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Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: courton on November 27, 2012, 06:48:34 am

Title: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on November 27, 2012, 06:48:34 am
Hi there, I have finally succumbed and plan to buy a coffee machine ( not for us primarily) but when we have visitors. We want a good machine with crema and the ability to froth enough milk when we have 6-8 people wanting coffee without too much delay. Do not want the aldi brand. Veering toward nespresso or something similar only for ease of use. Budget is less than $500. Have read all the product reviews and more confused than ever! Help!
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: mcmich on November 27, 2012, 07:58:30 am
I bought nespresso for DH for fathers day (well the kids did). Easy to use. DH uses it at least once every day. There will be a delay if you want to make 6 coffees at a time. Paid $310and got a $50 rebate. I love the decaff pod.  :)
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: EmeraldSue on November 27, 2012, 08:03:35 am
Couton,
I have a pod machine (no name brand ) which has a milk frother attached. If you want to make 6-8 coffees quickly, you may be better off buying a separate milk frothing machine with a large capacity rather than using the wand frother that 's part of most coffee machines. I find that it's really slow frothing the milk using the coffee machine for a lot of people.
There are a lot of pod machines on the market now, and the prices are really coming down.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: deedub on November 27, 2012, 08:10:03 am
I would get a pod machine, so much easier to clean up and the frothers on espresso machines tend to lose pressure after a while. I have a nespresso citiz with milk frother but it wouldn't heat enough milk for 6 at a time. Doesn't take long though & you can only make 1 coffee at a time with my machine anyway.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on November 27, 2012, 08:10:34 am
I brought a Map coffee machine for DH. He uses it several times a day. I don't drink coffee.
It comes with a separate milk frother. But only froths enough milk for 1 cup at a time.
It's great now that Wollies also sell the pods compatible with our machine (much cheaper too) :D
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Rogizoja on November 27, 2012, 08:13:05 am
Best frother to use is your Thermomix!!  :-))  Does a great job and volume is no problem.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: mcmich on November 27, 2012, 08:17:56 am
I brought a Map coffee machine for DH. He uses it several times a day. I don't drink coffee.
It comes with a separate milk frother. But only froths enough milk for 1 cup at a time.
It's great now that Wollies also sell the pods compatible with our machine (much cheaper too) :D
Bought those dede and DH didn't like them.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: astarra on November 27, 2012, 08:22:15 am
Best frother to use is your Thermomix!!  :-))  Does a great job and volume is no problem.

I was thinking the same thing... :)
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: VieveMS on November 27, 2012, 08:23:14 am
I have both an expensive manual coffee machine/grinder and a Nespresso Pixie.  Although I do prefer the coffee that is made in the espresso machine, it does take a long time to warm up and can be quite fiddly finding the correct grind based on different beans, etc.  

For the price and convenience, the Pixie is a winner.  It comes with a separate milk frother which is OK but the froth definitely does not compare to that made with a steam wand.  I mostly drink black coffee at home though.  If you are likely to make a lot of milk based coffee's it might be worth looking at something like a Nespresso Latissimo Plus.  You should be able to crank out the coffee's relatively quickly using this and it has a removable milk container so any unused milk can be stored in the fridge in between uses.

If you do go for a pod-based machine, you will need to factor in the ongoing costs of buying pods (regardless of brand).  The basic Nespresso pods are something like 0.68c per pod so if you drink a lot of coffee it can add up over time.  

If you live close to one, I recommend you go to one of the Nespresso Boutiques to see the machines in action and to taste some of their coffee.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on November 27, 2012, 08:27:21 am
I brought a Map coffee machine for DH. He uses it several times a day. I don't drink coffee.
It comes with a separate milk frother. But only froths enough milk for 1 cup at a time.
It's great now that Wollies also sell the pods compatible with our machine (much cheaper too) :D
Bought those dede and DH didn't like them.

