Decent Coffee Machine Under $500
#1
Posted 04 December 2011 - 08:10 AM
I stumbled - actually my partner did - accross a machine at Gloria Jeans for $400. It seems more robust in construction than it's rivals - Saeco, Krups, Sunbeam, Breville etc. I'm a Gloria Jeans snob it does seem to fit the bill:
http://www.gloriajea...ssoMachine.aspx
Any other suggestions?
#2
Posted 04 December 2011 - 08:12 AM
Willco
#3
Posted 04 December 2011 - 03:45 PM
Looking robust is not the critical factor. Being reliable and making good coffee are, and the correlation is probably not particularly close.
#4
Posted 05 December 2011 - 07:23 PM
Try looking on coffeesnobs.com.au for more informed/snobby opinions.
#5
Posted 05 December 2011 - 07:42 PM
I went through more than two years of mediocre performance from new before the rebuild.
My wife and I would buy a Rancilio Silvia if we had to replace it. I haven't heard anyone complain about them. I would stretch to that if I were you. You won't notice the cost difference amortised over a few years compared to the enjoyment and reliability that you get from the purchase of a better machine.
Edited by Telecine, 05 December 2011 - 09:28 PM.
#6
Posted 05 December 2011 - 08:15 PM
#7
Posted 05 December 2011 - 08:58 PM
But I was working at guys place today and asked if he could grab me a coffee at one of the local bakeries and he said he could but he could also make me one as well so I opted for his...I really liked it, I asked straight away for a second cup before going back to work it was really enjoyable and he was a sparkie as well! Most sparkies I know find it hard to get the right pliers out let alone make a good caf...
He said it was a Breville and he got it on special for $99...
I wish now I'd asked to see it in hindsight so I could tell you what model it was.
Seriously, it was a really enjoyable cup of caf made from La Vazza[?] beans he ground himself.
"attenuate the self-generated reflections" - "to absorb and dissipate"...sounds like a mirror to me and why put one of those on top of a speaker?
#8
Posted 06 December 2011 - 01:20 PM
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#9
Posted 06 December 2011 - 01:32 PM
I'm also in the market for a machine and I had a lady stay here who also bought her nespresso machine(I don't know how much they are) and intially I was keen to drink the expresso's but after a while I went back to my percolated and plunger coffee. I know a few guys here have and like the Nespresso but it didn't d too much for me.
But I was working at guys place today and asked if he could grab me a coffee at one of the local bakeries and he said he could but he could also make me one as well so I opted for his...I really liked it, I asked straight away for a second cup before going back to work it was really enjoyable and he was a sparkie as well! Most sparkies I know find it hard to get the right pliers out let alone make a good caf...
He said it was a Breville and he got it on special for $99...
I wish now I'd asked to see it in hindsight so I could tell you what model it was.
Seriously, it was a really enjoyable cup of caf made from La Vazza[?] beans he ground himself.
If he could make good coffee with Lavazza beans, then 1.) he is an excellent maker of coffee, and 2.) the machine he had must do a good job.
Nothing wrong with Lavazza, but in my experience, the beans are not fresh enough by the time they hit the shops, and using locally roasted beans is the only way to make a decent cup of coffee.
#10
Posted 06 December 2011 - 01:33 PM
OP - I take it you already have a good conical burr grinder? If not, and my budget was $500 all up, I'd be looking at around $200 for the grinder and the rest on the machine, unless I was really into milky coffees. If that was the case I'd save for longer.....
Yes, the grinder is important, because you need an even grind.
#11
Posted 06 December 2011 - 02:03 PM
OP - I take it you already have a good conical burr grinder? If not, and my budget was $500 all up, I'd be looking at around $200 for the grinder and the rest on the machine, unless I was really into milky coffees. If that was the case I'd save for longer.....
On the wish list. I expect to spend a bit on a grinder next year that I want to keep for ever...The machine I buy is only intended as a an interim machine until I can afford something really nice...
#12
Posted 06 December 2011 - 04:51 PM
If speed is NOT a requirement then a complete manual system can be had for well under $500. Look at a Presso, and a small ceramic burr grinder (Hario or similar.)
Greg
#13
Posted 06 December 2011 - 07:50 PM
How many coffees do you make--a day, at once?
If speed is NOT a requirement then a complete manual system can be had for well under $500. Look at a Presso, and a small ceramic burr grinder (Hario or similar.)
Greg
It's like this:

