinder is important, the Baratza Vario will work well.

But you haven't given us enough details on how/where the machine will be used to give you much of an answer.

[milowebailey]

GS-3 and find a used grinder... ~$4500

[Tex]

Most of you know what I'd be recommending.  For ease of use, pretty much bullet-proof, ready to play out of the box, not to mention excellent and repeatable shots, the Vivaldi was at the top of my list and worth your consideration.  If size of the grinder is important, the Baratza Vario will work well.

But you haven't given us enough details on how/where the machine will be used to give you much of an answer.

Spoken like a quantum physicist mechanic!

cartoon treat the lever

[grinderz]

I could have been more specific on the size thing... he's looking at a Macap M4 - said a Super Jolly was too big

[Tex]

I could have been more specific on the size thing... he's looking at a Macap M4 - said a Super Jolly was too big

Too messy for a work place - push for a K-cup machine with refillable cartridges.

[grinderz]

It's for his kitchen, not here at work...

[Tex]

It's for his kitchen, not here at work...

OK then; M4 &  Vivaldi. Not quite top of the line, but close enough you'll make browny points for recommending them.

[grinderz]

I talked to my co-worker today and now he's got his cap set on a Vibiemme Domobar Junior in the PID'ed double boiler flavor. Anybody have anything good or bad to say about them?

[randytsuch]

I have seen posts about issues with the double jr and temperature drifting after an hour or so.

It appears that the steam boiler temp effect the brew boiler after long periods of time, but the PID should fix this.

PID's are only available as an aftermarket add on for the jr, they are not factory installed.

Seems like he could get the full size Vib double for his budget, it looks to be a very nice machine.

Randy

[mp]

I have seen posts about issues with the double jr and temperature drifting after an hour or so.

It appears that the steam boiler temp effect the brew boiler after long periods of time, but the PID should fix this.

PID's are only available as an aftermarket add on for the jr, they are not factory installed.

Seems like he could get the full size Vib double for his budget, it looks to be a very nice machine.

Randy

+1

Some ex Faema guys went out and started Vibiemme.  Supposedly the E64 group is the same size and weight as the original Faema.

 

[expy98]

I have the VBM Jr Double Boiler and recently added a PID to it.
W/out the PID, there's no such thing as temp stability.  Fortunately
the PID kit is easy and cheap (under $200).  You might want to read the
thread on HB.  Once PIDed, its temp behavior is same as any other PID
E61 double boilers.

Other than that, due to its smaller steam boiler compared to any HXs,
the steam can't vigorously roll more than 6oz of milk at a time.  But the steam
boiler will reach full capacity again quickly, maybe 15 or 20 secs, ready to
do another 6oz batch. 

If counter space is not an issue, I agree, spend a little more and get
the full sized PID double boiler or Vivaldi.

[Tex]

I have the VBM Jr Double Boiler and recently added a PID to it.
W/out the PID, there's no such thing as temp stability.  Fortunately
the PID kit is easy and cheap (under $200).  You might want to read the
thread on HB.  Once PIDed, its temp behavior is same as any other PID
E61 double boilers.

Other than that, due to its smaller steam boiler compared to any HXs,
the steam can't vigorously roll more than 6oz of milk at a time.  But the steam
boiler will reach full capacity again quickly, maybe 15 or 20 secs, ready to
do another 6oz batch. 

If counter space is not an issue, I agree, spend a little more and get
the full sized PID double boiler or Vivaldi.

Really? Wow! A Gaggia can do more than tat after it's been PID'd. How big is the steam boiler?