94 replies to this topic

[rotuts]

I have the Alexia-PID after I read HB and had about 3 months of sleepless nights.  Its the perfect machine for me.  I do  not use milk.

 

consider Chris Coffee:

 

http://www.chriscoffee.com/

 

I spoke to them many many times and they answered my questions honestly and fairly.  I got my 'system' from them as they are 

 

two hours away and their price more than fair.  I attended Coffee Univ.  

 

and 

 

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/

 

they have a lot of vids.  Im sure they would be happy to talk to you also

 

I work for none of the above.

 

but please take your time.   this should be the last machine you get.  make sure you get the matching level grinder.

 

slurp  slurp.

[Crouton]

I have the Alexia-PID after I read HB and had about 3 months of sleepless nights.  Its the perfect machine for me.  I do  not use milk.

 

consider Chris Coffee:

 

http://www.chriscoffee.com/

 

I spoke to them many many times and they answered my questions honestly and fairly.  I got my 'system' from them as they are 

 

two hours away and their price more than fair.  I attended Coffee Univ.  

 

and 

 

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/

 

they have a lot of vids.  Im sure they would be happy to talk to you also

 

I work for none of the above.

 

but please take your time.   this should be the last machine you get.  make sure you get the matching level grinder.

 

slurp  slurp.

 

 

I'm on night 2 of no sleep :)  As far as grinders go, do you have any thoughts on the Ceado E37? I'm a sucker for heavy duty housing and minimal plastic parts and this grinder looks be built like a tank. 

 

http://www.wholelatt...o/ceado_e37.cfm

[rotuts]

only 2?  give it at least 3 M   this is your last system.

 

http://www.home-bari...nce-t20814.html

 

looks interesting.  get your grinder at the same place you get the machine.  I also went doserless as i thought  less to clean.  and clean is very important. i got the Compac K3.  Im very happy with it.  its a tiny chore to clean but no big deal.  what I have perfectly suits me.  it might not suit others.    

 

the question you have to ask yourself is " for me the perfect espresso is ... "  leave yourself a little room to get a system that costs a little more than you thought you would spend.

 

Win the lottery did you?

 

http://www.home-bari...ective-gs3.html

 

http://www.seattleco...spresso-grinder

 

or

 

http://www.seattleco...0-vario-grinder

 

dont think for a minute that 10 K will make a better cup than the stuff I have or you are considering.   there is the 'hand of the barrista'  which is the limiting step.

 

Roast your own?   .....    

 

 

Im sure ChrisCoffee ande Seatle Coffee gear will have a matching grinder for you.. dont get more grinder than machine.  if you buy both at the same place you will save a great deal of Moooola.  and might even get free shipping.

 

take your time.  the two places are not the only ones that sell great stuff.   if you decided after talking to both places many times on the machine and the grinder, shop around.  you might find them else were but dont change your mind after youve made up your mind unless you have good reason to

[rotuts]

don't forget to consider a PID.  if it has two boilers, then a double PID.   some people think a HX machine does not need PID.  Dont know much about that myself.

[glepore]

Just keep in mind that the Expobars have pretty large footprint. I ordered a direct plumbed Office and it wouldn't fit under my cabinets.

 

 

The non-plummable is only 15" high which should fit under most standard cabinets. Not sure I want to go through hiring a plumber to route a water line up through our counter-tops 

Yeah, I hear you, but its not that hard, you can get John Guest kits that allow you to tap into the water at the sink and run a 1/4 plastic line to the machine, very DIY. Plumbed is a major convenience.

 

As far as no need for PID on an HX, I would agree that there's no "need" but my experience (PID'd Oscar) was that it was less hassle, more reliable , and more easily adjustable than a pstat. YMMV