Hi everyone,
I stumbled across the TMC site about a week ago and have done nothing but read your posts and articles ever since! Thanks to you all! Unfortunately, my interest has only served to highlight how horribly inadequate my current equipment is – I have a Krups Novo 2200 and no grinder. Please don’t laugh! Yes, the Krups has a crema enhancer and yes, it has one of those nasty cappucino milk frothing attachments (only two of its many shortcomings) but i was relatively happy with it...........until now!
So I am, of course, thinking of upgrading and would be grateful for your advice. Given that my machine is basically rubbish, would you still suggest investing in a good grinder first and then upgrading the machine later? I’m not sure how much difference good, freshly ground beans will make to an espresso that is poor to start with.
Also, I would like to keep the costs down as much as possible and wondered whether there is any mileage in buying second hand. Would it be a cheap route to some quality goods or just a waste of money? I’m not sure how much this equipment costs to repair and maintain! Some initial research on e-bay has thrown up a potentially reasonable Demoka M203 grinder or a Mazzer Super Jolly, which I probably won’t be able to afford any way! On the machine front, I’m looking at a Gaggia Classic/Evolution or an Isomac Giada, possibly a Rancilio Silvia, although again I suspect that the final price will be out of my range.
Any advice you can give will be gratefully received!
Many thanks,
Cheapskate from Kent (or Lisa if you prefer )