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Original poster

Need to buy a coffee machine

90 replies

CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 10:36

Please help!!

My coffee machine is unwell, not yet sure if it's terminal 🥲 He's 'turning on, but won't progress to actually making coffee!!!'

(Philips Senseo, light changing from fast to slow but not getting as far as staying on and cup buttons doing nothing)

I'm trying to get him fixed, but no luck so far. We seem to have lost all the small appliance repairers. Throw away culture I suppose, since products got cheaper)

I love him & wouldn't have ever chosen to change from him, but had decided when the day came I'd go bean to cup as I'm fed up of the hassle/expense of getting the (limited range) of coffee pads (they're like tea bags)

He makes a decent size coffee (I'd say 175-200 ml) which I add cream (not milk) to.

I've used Nespresso machines (with pods) but they don't make enough coffee even using 2 pods (& topping it up with boiling water just isn't the same).

Same with filter coffee, it's 'too thin, not enough 'body'.

So I don't know what I'm looking for?? A fuller expresso shot I suppose?!

I'm ok to grind beans separately, but would prefer it was just built in.

I found this, but reading about it on another retailers site, it seems to just 'make coffee' like an American I think, not sure and an Americanism isn't what I'm after.

https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/innoteck-ds-5907-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-black?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17734579830&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8oDprNuh_wIVkNB3Ch03UwyEEAQYAiABEgIqS_D_BwE

heeeeeellllp!! Please 😊

Innoteck DS-5907 Bean To Cup Coffee Machine - Black

https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/innoteck-ds-5907-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-black?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17734579830&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8oDprNuh_wIVkNB3Ch03UwyEEAQYAiABEgIqS_D_BwE

OP posts:
SOBplus · 01/06/2023 15:55

Nespresso machines are programmable. Program a longer cycle? I use a slightly longer cycle then "standard" and three capsules and fill a large mug with nice thick coffee!

HRTeatime · 01/06/2023 16:03

The newer vertuo coffee machines have capsules to make larger cups of coffee op. We mostly use the 230ml pods. The newest machine can fit pods that brew a 535ml carafe of coffee. I prefer the pods, as it means I can vary the coffee. We had a bean to cup at work, and while it was lovely coffee, it was always the same coffee.

queenofthebongo · 01/06/2023 16:15

We have a Melitta barista ts Smart. It's amazing. You can get smaller versions but I wanted one section for normal beans and one for decaf.

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General food
Bluevelvetsofa · 01/06/2023 16:46

De Longhi Magnifica here too.

Goldencup · 01/06/2023 16:57

Bluevelvetsofa · 01/06/2023 16:46

De Longhi Magnifica here too.

And here, it's brilliant.

Napsarethebest · 01/06/2023 16:58

Here too. I love it but got it second hand from a non coffee drinker.

colouroftherainbow · 01/06/2023 17:06

Another vote for DeLonghi Magnifica bean to cup. Cost under £300 and has saved us more than double that in buying coffees when out

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 19:08

HideTheCroissants · 01/06/2023 11:22

Have another look at Nespresso OP. We have a Nespresso Vertuo machine and DH uses pods that make 230ml which leaves just enough room for the splash of milk he likes. I use smaller pods and more milk. I think they do pods that give an even bigger serve but that would overflow our mugs.

@HideTheCroissants sorry, my pist was a bit garbled!! I'm looking for a bean to cup so I can get off the pad/pod cycle & try out more coffee beans!

but when I inevitably come back FED UP of the mess of the beans, I'll definitely use the info in your post !!💐

OP posts:
Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 19:10

ManyATrueWord · 01/06/2023 11:32

@CaffineAddict It's £500,.at least the one I'm looking at is. I should think you'll find one a bit lower. Or get second hand.

Depends on your coffee use. It was a false economy for us to get a pod machine, and we don't use it every day.

@ManyATrueWord sorry, I couldn't see the red marked down price on my phone screen in the sun 🙇🏻‍♀️ It's a tidy little machine for sure, thanks for the suggestion!!

OP posts:
SheDragonheart · 01/06/2023 19:37

What about a Drip Cone coffee, you can make as weak or strong as you like.

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 19:44

DistractMe · 01/06/2023 11:35

Go low tech with a moka pot?

It's an option. But it doesn't make an espresso does it, more just a French press coffee.

OP posts:
Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 19:47

Trickedbyadoughnut · 01/06/2023 11:42

We've just replaced our Senseo with a Delonghi Magnifica S. Hung around on various websites to get an offer.

I like Americano-sized coffee in the morning and you can programme what amount of water it gives you for each button (although you can also hit the double long coffee button which will give approx. 280ml of coffee 😆). It is a lot nicer coffee than the Senseo. We also wanted to get rid of the pods.

@Trickedbyadoughnut Thanks. which one of the eleventy billion magnifica models did you choose (& why? 😂😂)

OP posts:
TheHandmaiden · 01/06/2023 19:49

Vote for the Delonghi Magnifica. It does need careful cleaning in a hard water area though

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 19:54

Bluebells1970 · 01/06/2023 11:50

I splurged and got a Sage nespresso. You can adjust the amount of water in the lungo and espresso settings as well as milk temperature etc... I'm a bit wicked sometimes and warm cream in it for a very indulgent coffee.

https://www.nespresso.com/uk/en/order/machines/original/sage-creatista-plus-smocked-hickory-coffee-machine

I found an older model online in the sale and got it for £379 - worth every penny, it's used more than the kettle!