Oh bugger. My DH does so that's a bonus :), got the Caramel coffee last week and he loves that one, but smell disgusting. Yuck) :D
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: mcmich on November 27, 2012, 08:35:18 am
Am going totry again, a lot more economical.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Mama Fergie on November 27, 2012, 08:38:00 am
Is yours a nespresso Michele?
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on November 27, 2012, 08:38:23 am
Not sure what the Gloria jeans coffee pods are like. A little more expensive than the woolies ones but still cheaper than Harvey Norman.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: astarra on November 27, 2012, 08:38:35 am
LOL dede, my DH is always coming home and complaining about the smell of the office girl's coffee - he said it was a caramel one!!  :D
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on November 27, 2012, 08:41:25 am
LOL dede, my DH is always coming home and complaining about the smell of the office girl's coffee - he said it was a caramel one!!  :D

It smells like......curry :o, it's weird. Everytime he makes it I turn my nose up.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: astarra on November 27, 2012, 08:42:37 am
Exactly what DH said!!  ;D
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on November 27, 2012, 08:47:42 am
Exactly what DH said!!  ;D

Oh I'm glad he thinks the same, thought my nose was playing up lol
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: alfacchino on November 27, 2012, 09:31:03 am
I have an aldi machine and frother and will be selling the frother now that we are a thermie house. It's such a pain only being able to do milk for one cup at a time, now I'll do the coffee with the machine and do all the milk in Heidi in one go :)
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Aussie Brenda on November 27, 2012, 09:40:06 am
I have two coffee machines , had a nespresso also but it has given up, replaced it with an Aldi one and it is great, I have a expensive Delongi which is the best but for the van the pods are great, I have a Sunbeam milk frothier which is great and can do enough for three to four cups at a time.  If you don't want cappuccino just heat the milk in the microwave.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on November 27, 2012, 11:26:59 am
I was veering toward a nespresso latismma plus but want to go to a nespresso boutique and try it out. Of course, my best intentions might all be thrown up in the air tomorrow since DD is taking up someone's spot and attending a one day barista course tomorrow. Heaven help us...she does not even drink coffee but i am sure the nespresso machines will be not be regarded in a favourable light!
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Jonvic on November 27, 2012, 11:56:40 am
Like you Aussie Brenda I also have 2 machines. My machine for the house is a Sunbeam, as I love to purchase different types of beans. I have just purchased the new Nescafé Dolce pod machine for the caravan & I must say, the coffee is not bad at all.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: gertbysea on November 27, 2012, 12:11:12 pm
I have this  http://www.au.jura.com/home_au_x/products_home_use/j_line/impressa_j9.3.htm which is for serious coffee people.

But if I were buying for  the occasional I might buy the latest Nespresso which is made by Delonghi. Lattissima  en680.

Seems a good option.

Gert

Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Delightful Den on November 27, 2012, 12:47:25 pm
I have two machines like Gert (not as good as though) and a few others. I grind my own beans on demand and like to try different beans. However for DD's house I have Nespresso machine for when we visit. I just have the cheapest basic machine from Nespresso and for an occasional cup it is great.

I agree with everyone else that if you are making a lot of coffee then the best frother is probably thermie.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: cookie1 on November 27, 2012, 01:16:02 pm
I have a Nespresso Pixie. We like our coffee but are not connoisseurs at all. We buy each new flavour that comes out and enjoy most of them. Recently bought some Hazelnut, Macadamia and also a Hawaiian one. Very nice. DH only likes instant so I have one of these a day..
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: ElleG on November 28, 2012, 03:18:03 am
Courton, I am a coffee snob! So probably shouldn't answer this thread.. However if your husband is doing a barista course I don't think
Pod machines or thermite will make the grade.
I have a mini mazer grinder and a rancilio slyvia. Our first machine was a sunbeam, which produced quite good coffees. They are recommended by Choice magazine on a regular basis, and now used by our son. I have quite a few stove top and manual machines - newest arrival is the presso Rok.
All good coffee takes time.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: obbie on November 28, 2012, 03:39:54 am
gosh, I want one like Gerts.... looks fantastic..
Title: Re: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: *suzanne* on November 28, 2012, 04:10:28 am
I too have a jura and it's great, my sister has the nespresso and it's perfect for her
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Delightful Den on November 28, 2012, 05:09:50 am
Courton, I am a coffee snob! So probably shouldn't answer this thread.. However if your husband is doing a barista course I don't think
Pod machines or thermite will make the grade.
I have a mini mazer grinder and a rancilio slyvia. Our first machine was a sunbeam, which produced quite good coffees. They are recommended by Choice magazine on a regular basis, and now used by our son. I have quite a few stove top and manual machines - newest arrival is the presso Rok.
All good coffee takes time.

