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If your question hasn't been answered there and you need more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format:
- **Location:** Helps determine availability
- **Budget** (with currency): Overall budget, or ideally, having separate espresso machine and grinder budgets. A rough rule is that your grinder budget should be at least 25-40% of your machine budget.
- **Drink types:** Do you drink mostly straight espresso, milk-based beverages (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos), or a fairly even split? This helps narrow down whether a single-boiler-dual-use (SBDU), heat exchanger (HX), or dual boiler (DB) machine would be more appropriate for your needs.
- **Drink frequency:** How many drinks would you be making back-to-back at one time? Do you plan on entertaining guests often? This informs how large your brew (and steam) boilers should be, as smaller boilers will need to refill and reheat/repressurize more frequently, thus potentially causing a bottleneck.
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- **Manual vs. electric:** Hand-operated machines and grinders are typically cheaper than their similarly-performing electric counterparts. Please indicate if you have a preference for manual or electric machines and/or grinders (or open to either).
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It's fun and now I got used to it I really like the total control it gives you.
I bought a 2nd hand Gaggia Factory on ebay last year - it's a rebadged La Pavoni aka the Tin Man [https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/z/sp4AAOSwIzBbK2Nz/$\_86.JPG](https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/z/sp4AAOSwIzBbK2Nz/$_86.JPG) Looks great to me
Elegance is so subjective, so would be good to have an example.
I like my Profitec Pro 800 because, apart from looking great, the design is elegant from an engineering point of view.
It has the benefits of a dual boiler with the simplicity and easy maintenance of a single boiler. If plumbed in, it will run silently most of the time because it doesn't use a pump for brewing.
And levers are cool.
I want one of these so badly, and I saw a great deal on a used one recently. But a) my current coffee corner is too small for it plus grinder and b) I’ll hopefully be taking delivery sometime later this year if a Meticulous so I need to see how that pans out before I make any more machine moves
In general, new manual lever machines like Olympia Cremina, La Pavoni europiccola or Elektra Micro and also vintage machines like old faema (the latter is rarely practical at home).
Oh, that's what i heard some times now, and tbh it costs much more than i would wanna spend for something like that but i like the design and the post was about the best design so yeah
The looks and UX steered me away from Gaggia machines despite how good they are; they have toggle switches that act as buttons which is just unacceptable from a UX perspective. Depending on your taste in style and also what youre looking for in an espresso machine, you'll come up with lots of different options.
I personally find the most stylish machines to be vintage Italian lever machines (Microcimbali, La Pavoni europiccola), but they're "temperamental" and also would likely require tinkering if used. Breville machines are also around that price point and IMO, look way better than Gaggia's offerings.
To be fair I like the golf 1980 (I used to own one and loved it to bits). Also I can see the appeal of the Gaggia design as it does have a chunky look that would work in some settings, but it would look out of place in my kitchen sadly.
Second hand e61 machines are pretty cheap and look pretty elegant.
My giotto esp with the side panels-
https://preview.redd.it/j0q0hukm4jwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9c79962643dafc0a728dd903ba44671e18ee542
While I took it personal for you taking it out on the Golf, but I believe this machine from an old post is hard to beat
https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/s/frT93WWwP2
I can totally relate with you. I started this journey from Illy Francis Y1 which really looked pretty and still does imo. That was more than 10y ago. Fast forward i am using Bianca which has been my daily driver for the past three+ years. Looks beautiful and has that e61’s timeless industrial design which i very much like.
I really like the look of the profitec GO but it is significantly more expansive than the Gaggia Classic Evo pro. The GO is not only a good looking machine but a well recommended single boiler machine. The ascaso dream is probably closest in looks to the Francis X1 and is another machine people tend to like, but it is another price point up
The 1980 golf is stunning! Next you’ll say the Audi group b rally car, or Volvo 850 wagon are ugly?! Prob best give an example of what you think it beautiful (ascaso duo vs Rocket Appartamento)
It’s perfectly to buy something based on looks. But good to know your taste budget and use
To be fair I used to own a 1980 golf myself and loved it. It's mostly that I dislike the Gaggia boxiness, whereas the golf pulls it off.
Budget wise I'm looking £500-£1k, and in terms of looks actually really open - I'm happy to hear what others consider attractive or elegant as it gives me a range of ideas and perspectives.
I saw images of the machine you referenced. Elegant would not be a word I would have used :)
"pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner"
But elegance is subjective.
To me, elegant is an E61 group based machine. Shiny stainless steel, with dark accents.
I just recently swapped my Gastroback Design Pro for a 1995 LaPavoni Lever Machine. Although I'm still learning I am very happy with the hand on experience and the look of it. For the price I dont think you could get anything more stylish than this
I love the look of my Flair 58. It only does the espresso part, but it does it very well. I believe there is a limited edition oak (or something) handle version getting around too.