Not quite, I don't add milk!
Looking up Presso now...
#14
Posted 06 December 2011 - 08:11 PM
#15
Posted 06 December 2011 - 09:00 PM
What happened to decent coffee machines under $500? They all seem to be replaced by those "pod" contracptions. I've been looking for 6 months and most machines seem very flimsy compared to the ones on shevles 3-4 years ago.
I stumbled - actually my partner did - accross a machine at Gloria Jeans for $400. It seems more robust in construction than it's rivals - Saeco, Krups, Sunbeam, Breville etc. I'm a Gloria Jeans snob it does seem to fit the bill:
http://www.gloriajea...ssoMachine.aspx
Any other suggestions?
At exactly $399.00 this hand operated, indestructible machine that's built in Australia is the best option
http://www.portaspresso.com/
But you will need to spend extra on a grinder witch they also make
Don't waste your money on something that will be binned sooner than later
The beauty of my suggestion is when you eventually want to get a more traditional machine this machine wont go to waste as its perfect partner at work, camping or holiday duties
FR
Edited by Full Range, 06 December 2011 - 09:23 PM.
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#16
Posted 06 December 2011 - 09:19 PM
#17
Posted 06 December 2011 - 09:22 PM
Looks like hard work to me!
Anything worth doing well is gladly done for the results gained
Plus look at the free exercise one gets
FR
Amp Earle Weston Tweaker MK 4: DAC Earle Weston 6SN7 Tube Prototype
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Also Art Collector, Coffee Lover, Inventor: QLD Audiophile Club Member - Paul P
#18
Posted 07 December 2011 - 09:19 AM
I couldn't find the $399.00 deal you mention.
It's an American machine isn't it not Australian?
"attenuate the self-generated reflections" - "to absorb and dissipate"...sounds like a mirror to me and why put one of those on top of a speaker?
#19
Posted 07 December 2011 - 09:22 AM
I have doubts about the capacity of that device to create enough pressure.
#20
Posted 07 December 2011 - 11:06 PM
@FR Your link wont open for me but I went to Presso Aus and they had this>>>http://shop.presso.c...-coffee-special which doesn't seem a bad deal.
I couldn't find the $399.00 deal you mention.
It's an American machine isn't it not Australian?
No its definitely Australian
Try the sales section link
http://www.portaspre...m/page1002.html
Is that what you use, FR?
I have doubts about the capacity of that device to create enough pressure.
I don't own one but have given it a trial with good results (my home machine is a single group commercial)
Here is a video for you to see & make up your own mind
And a nakid pour
FR
Edited by Full Range, 07 December 2011 - 11:25 PM.
Amp Earle Weston Tweaker MK 4: DAC Earle Weston 6SN7 Tube Prototype
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#21
Posted 08 December 2011 - 01:12 PM
That's if they ever get back to me with an email. A lot of people seem to get very passionate about them.
"attenuate the self-generated reflections" - "to absorb and dissipate"...sounds like a mirror to me and why put one of those on top of a speaker?
#22
Posted 08 December 2011 - 01:19 PM
If you want a manual type of machine, it sounds, from what FR says, as though the presso is better.
#23
Posted 08 December 2011 - 02:04 PM
http://www.amazon.co...9181_pe_epc_dt2

60 quid
http://www.amazon.co...9181_pe_epc_dt3

84 quid
Is it what you were looking for?
Both from DeLonghi.
Not single serve designs. But doesn't have grinder.
Edited by DoggieHowser, 08 December 2011 - 02:06 PM.
#24
Posted 08 December 2011 - 03:24 PM
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#25
Posted 08 December 2011 - 03:27 PM
2nd vote for the sunbeam in that price range. get the $600ish one which has dual boilers...
Exceptional value for a dual boiler machine. The owner of the cafe I go to says they are designed in Italy. FWIW.
#26
Posted 08 December 2011 - 04:32 PM
But having said that I'll not rush in just yet.
Edit: Just had a look at the Sunbeam EM6910 @$594 online. Why is it good?
Edit #2. once the video of the atomic is finished there are some vids of the Presso machine and some others as well as several on the Atomic...I'm falling for it I have to admit.
Edited by Luc, 08 December 2011 - 05:50 PM.
"attenuate the self-generated reflections" - "to absorb and dissipate"...sounds like a mirror to me and why put one of those on top of a speaker?
#27
Posted 09 December 2011 - 07:11 PM

