Starbucks brewing equipment sale

[txenglan]

However, I personally prefer the less expensive 3400 due to the manual froth wand.

Yes. I wondered about that aspect of this machine....that type of wand would have been nice. This one is OK but because it is so rigid, you have to be careful about how you do the frothing and it limits the range of motion you can use. I'll get used to it or will just go back to frothing the way I used to. I completely screwed up on frothing this morning and created a terrible cappuccino

[nikotine24]

OK, with the Rancilio Silvia post, should I buy this one or not? local starbucks has only one 4400 left!!!
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help!!!

To those who are considering whether to go for a super-automatic (like the Delonghi) or a semi-automatic (like the Rancilio Silvia), the key question is whether you want to spend some effort in order to get the best quality espresso, or if you prefer to keep things simple.

For a super-automatic, you just load the beans and press a button.

For a semi-automatic, there are a lot of things to learn and do and it really requires some dedication to get the best out of the machine. I'm talking here about always having fresh whole coffee beans (not the stuff in silos at the supermarket, but from specialty stores), buying and calibrating the right grinder, learning how to fill and tamp the machine with the grounds, etc. If you are not prepared to do this, you're better off with a super-automatic machine that only requires a few button pushes.

For people considering a super automatic, I think the Nespresso system is also worth considering. It's a pod system where the coffee is pre-ground and sealed to preserve freshness. You use one pod for one shot of espresso.

The downsides are that pods are somewhat expensive at 59 cents, the only source is from Nespresso (internet order or from the Nespresso Boutiques), and you are limited to the 16 blends that are available only from Nespresso (no third-party manufacturers). Also, the spent pods create a environmental waste. However, the upside is that the quality is quite good, possibly better than from super automatics, the 16 blends offer a good variety of flavours, and the results are extremely consistent. Mechanically speaking, the machines are quite simple, require less maintenance, and are less prone to failure than super-automatics, and they only cost about $300.

I have bought a Nespresso for the office a few months ago and this has led me to believe that the results are better than what the average semi-automatic machine user will get at home. The users who have good machines (Gaggias, Silvias, and up), good grinders, and who KNOW what they are doing will get better results. But for most people, using a semi-automatic machine is a hit-or-miss proposition. Since making espresso is such a finicky affair, sometimes they get good results, and sometimes the coffee is almost undrinkable. It is not so easy to get consistency unless you are prepared for some learning curve.

More info about Nespresso here (I don't work for Nespresso!):

http://www.coffeereview.com/article.cfm?ID=152

[leoben]

I bought 4400 during their Christmas brewing sale ($650+tax). I believe they offered additional discount for demo models but I got the new one. For people who don't have much time in the morning to make a fantastic cup of espresso, you cannot go wrong with 4400. I've used about 4 cans (250g) of illy beans and a couple bags of starbucks beans and I've yet to run into any problem. I haven't really done any cleaning aside from occasional decalcifying, and cleaning the infuser once. Ever since I've bought this machine I rarely go to starbucks.. as this machine + illy beans make better coffee than what starbucks offers me!

One downside is the weak steam wand. makes it harder to produce microfoam..

[MacBuster]

I wonder how this compares to this deal:

http://www.1stincoffee.com/refurb-f60.htm

(yes, I have an amerifriend).

[falconhob]

I picked up the Delonghi Rialto 4500 with the "one touch latte" feature about 18 months ago from Starbucks. If you pop the extra few bux (and enjoy lattes) go for the Rialto. It's made us 4 per day plus many more for friends and family, including the iced latte's in the summer, without missing a beat. You do have to clean the milk container once a week, and the machine every few months, but that's peanuts for maintenance. From what I've heard from others, SB supports the products they sell VERY well, and this Delonghi has proven bulletproof.

[afong56]

I wonder how this compares to this deal:

http://www.1stincoffee.com/refurb-f60.htm

(yes, I have an amerifriend).

that's a good looking unit. . .

it's a refurb, but if they are anything like apple and their refurb units, then you're golden.

i definitely like the size of the water container--impressive

[Fritz the Cat]

I have found a vendor on eBay (USA) for Refurbed units. I bought this one for 645 USD and it has the milk frother built in. Its quik to clean up and the refurbs have an international warranty from Delonghi (Canada also).
I have a few of these, (work, home, cottage) and have given them to some good customers as well. I have no problems with any of them and the temperature is user programmable for those that want a hotter cup-a-joe.

see http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=370168836551

[MacBuster]

I picked up the Delonghi Rialto 4500 with the "one touch latte" feature about 18 months ago from Starbucks. If you pop the extra few bux (and enjoy lattes) go for the Rialto. It's made us 4 per day plus many more for friends and family, including the iced latte's in the summer, without missing a beat. You do have to clean the milk container once a week, and the machine every few months, but that's peanuts for maintenance. From what I've heard from others, SB supports the products they sell VERY well, and this Delonghi has proven bulletproof.