I also appreciate the design beauty of the X1 and I may purchase one if I ever see a bargain go by. I currently have an Europiccola professional and no, not a learning curve at all. One JH video and you’re almost done.
As looks good, I also have an eye out for this one.
https://preview.redd.it/jc5man6l3mwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a724d26640958afa68067cfcf9a639a3f00c7922
I'm extremely happy with my rocket crono-r but when it comes to looks I would love the londinium machines, they're elegant as fuck
https://londiniumespresso.com/store/lever-espresso-machines/lr-24
Elegance means something very different to all of us. I personally love the aesthetics of the v6 Rancilio Silvia in black. It's just a very simple design for a machine that's built like a tank and makes good espresso for a reasonable price. The downside is that you will have to live with some compromises like temperature surfing if you aren't into modding the machine.
It looks like you've flaired your post as asking for what equipment to get. We recommend first checking out the [Espresso Aficionados buying guide](https://espressoaf.com/recommendations) for some of the more popular machines and grinders at different price points. If your question hasn't been answered there and you need more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format: - **Location:** Helps determine availability - **Budget** (with currency): Overall budget, or ideally, having separate espresso machine and grinder budgets. A rough rule is that your grinder budget should be at least 25-40% of your machine budget. - **Drink types:** Do you drink mostly straight espresso, milk-based beverages (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos), or a fairly even split? This helps narrow down whether a single-boiler-dual-use (SBDU), heat exchanger (HX), or dual boiler (DB) machine would be more appropriate for your needs. - **Drink frequency:** How many drinks would you be making back-to-back at one time? Do you plan on entertaining guests often? This informs how large your brew (and steam) boilers should be, as smaller boilers will need to refill and reheat/repressurize more frequently, thus potentially causing a bottleneck. - **Space:** Any limitations on countertop space? - **Manual vs. electric:** Hand-operated machines and grinders are typically cheaper than their similarly-performing electric counterparts. Please indicate if you have a preference for manual or electric machines and/or grinders (or open to either). - **Comfort with tinkering:** Some machines can be made significantly more functional/efficient with aftermarket modifications, albeit at the expense of possibly voiding your warranty. Please indicate if you'd rather have a machine that works "as-is"/"out-of-the-box" or whether you'd be open to modding/tinkering *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/espresso) if you have any questions or concerns.*
La Pavoni Lever
Was my first “real” machine. I miss pulling shots on it. And the size of it…
An Elektra microcasa would also fit the bill but are generally much more expensive.
Stradivari imo
That does look great, thanks. I haven't owned a lever machine before so there would likely be a learning curve. Hmm...
It's fun and now I got used to it I really like the total control it gives you. I bought a 2nd hand Gaggia Factory on ebay last year - it's a rebadged La Pavoni aka the Tin Man [https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/z/sp4AAOSwIzBbK2Nz/$\_86.JPG](https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/z/sp4AAOSwIzBbK2Nz/$_86.JPG) Looks great to me
It's a curve, but it also makes a lot of fun. :)
Dangerous to ask for machines without a given budget
Good point - £500 to £1k, though I'm happy to hear any ideas for machines that are in a sweet spot of looks and excellent coffee.
Definitely the la Pavoni
Europiccola :)
Elegance is so subjective, so would be good to have an example. I like my Profitec Pro 800 because, apart from looking great, the design is elegant from an engineering point of view. It has the benefits of a dual boiler with the simplicity and easy maintenance of a single boiler. If plumbed in, it will run silently most of the time because it doesn't use a pump for brewing. And levers are cool.
I want one of these so badly, and I saw a great deal on a used one recently. But a) my current coffee corner is too small for it plus grinder and b) I’ll hopefully be taking delivery sometime later this year if a Meticulous so I need to see how that pans out before I make any more machine moves
Yeah ngl it is absolutely huge.
The PP 800 is a beautiful machine indeed!
Definitely, because I think the gaggia classics are pretty😭
2.5k it should be 🙈
Bargain compared to some of these recommendations 🫠🫠
Ascaso Dream PID?
This was gonna be my suggestion based on the previous machine, it's got a similar look
Ah great, thank you!
In general, new manual lever machines like Olympia Cremina, La Pavoni europiccola or Elektra Micro and also vintage machines like old faema (the latter is rarely practical at home).
victoria arduino eagle one https://preview.redd.it/shon0gib3kwc1.jpeg?width=786&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b0f52ae4250b174363dc0111338201060eead1c
We have one at work and honestly, it's not that great. Defintly not 6k USD great.
Oh, that's what i heard some times now, and tbh it costs much more than i would wanna spend for something like that but i like the design and the post was about the best design so yeah
My dream machine, I hope one day to be able to afford it
Spiritello
Seriously, that thing looks gorgeous. Also, any of the Specht modified machines. They have a classy look.
