Kitchen

[Free2be]

Breville has most of their espresso machines on sale now at the lowest I've seen in quite awhile, especially 4 of them at the same time.

Pro 679.95, Express 599.95, Touch 879.95, and Impress 719.95.

Depending on the seller and model, there may be a choice of colors.  For instance, Williams Sonoma offers more colors for some models.  Seattle Coffee Gear might and Amazon.  QVC has one model only and stainless only, on sale.

I thought if anyone is on the fence, this might be the time.  They most all have positive reviews with comparison reviews on Youtube.

[On It]

How difficult are these machines to operate? I am afraid I would not be successful using one. I drink a Starbuck's latte every morning. These espresso lattes do not trigger my acid reflux like brewed coffee. That is my only daily beverage treat. The remainder of the day is water.

[wagirl]

I do love the Breville brand--have a counter top oven that I use instead of my big oven--but--unfortunately, am allergic to caffeine so no coffee for me. I did see an ad for them being on sale--I think from Everything Kitchens----I used to make my own lattes and used that small Krups esspresso machine back eons ago---- 

[Alsace Gal]

I've purchased my espresso machine, bean grinder and various accessories from Seattle Coffee Gear, also coffee beans and bean grinder (Breville).

SCG has excellent customer service.

One time my grinder had a bean caught and it kept spinning. I called customer service and the gentleman who picked up asked me to turn it on, he listened to it over the phone and told me he would send a replacement, I  had a brand new one in two days.

The same thing happened with the espresso machine, new one in 3 days.

I'll add-I had both for over 2 years.

I've been a customer for 15 years.

[Free2be]

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@On It wrote:

How difficult are these machines to operate? I am afraid I would not be successful using one. I drink a Starbuck's latte every morning. These espresso lattes do not trigger my acid reflux like brewed coffee. That is my only daily beverage treat. The remainder of the day is water.

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I'm not a Breville expert but having read and watched videos, I learned that the Impress model is geared toward those who are not into the ins and outs of fussing over the science of getting the "perfect" shot. It is for someone like you who wants to just make it, the machine will make sure there's enough grounds, it does it all for you as much as a semi-automatic can possibly do.  Youtube has a good video that compares it to another model.

[Free2be]

@Alsace Gal  I agree with everything you said about Seattle Cofffee Gear.  I just bought my second machine from them, ordered all kinds of supplies, always received prompt service.

And don't you love Gail's videos?  She is a hoot and so knowledgable, I was so happy to see she'd come back from retirement.

[Anne2022]

I had one of their more simple models and just didn't enjoy it and I favor just a plain coffee or espresso. 

I tried many types of espresso/coffee and overall did not like the taste and found it to be more than I wanted to clean etc.

My point of reference for preference is Nespresso. I have used them from before they started making "american coffee sizes" and am aware of their downsides. 

[kate2357]

I have had an espresso maker for at least 35 years and can't imagine not having one. I had a Krups for years, but really got tired of it failing after about 3 years and no way to get it fixed. I switched over to a less expensive brand and it made great espresso but they failed after about 2 years. (Not in same way as Krups).

A couple of years ago I decided to buy a more expensive brand thru COSTCO because COSTCO has the best return policies. This machine is programmable and after about 30 minutes of playing w/ it to set it up for my tastes, now every day I get the perfect espresso shot and it makes the best foam for cappuccino. I make 2 a day for myself and at least 1 for my husband. 

If you calculate the cost savings of making vs buying, you're ahead very quickly if you buy your coffee away from home very often. 

[nyc1]

@Alsace Gal @Free2be   Thanks for mentioning Seattle Coffee Gear.   I'm going to check them out.  I always send away for my beans. 

I just sent away for a part to my 20 year old Kitchenaid Pro Burr Grinder and hope I can fix it.  It runs fine,  but the part that prevents the grinds from shooting back up broke.  They no longer make this machine, which not only is fabulous, but very cool looking.   If I can't fix it,  I'll check out your place.  Thanks.

[Alsace Gal]

@Free2be 

Yes! Gail is fantastic. I met her once when I was in Seattle over 10 years ago.

Once I called for help. I'd lost the manual to my espresso machine, she faxed it and I kept it on my cupboard door until I finally sold my espresso maker.

'I used to order  Lavazza coffee beans from SCG. 
My preference is to have a bean grinder separate from the espresso maker.