So does that mean the Rialto foams the milk AND mixes it with the espresso, etc automatically?

It's about $300 more, too!

[stealth]

Is not the Rancilio a semi-auto, whereas this is a super-auto?

Two totally difference machines.
I've gotten quite busy with life lately, and my semi-auto just sits there. I need a super-auto for the week.

Yes, 2 very different machines. Apples and oranges.

really? i thought the rancilio silvia was the entry to mid level for a decent machine, not even close to high-end.

not to mention, a new rancilio silvia plus a proper grinder is definitely more than $650 cdn. . .there's a guy selling a used rancilio, plus an entry level grinder for about $650, here on rfd.

as someone else said, can't compare a superauto to the machines a true coffee snob would use--but don't forget, all of those people drinking americanos, ristrettos, lattes, etc. at starbucks are consuming products of superautos. . .

Very often "high end" or "entry level" is based on the buyers budget expectations. Compared to a $100. Krups, someone might consider a Silvia to be "pro-sumer" or "high end",as its the upper end of what they could see someone spending for an espresso machine...after all, how many people buy restaurant grade 220v, plumbed in, multi-group head, $4k espresso machines for home use? Only a few terminally single coffee geeks on the web, is my guess.


It all comes down to what you can justify for an espresso machine..is it $200., $600., or $2400. thats going to determine where you rank the machines in preference. I'm not even sure that someone that thinks Starbucks is great coffee, would be able to discern the differences between a $200. and $2400. machine.

In another example, some would consider a $70k Corvette a high end "dream" car....someone else looking at a Bugatti Veyron ($1.7M) or even a $300k Murcielago would consider it an entry level sports car.

[a2vr6]

If you put $649 coffee maker in the title, i wouldn't even bother looking at this thread. Most of us saw "brewing sale" and thought there was a deal.

In a recession, it's difficult to find a normal person paying over $700 for a coffee maker.

You have to look at weighing your options:

Buy Tim Horton's Swill at $1.47 a day (Minimum for most people, many have several a day) 365 x $1.47 = $536.55

OR

Buy a FANTASTIC coffee maker that makes amazing coffee (you get to use your own beans freshly ground each day). this is not even including the fact your won't have to waste your time in a drive thru/Line and even potentially buying Tim's nasty lard laden "treats".

[sb_tor]

some people mentioned the comparatively inexpensive starbucks barista machine. Any comments about that? Is it part of this sale?

[bythehour]

I bought the 4400 a few months ago, after much research. For the price, it's a deal. It produces consistent quality brew, is easy to clean (one-button operation) and is quite easy to clean. My only gripe is that it doesn't have a water-in line (or at least, I haven't bothered to find it).

Keep in mind that there is a difference between Delonghi and Delonghi Magnifica. The Magnifica line has its own customer service, and is supposed to be top notch (haven't had to use it, yet).

After looking around for a looooong time, I was hard pressed to find another automatic for the same price (paid $650). The "name" brands seem to go at least $1,000 plus.

[afong56]

Yes, 2 very different machines. Apples and oranges.


Very often "high end" or "entry level" is based on the buyers budget expectations. Compared to a $100. Krups, someone might consider a Silvia to be "pro-sumer" or "high end",as its the upper end of what they could see someone spending for an espresso machine...after all, how many people buy restaurant grade 220v, plumbed in, multi-group head, $4k espresso machines for home use? Only a few terminally single coffee geeks on the web, is my guess.


It all comes down to what you can justify for an espresso machine..is it $200., $600., or $2400. thats going to determine where you rank the machines in preference. I'm not even sure that someone that thinks Starbucks is great coffee, would be able to discern the differences between a $200. and $2400. machine.

In another example, some would consider a $70k Corvette a high end "dream" car....someone else looking at a Bugatti Veyron ($1.7M) or even a $300k Murcielago would consider it an entry level sports car.

no question it depends on the user

the rancilio is a great unit, with hackabililty and a very strong user group that swear by it.

if one were looking for a semi-auto, it would be an excellent buy--i'm definitely not knocking it.

the delonghi 4400, as you admit, cannot be compared with the rancilio--different purposes, different results

[Blitzo]

$50 coffee maker vs. $650 coffee maker... Hmmm. I make coffee for 2 people per day vs. 400 people per day... Hmm. Maybe I should buy a building instead of a house next time I'm in the market for a new home.

Its a great deal for those who would need one. Thanks anyways op.

[a2vr6]

$50 coffee maker vs. $650 coffee maker... Hmmm. I make coffee for 2 people per day vs. 400 people per day... Hmm. Maybe I should buy a building instead of a house next time I'm in the market for a new home.

Its a great deal for those who would need one. Thanks anyways op.

Hmmm, I guess you haven't had a fantastic cup of coffee...hmm Should I get a A Chevy Aveo or a Ferrari? You get the picture right? The analogy of getting a building compared to a house does not make sense though so I can't comment on that one.