A fresh Espresso for Cleo

[swedguy]

Didn't I read in a thread some time ago that you wanted a new Espresso machine?

I was about to get a Saeco some time ago but skipped it. Now I'm going to buy one and has been looking around and reading lots of reviews.
This time I will get myself a Gaggia. They have great prices on them at www.italy-outlet.com

Gaggia Syncrony Compact
http://www.best-of-italy.com/cgi-bin...&mall=B&lang=E
$636

Gaggia Syncrony Compact Digital
http://www.best-of-italy.com/cgi-bin...&mall=B&lang=E
$778

http://www.wholelattelove.com/ - lots of great stuff about Espresso
http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles.cfm?articleID=23 - Review on the Gaggia Compact


The Gaggia Compact Digital looks promising

[Cleo]

I just bought a Krups pump one that is pretty decent and was under 100 at Best Buy since I will not have a stove for sometime as I don't have a kitchen right now, just a big empty hole in the middle of my house. lol

I still like the stove top little espresso makers the best.

[swedguy]

How do you manage to get something decent out of those?

I can not for the life of me make good Espresso from mine. Now I just use it for decoration in my kitchen hehe.

Do you put the burner on low, middle or high heat?
Press the grounds or just fill the container?

Teach me

[Cleo]

High heat.

Press the grinds in it as tight as you can get them.

Take it off the stove once all the water has made it to the top.

Only use Cafe Bustelo coffee grinds.

Add lots of sugar to make traditional espresso and if you are like me add some fake cream to it for a American style very strong cup of speed.

[swedguy]

NICE!

Now I have a project for tomorrow hehe.

Thanks |rasta|

[Cleo]

My rich neighbor who doesn't know what to do with all his money doesn't drink coffee but some of his rent-a-girlfriends do so he bought the top of the line Krups machine. The one that grinds the beans and everything and sells for over a grand. I still like my 9.95 stove top one more. lol

I will admit that his is much more impressive looking then mine.

[swedguy]

hehehe rent-a-girlfriends happy

The place where I buy beans here in the city sells Saeco, that's where I tried it the first time. Damn the Espresso from that thing was GOOD. So convenient too - just push a button and you will get your Espresso.
That's why I love the automatic machines over the old-fashioned manual ones. The manual ones are beautiful - lots of chrome and the "real" Espresso machine style. But too much to clean afterwards.

I'm lazy, I prefer easy things

[Cleo]

Automatic would be nice. Having someone that makes you coffee in the morning is even better.

I'm thinking that I need a companion again. One that knows how to do coffee well and is also good with their hands and doing home remodeling work would be my first choice these days. lol

[swedguy]

How about a 29-year old, slightly used, rough around the edges man but fits into that description?

[swedguy]

Got myself some fresh beans and dusted off the stove top thingy. I have to say that it turned out pretty good this time

[tiny]

OUCH,glad I don't drink expresso.Man thats alot of money for a machine.
Don't get me wrong we all have our habits.
But I'd have to find another at those prices hehe.
Sounds more like something I'd use to open a shop up with or is that the norm.
Looks like Cleo saved you some money hehe

[swedguy]

I only have a few passions in life.

Kayaking - kayak every now and then, doesn't cost me anything.
Outdoor kinda things - Do it every once in a while, doesn't cost anything.
Coffee - love it and drink it every day, it just has to be perfect.
Food - love it

I have some more, but those I'm not going to tell

I don't spend much money on other stuff, that's why I don't mind spending money on getting my coffee perfect