Coffee machine £200

[MajorProblem]

Looking for a coffee machine, not a pod one, one that can froth milk for a cappuccino if required,

I've been looking at the Gaggia Classic, I know I will need a grinder any other recommendations for my budget?

[Dr G]

Gaggia classic - mine is 9 years old and has been used daily, it's had regular cleaning, one new 3 way solenoid (20 quid bit online) and is a doddle to use.

It's the perfect 'starter' proper espresso machine and a lot of people find no need to upgrade even if they do really get in to it. I looked at buying something flash to replace mine but as yet haven't bothered.

I'm being a heathen/philestine and buying ground from cqueen (on here) @ smokey barn roasters. I will buy a grinder soon. Promise.

[MajorProblem]

Thanks Dr G, I only really have a coffee before and after work so the machine won't be stressed, I could always PID it if I wanted to improve but it sounds like a good start, 9 years is bloody good going for any appliance these days!

[Dr G]

...particularly considering it's Italian

I stripped and cleaned mine without any instructions or experience, all the parts are available online and anything that can go wrong has gone wrong on someone else before so diagnosing stuff is a snap. Back flush it with puly caff once a month and take the head apart a couple of times a year (2 allen bolts and 1 screw) for a deeper clean. Had a new group head seal (£5) this year too as I was getting a few drips from around the old one.

I have exactly the same coffee routine as you (one before work and one after) so sounds like an appliance you could get a great many years of service from.

[Silverbullet767]

Hasbean website have 25% off everything including machines today.

Might be worth a look?

http://www.hasbean.co.uk/

Voucher code: naked73

[jinkster]

Another thumbs up for the Gaggia classic. Very good machine but a little messy. If you want no mess and no coffee education go bean to cup but you'll be paying much more than £200 for a good one.

[NDA]

......and another for the Gaggia Classic. I can make a large espresso in the same time it takes to make Mrs NDA an instant (which she prefers).

I wouldn't buy a grinder (controversial). I buy ground vacuum sealed Lavazza (espresso machine grind) coffee from Amazon. there is a huge choice of ground coffee available for next day delivery.

I've had Nespresso pod machines and a few others too..... Gaggia is by far the most authentic and soooo much cheaper in the long run.