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Home Espresso Machines

Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:32 am
Posted by Scoobahdoo
Member since Feb 2013
343 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:32 am
Looking to get a quality espresso machine for the house. One that will grind the beans itself. The only problem is, my wife is a germophobe, so she doesn't like the machines with a water reservoir. She doesn't like the idea of water just "sitting" in reservoir. She thinks bacteria and such will fester in the plastic tank....? So my only option would be a machine that is directly plumbed, and that is super expensive. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions on machines? Or some awesome scientific comeback I can use to tell her that everything will be ok?? Haaaaaaaaa!!!
Posted by BigPerm30
Member since Aug 2011
25831 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:35 am to
Empty the excess water after every use and dry the reservoir with a towel. Not really science but common sense.
Posted by Lambdatiger1989
NOLA
Member since Jan 2012
2288 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:38 am to
I have the Krups espresso machine and we love it. It does have a water tank, but just dump it after each use. Problem solved.
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
52748 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:39 am to
quote:

One that will grind the beans itself.


I don't think Espresso machines do that. Just go buy a grinder on amazon. I think i have a Capresso that works well. Prices range from $10-$100.

ETA: I was incorrect, there are espresso machines that grind the beans for you. They are pricey though.
This post was edited on 6/29/17 at 8:42 am
Posted by RaginCajunz
Member since Mar 2009
5307 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 8:57 am to
I have had very good luck with the products & service at Seattle coffee gear. If such a thing exists, they can steer you in that direction.

I have one in my office that grinds (called a SuperAutomatic) but it has a reservoir. [Saeco X-Small]

I have one at home that is directly plumbed, but it does not have a grinder included. (Semi-Automatic) [Rocket Cellini Evoluzione]

I don't know if both conditions exist in a single machine. I'd venture to guess even my direct plumbed model at home has a small reservoir to keep the pump from ever going dry.

It all depends on how nutty you want to get. Many will argue that the quality of the grinder is the most important part. I am a firm believer that the freshness of your roasted beans is paramount to quality. A super automatic is a big compromise on the grinder.
Posted by MountainTiger
The foot of Mt. Belzoni
Member since Dec 2008
14661 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 9:17 am to
quote:

So my only option would be a machine that is directly plumbed, and that is super expensive.

It doesn't have to be. Getting the drain plumbed would cost some money but the water supply is a piece of cake. For mine I just tapped off the water supply for the ice cube maker in the freezer. If that's an option for you it won't cost that much. You'll just have to empty out the discarded water reservoir every few days.

Also, from what I've been able to gather, the ones with the built-in grinder are not that good. So if your budget can take it, I'd recommend a separate grinder.

quote:

Or some awesome scientific comeback I can use to tell her that everything will be ok??

She probably won't buy it but you can tell her that all those bacteria will be boiled on the way to your coffee cup.

For the record the one I've been using for about 10 years is similar to this one [my model is no longer made].

This is the grinder I have.
This post was edited on 6/29/17 at 9:24 am
Posted by RaginCajunz
Member since Mar 2009
5307 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 9:32 am to
That is exactly what I did with mine. I positioned it just to the left of my refrigerator on the counter and tapped into the ice maker supply. I think it took me two trips to Lowes to get all the right T's and hoses to make it happen. The drain still goes into the big drip tray and I clean it every few days.

I'd recommend looking at Baratza for a fairly inexpensive grinder. I have the Virtuoso and it performs very well. I hope to step up to the new Sette soon.

Posted by Scoobahdoo
Member since Feb 2013
343 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 10:05 am to
quote:

That is exactly what I did with mine. I positioned it just to the left of my refrigerator on the counter and tapped into the ice maker supply.


That's exactly the position and hookup that I was thinking. What about pressure regulator or water filter? Did you use those also? What machine do you have?
Posted by BlackenedOut
The Big Sleazy
Member since Feb 2011
5800 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 10:12 am to
I had very good luck with a DeLonghi machine. Ran about 250 bucks, iirc lasted about two years of daily use. Did not have a grinder, but then again wouldnt think unless counter/cabinet space is at an absolute minimum having a combo grinder/brewer would be all that important.
Posted by MountainTiger
The foot of Mt. Belzoni
Member since Dec 2008
14661 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 10:14 am to
quote:

I positioned it just to the left of my refrigerator on the counter and tapped into the ice maker supply.

Bingo. See the picture below for my setup. The fridge is to the right in this pic.

quote:

I think it took me two trips to Lowes to get all the right T's and hoses to make it happen.

IIRC, mine came with all the hardware to do that.

Posted by RaginCajunz
Member since Mar 2009
5307 posts
Posted on 6/29/17 at 10:45 am to
quote:

That's exactly the position and hookup that I was thinking. What about pressure regulator or water filter? Did you use those also? What machine do you have?



I didn't do a regulator, I remember doing some research and determining I was fine with my normal line pressure. I didn't put a filter either. I did some testing on my tap water and determined it was fine. The only odd part was my machine is made in Italy so the threads are European. They ship it with a brass fitting that adapts it to US threads.

This is my machine: Rocket Cellini Evoluzione - I think it's discontinued now
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