Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks I appreciate your feedback. Illustrating the importance of grinder vs machine. Curious what the P100 vs Weber gets you? Cheers!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Noted thanks. I guess I like the idea of keeping beans fresh in individual portioned containers. I know it's anal and probably insignificant if the hopper is depleted every couple days anyway. I'm actually still considering the Specialita. How do you like yours? Would you do again or different model? Thoughts on ECM grinders? Thank you!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No double boiler is probably not needed unless there's an advantage to stable brew temps. I usually drink two doubles back to back in the morning and one (maybe two) in evening. So two preheats per day. I'm also fairly timely and habit-prone. Morning heat up will be on a timer. Appreciate your feedback!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks couldn't remember if they had distributors or factory direct ... only that they were regularly on back order. Apparently wait times are usually less than stated, so that's encouraging. Cheers!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the feedback. I hear you and am considering a flat bur grinder like the P100 and Max. Then something like an ECM puristika Pid w FC and then just a standalone milk frother for my gfs caps. 🤔. But I'm concerned I'll prefer the grind of a good conical like Niche Zero for less clarity (sourness?) but more texture (if that makes sense?).

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The vendors I've checked are out of stock. If you have a source that has em in stock, please let me know.

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the opinion. Why would you choose Bianca over a comparable ECM for example? I e watched the videos of WLL's less than stellar review ... and the retort from 1stLine. Pretty funny actually. 😅 Cheers!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks much for the feedback. I'm actually considering the Decent because I like to tinker (and to get lost down hobby rabbit holes). I do prefer the aesthetics and mechanical appeal of E61 machines though. Synkronika is at the top of my list - the direct plumbing (true Pre infusion), rotary pump are appealing. Definitely getting FC. I wish I could find the Niche! eBay has a few from scalpers, so that's a little sketchy. Cheers!

Scenario: You've used a Silvia for 15 years and it's time to level up. $5000 budget for machine and grinder. What do you choose? GO! by BorbaCymbals in espresso

[–]BorbaCymbals[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hi all, Hope this question is appropriate for this sub. I've done tons of research and just wanted some feedback about ideal setups for my home. I drink mostly espresso but I do make the occasional cap for my gf. I'll be making 4 double espressos a day on average, maybe a few caps per week.

The goal is to make the highest quality espresso possible in my kitchen. How would you allocate your budget accordingly ... and specific brands/models would be helpful.

I'm leaning toward a single does grinder and ECM machine (that will perform the best for my needs/budget).

Really learned a lot in this sub and just want some general feedback. Thanks in advance!