@Bluebells1970 this is the machine that my friend has. It's the one I can't get any volume out of. 😩. I've just watched the video and I do what he says, Im dog sitting again soon, so I'll try again!!

im realky wanting to get away from
pads & pods though!

well until the faff & mess drives me back again! 😂😂

OP posts:
Puffalicious · 01/06/2023 19:58

I'm smiling at this post. I don't drink coffee- yuck- but smiling indulgently at my DP who is celebrating his half century by stroking his new Gaggia bean to cup machine. 🙈I think he is truly in love. It cost me £550 but he really is a coffee obsessive.

He's had a lovely, cheaper Delonghi I bought him 8 years ago- still going strong and DS1 will pilfer it for student flat- but he has hankered after this machine for years!

Enjoy whatever machine you get, you coffee lovers take it very seriously, so best get researching!

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 20:02

dryshampooer · 01/06/2023 11:51

I have the exact machine linked to by @ManyATrueWord and would absolutely recommend. Makes delicious rich Americanos and lovely frothy cappuccino. It's an investment for sure, but I find Delonghi machines last for many years.

@dryshampooer

thanks for the extra vote for that one!!

im 'ok' with paying a few hundred if I can find one that does what I want, but not £900. (Didn't see the mark down).

it's annoying though as I love my Philip, but if he can't be resuscitated, now is the time to get the bean to cup!

but can I handle the mess & faff?? Pods/pads are just so much less mess & faff 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
Teacoaster · 01/06/2023 20:03

I have the Sage Bambino Plus. https://www.redber.co.uk/products/sage-the-bambino-plus-espresso-coffee-machine-stainless-steel

You have to grind the beans in a separate machine/grinder if you want to do that,. otherwise you can buy pre ground. I recently purchased the Sage grinder as I wanted to up my coffee experience and experiment with different coffee flavours.

Plus points: compact, easy to clean, excellent customer service from Sage, looks nice, the auto milk frother is handy when I can't be bothered to froth it manually (although it does have a manual frothing function) and comes with different portafilter inserts allowing single or double shots, plus ones which are better for shop bought ground beans.

Negative points: the machine forces you to clean it after 200 shots have been pulled, not a bad thing but if you've pulled your 200th shot, you then can't use the milk frother until you've gone through the cleaning cycle and by that time, your coffee is cold. If I'm an idiot and there is a way round this, please let me know.

Sage The Bambino™ Plus Espresso Coffee Machine - Stainless Steel | Redber Coffee

Just like a cafe, the Bambino Plus does not compromise on the four key elements for true café quality coffee. Delivering barista quality performance using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams for full flavour and an automatic steam wand for milk texturing...

https://www.redber.co.uk/products/sage-the-bambino-plus-espresso-coffee-machine-stainless-steel

MissMarplesGoddaughter · 01/06/2023 20:06

dryshampooer · 01/06/2023 11:51

I have the exact machine linked to by @ManyATrueWord and would absolutely recommend. Makes delicious rich Americanos and lovely frothy cappuccino. It's an investment for sure, but I find Delonghi machines last for many years.

Just posting to say we have this coffee machine too.

It is fab and makes wonderful coffee and I would 100% recommend it.

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 20:25

FlibbedyFlobbedyFloo · 01/06/2023 11:58

We have a Philips LatteGo and love it. It also paid for itself in less than a year compared to using Nespresso capsules.

We didn't take the most fancy one with the most programmes, but we do have the option to use ground coffee too, which we do for making decafs

@FlibbedyFlobbedyFloo

I've just had a look at them. Them seem pretty good! I'd like to be able to go into a store and trial one!!

OP posts:
Do88byisfree · 01/06/2023 20:35

I love my Delonghi Dinamica. No mess or fuss and you can reprogram it. I waited for ages until.i got a good deal in the sales. Think their newer model is even better and easier to tweak to get it just as you like it.

No mess. No fuss. Empty grounds container and drip tray once or twice a week. Descale every 6 weeks.

Would replace it in a Heartbeat if it broke!

Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 20:36

bluedomino · 01/06/2023 12:07

I love my Delonghi espresso machine. It makes excellent coffee with a great crema. Mine isn't bean to cup but if I were going to get one, it would be Delonghi. I like trying different coffees and it saves a fortune not using pods. The pods always gave me indigestion anyway. You can also use coffee bags/pads in my Delonghi too.
I enjoy the process of making the espresso and find it no more labourious than using a kettle. It's also less mess than a cafetiere. I'm planning on getting a knock box and heavy tamper soon.
Enjoy your shopping and coffee.

@bluedomino I saw the tamper box on their website earlier.

goid to know it's less ness than a cafetière anyway. I'm one of those people who likes everything clean & tidy, but I manage to make a mess no matter what I do, I don't need help from a coffee machine

🤣😂

thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 20:42

@Davros it's a cute pink brand isn't it!! & a very cute machine! I love the Ultimate Bundke!!

but it's pods and I'm trying to get away from that... maybe...

could be an incentive for Philip to get better, cute wee girlfriend 🤣🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 20:49

Moredarkchocolateplease · 01/06/2023 14:05

We have a Gaggia classic (2019 version) which we used to replace our Gaggia classic from 2008. Not bean to cup but we have a grinder by the side.

Was about £450

Exceptional coffee. Full of body, as long or short as you like. Very easy maintenance.

We get our coffee from Pact, I get decaf, DH gets beans. We drink a serious amoint of coffee.

Good luck choosing.

@Moredarkchocolateplease

thank you too!

however, back flushing?? It's the first I've read about this!

it sounds akin to anal gland emptying that I'd pay the groomer to do (if I had a dog)

Do you have to do that with all espresso machines or is it a 'Gaggia' thing? (How apt) 😂😂

OP posts:
Original poster
CaffineAddict · 01/06/2023 21:01

@KevinDeBrioche
@CoffeeBeansGalore

thank you both!

Is anyone familiar with this one?

im not keen on the colour, but the size would be great in my small kitchen

OP posts:
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