by bluevalentine » Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:35 pm
£250 doesn't get you into Pavoni territory and if Gaggia classic is too large your choice is likely to be restricted. I started off with a highly unfashionable Briel Chamonix and made reasonable espresso until it came unwelded after about 4 years hard use, certainly as good as I get from my Gaggia Paros.
A foodwriter friend who is also Italian swears by his Kenwood Cafe Retro (a badged over Italian Ariete) available here for about 160 euro.
That's all at base level.
For your money I'd say the Isomac Super Giada would be the best buy but check the size, it looks around the same footprint as a Classic.
Reneka Techno V2M / Anfim doserless grinder / HotTop KN8828P / Reg & Espro / 3 French presses + Bialetti + Turkish ibrik + filter + Aeropress
In extremis I munch the beans
Coffee falls into the stomach ... ideas begin to move... shafts of wit start up like sharp-shooters, similies arise, the paper is covered with ink ...
Honore de Balzac