that picked up on promotion with an included conical grinder. Had that a couple of years or so. and was a good unit that got me into coffee
It made a nice coffee and easy to use, in ways its a very good design.
It finally packed up, still managed to sell it on ebay along with the grinder as non working and recouped a good part what paid for it !
theyre a bargain I reckon. the rancilio silvia I bought after is far and away a better coffee making machine. but takes a bit more to use and needed a good quality conical grinder to get coffee out of it ! so yeah think need to spend about twice or more what the breville combination is worth to improve on them I think
#28
Posted 10 December 2011 - 11:09 AM
http://www.gloriajea...ssoMachine.aspx
#29
Posted 10 December 2011 - 11:22 AM
So has anyone taken a glance at the Gloria Jeans machine - I can't find any reviews. The user manual online is quite good - much better than my old Gaggia Classic (RIP)
http://www.gloriajea...ssoMachine.aspx
If you want reviews Mr Houdinifangs
You need to look at FrancisFrancis
As I believe its the same machine re-badged
FR
Amp Earle Weston Tweaker MK 4: DAC Earle Weston 6SN7 Tube Prototype
Speakers Audio Nirvana Full Range Speakers: CD Marantz CD63 SE :
Turntables Garrard 401, Revox 795 & Sonab Tape Nakamichi Home Theatre Is handled by JVC components
Also Art Collector, Coffee Lover, Inventor: QLD Audiophile Club Member - Paul P
#30
Posted 10 December 2011 - 12:03 PM
If you want reviews Mr Houdinifangs
You need to look at FrancisFrancis
As I believe its the same machine re-badged
FR
I see what you mean. Either a re-rebade or a rip-off. The FrancisFrancis X1 gets mixed reviews but the Gloria Jeans one is at least half the price. Wish I could look inside! Maybe I should be the Guinea Pig - That Gloria Jeans logo will rub off.
#31
Posted 10 December 2011 - 01:36 PM
We currently have that same machine
It makes a good coffee, but if I had my time again I would have bought the comparable Sunbeam, or just saved up a bit more and bought something a bit more commercial oriented with a real boiler etc
I find the concal grinder that came with the breville very good. How did you find your grinder?
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#32
Posted 10 December 2011 - 02:01 PM
Listening to stereo & stuff............. and back in the rat race ![]()
#33
Posted 14 December 2011 - 09:18 PM
G'day Al
We currently have that same machine
It makes a good coffee, but if I had my time again I would have bought the comparable Sunbeam, or just saved up a bit more and bought something a bit more commercial oriented with a real boiler etc
I find the conical grinder that came with the breville very good. How did you find your grinder?
hey graham, it is a very nice machine really. I was very disappointed when mine packed in. I have used the sunbeam version and really theres not much in it. the thing with these is really have to spend about twice as much to get better. so for bang for buck very hard to beat. re the grinder curiously its perfect for the breville. but when I upgraded my machine to the silvia the breville grinder was really not fine enough. I suddenly learnt how the important quality of the grinder is. the breville grinder was unusable with the new machine and I ended up having to buy the rocky grinder to go with the silvia. To be honest I am still shocked just how important the grinder and to answer your question the breville grinder is perfect for matching machine but wont cut it for a more commerical style machine. again a pity as really liked the nature of the breville grinder, both design and way it operated.
#34
Posted 14 December 2011 - 09:31 PM
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#35
Posted 14 December 2011 - 09:42 PM
#36
Posted 15 December 2011 - 06:58 AM
What's more important & mandatory for good coffee is getting a decent grinder and fresh beans..i'd suggest 200 for the coffee machine and $300 for the grinder
#37
Posted 15 December 2011 - 12:06 PM
I'll keep that in mind, for I when I step up.
PS. Our breville packed it in, but I repaired it myself. $75 in parts.
"You can't resort to lies and deceit in order to fight for the truth..." TJ
"A person should have a personality. You won't get one dicking around on a computer. It helps to go somewhere where there are other persons." Iggy Pop
"If you don't fight, you lose!" Redgum (the band
)
"Let fools be fools." (MrHP)
#38
Posted 27 December 2011 - 03:40 PM
I don't profess to be a coffee expert, but I enjoy a quality coffee like most I suppose.
With a little bit of practice and patients I am now making some pretty decent espressos & lattes, as good as most coffee shops around that I frequent and not far behind the better ones I've had.
Built like a tank and the conical grinder is a gem, even the bang bang is very useful, all in all, it gets a very positive vote from me.

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Edited by NGM, 27 December 2011 - 09:39 PM.
#39
Posted 09 January 2012 - 05:37 PM
Listening to stereo & stuff............. and back in the rat race ![]()
#40
Posted 09 January 2012 - 09:12 PM
One of the boilers (Steam)has died but the group head boiler works. It is kept as a spare these days.
I also use the sunbeam grinder. I think both are good value.
The La Pavoni I now use took a year or two to master to get anywhere near a consistent cup of coffee.
#41
Posted 10 January 2012 - 01:28 AM
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#42
Posted 26 July 2012 - 05:57 PM
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