I too consider myself a coffee snob. Whilst I agrree with ElleG in that the Nespresso does not make as good a coffee as a decent machine; if you are only an occasional drinker and buy supermarket beans or worse still pre-ground coffee it beats drinking stale coffee.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: mcmich on November 28, 2012, 05:35:02 am
I have a Nespresso Pixie. We like our coffee but are not connoisseurs at all. We buy each new flavour that comes out and enjoy most of them. Recently bought some Hazelnut, Macadamia and also a Hawaiian one. Very nice. DH only likes instant so I have one of these a day..

Cookie I didn't know nespresso put out flavoured pods. I have a few letters from them, I will have to get online and have a look.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on November 28, 2012, 07:20:21 am
I am waiting for my DD to come back from her one day barista course and hold forth!! I want something really simple to use when I have girlfriends over since I am usually too busy talking to focus on anything else. Gert, the nespresso you recommend looks promising
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: gertbysea on November 28, 2012, 07:31:09 am
I am waiting for my DD to come back from her one day barista course and hold forth!! I want something really simple to use when I have girlfriends over since I am usually too busy talking to focus on anything else. Gert, the nespresso you recommend looks promising
'
I have never actually used one of those machines myself but I have had the "coffee" they make. Hardly Normal has a huge coffee machine department in Cairns with and on site expert. which is one of the only aspects of the store which is any good.

What ever machine anyone buys it is all about how long the coffee is in contact with the right temp water. Your DD should have all the correct info when she gets home so she can share with us.

BTW went to help a neighbour try out her brand new still in the wrapping TMX today and do you know the first thing she wanted to cook?? Your Tikka Butter Chicken. She did very well never having had a demo. The TMX was a gift from her children and a complete surprise. 

I am hoping she will  join the forum.

Gert
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on November 29, 2012, 11:05:34 am
Thanks Gert. Going into the city tomorrow and might see if I can do some further investigation!
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on December 02, 2012, 04:49:48 am
Well, we went to Nespresso wanting to buy Latissma Plus and came back with a Jura machine which was on special in DJ for $790. A new model bought to the market to compete with Nespresso
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: gertbysea on December 02, 2012, 04:53:48 am
Better option.

Gert
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on December 02, 2012, 04:56:58 am
I had a feeling you might say that! :) :)
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: gertbysea on December 02, 2012, 05:06:20 am
What is it called? Is it a pod machine or does it make coffee from beans?

Gert
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on December 02, 2012, 05:09:51 am
Ena micro 1 and it makes coffee from beans. Normal price is $990 and the frother is $130 extra. With DJ's special 2 day deal it was $792 all up.
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: gertbysea on December 02, 2012, 05:12:19 am
Bargain. Well done. You will love it. Great price.

Gert

Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: Jonvic on December 04, 2012, 10:52:16 am
Congratulations Courton, you will have many hours of lovely coffee drinking..
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on December 04, 2012, 12:08:03 pm
Thank you. I have requested DH to put it away until Xmas morning as it is one of the gifts from DH to me! I much prefer choosing my gifts based on many years of being a recipient of gifts which were not exactly my taste!
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on December 04, 2012, 12:11:31 pm
Thank you. I have requested DH to put it away until Xmas morning as it is one of the gifts from DH to me! I much prefer choosing my gifts based on many years of being a recipient of gifts which were not exactly my taste!

Lol I know what you mean there. Once my DH brought me a soil PH testing kit :o, you know where I thought that PH tester could be shoved ;D lol
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: courton on December 04, 2012, 12:16:29 pm
I don't think I can beat that...can openers, golf videos, pans etc.  Mind you, he is improving in recent years. The ipad last Christmas was a definite winner!
Title: Re: Best coffee machine for occasional drinkers
Post by: dede on December 04, 2012, 12:25:32 pm
Golf video sound just horrible :o, lol.
iPad is definitely a real winner though ;D