No more boulders and dust for me

[Aromajunkie]

I am making the quantum leap from a spinning blade grinder to a Mazzer Mini.

I've tried a few cheap burr grinders along the way, and was disappointed. I will soon be looking for an entry level Espresso setup.

Suggestions?

[milowebailey]

What is your budget?

[Aromajunkie]

What is your budget?

Well, after buying the Mazzer, I'll have to save a while, but I'm thinking 3 to 5 Benjamins.

[milowebailey]

One of Tex's Gaggias would be a good entry level machine.

[Tex]

That's a pretty low budget for a new grinder if you're planning on making good espresso? But you're in the ballpark for a good used grinder.

[RobertL]

I know a guy who is selling two finely tuned Gaggia Classics within your price range. 

[RobertL]

That's a pretty low budget for a new grinder if you're planning on making good espresso? But you're in the ballpark for a good used grinder.

He already has a Mazzer Mini now he is in the market for an espresso machine. Geez no wonder you can't sell those gaggias. 

[Cronus]

I picked up a used Super Jolly last year with new burrs and a doserless set up for $350.  I couldn't be happier.  I'm sure you'll find what you want in your price range.

[Aromajunkie]

I now see that my original post is a bit confusing. I just bought a Mazzer Mini grinder. Now that I will be able to get a good espresso grind, I'm in the market for an espresso machine (as soon as the gadget fund recovers).

Tex's Gaggias look like a good setup.

[Cronus]

Haha...my bad...with that budget it will be difficult to get a quality espresso machine.  Best of luck in your search.

[century]

A Tex Gaggia is your best bet in that price range. Great value for money.
If you go new, I would recommend a Silvia. Used one for a couple years, it was decent, but your going to upgrade eventually.

[Tex]

I now see that my original post is a bit confusing. I just bought a Mazzer Mini grinder. Now that I will be able to get a good espresso grind, I'm in the market for an espresso machine (as soon as the gadget fund recovers).

Tex's Gaggias look like a good setup.

Rancilio Siivia & Gaggia Classic are both good beginner espresso machines, but both are much better after they've been equipped with a PID.

[bekeld]

I'm a very satisfied Tex Gaggia user. I also own a QuickMill Andreja. The Gaggia was bought when the Andreja needed to be serviced. I was very impressed with the shots and foaming. I wish I would have met Tex before I bought Andreja--would have saved me a few dollars.

[EricBNC]

I am making the quantum leap from a spinning blade grinder to a Mazzer Mini.

I've tried a few cheap burr grinders along the way, and was disappointed. I will soon be looking for an entry level Espresso setup.

Suggestions?

I haven't tried a Mazzer Mini, but I do have a grinder that uses the same burrs. I think this grinder should make a big difference over that blade grinder in your espresso quality with any machine you end up buying.

[rgrosz78]

Rancilio Siivia & Gaggia Classic are both good beginner espresso machines, but both are much better after they've been equipped with a PID.

+1
I followed Tex's advice and put a PID on my Gaggia Classic. It made a huge difference in my ability to pull a good espresso. It also restored the ability to steam milk, which my Gaggia had lost somehow.