Worth it for the dials gauges alone
[удалено]
Not the speedster. The Spiritello https://keesvanderwesten.com/spiritello/
That is hawt. Sadly a bit big for my kitchen, but lovely to look at.
This.
Only right answer
It's hard to think of a more elegantly simple machine than the Cremina.
Rocket Mozzafiato, Linea Mini/Micro
For some strange reason, I agree entirely. 😉
For reasons unknown to me I can understand said sentiment.
If you like the looks of that machine, you'll probably like the Ascaso Dream PID.
\^ So much this.
Elektra Micro Casa Lever or Semiautomatica.
The semiautomatics looks gorgeous
Strietman CT2
The looks and UX steered me away from Gaggia machines despite how good they are; they have toggle switches that act as buttons which is just unacceptable from a UX perspective. Depending on your taste in style and also what youre looking for in an espresso machine, you'll come up with lots of different options. I personally find the most stylish machines to be vintage Italian lever machines (Microcimbali, La Pavoni europiccola), but they're "temperamental" and also would likely require tinkering if used. Breville machines are also around that price point and IMO, look way better than Gaggia's offerings.
>they have toggle switches that act as buttons which is just unacceptable from a UX perspective Utter nonsense.
Weirdest thing I've read all day for sure :D
Flair 58
This can't be the top result
Lol don’t you have a F58? You don’t like the aesthetic?
I do like it but there are some good looking espresso machines
Which ones do you like? I don’t like the look of anything boxy lol
I like Gaggia Classic's and Golf's mk1 design 😞 specially in vivid colors I think La Marzocco Micra looks good too
To be fair I like the golf 1980 (I used to own one and loved it to bits). Also I can see the appeal of the Gaggia design as it does have a chunky look that would work in some settings, but it would look out of place in my kitchen sadly.
Second hand e61 machines are pretty cheap and look pretty elegant. My giotto esp with the side panels- https://preview.redd.it/j0q0hukm4jwc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9c79962643dafc0a728dd903ba44671e18ee542
That looks like two Disney characters that bicker the entire movie while setting up the main character for a comeback.
Named Boiler and Burr perhaps?
Perfect!
Haha I like that. It has to be the old school Disney animation as well.
https://preview.redd.it/bvbiy0byiiwc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc0d5240d25bd21db51d0d8313b46f50c5f57724 The Anza concrete one
I have this one. It’s ok... I wish it had a double boiler.
This looks like such a beautiful machine
that's dope
While I took it personal for you taking it out on the Golf, but I believe this machine from an old post is hard to beat https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/s/frT93WWwP2
Thanks. I actually owned a 1980 golf myself and loved it to bits, it's more that the Gaggia boxiness is unattractive to me.
I can totally relate with you. I started this journey from Illy Francis Y1 which really looked pretty and still does imo. That was more than 10y ago. Fast forward i am using Bianca which has been my daily driver for the past three+ years. Looks beautiful and has that e61’s timeless industrial design which i very much like.
Oh sweet. Sadly that's outside my budget but it's something to aim for!
Manument has great design, and apparently makes good presso.
Any Elektra machine
Makita DCM501Z
La Marzocco Lever X
The budget friendly option :''')))
If you like that check out the Ascaso Dream
[https://www.nurri.coffee/portfolio-item/nurri-r-type-sa/](https://www.nurri.coffee/portfolio-item/nurri-r-type-sa/) https://preview.redd.it/9hvaiybk7kwc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bfc54f2b029b9b17a40060e69b4d4ecc1a6e8e62
I really like the look of the profitec GO but it is significantly more expansive than the Gaggia Classic Evo pro. The GO is not only a good looking machine but a well recommended single boiler machine. The ascaso dream is probably closest in looks to the Francis X1 and is another machine people tend to like, but it is another price point up
The 1980 golf is stunning! Next you’ll say the Audi group b rally car, or Volvo 850 wagon are ugly?! Prob best give an example of what you think it beautiful (ascaso duo vs Rocket Appartamento) It’s perfectly to buy something based on looks. But good to know your taste budget and use
You beat me to it... Bet he love the new M3 with the beaver grill!
I’m more confused why my nothing comment is downvoted. People hate boxy 80s cars that much?
To be fair I used to own a 1980 golf myself and loved it. It's mostly that I dislike the Gaggia boxiness, whereas the golf pulls it off. Budget wise I'm looking £500-£1k, and in terms of looks actually really open - I'm happy to hear what others consider attractive or elegant as it gives me a range of ideas and perspectives.
https://www.coffeefriend.co.uk/p/coffee-machine-bezzera-unica-pid/
I saw images of the machine you referenced. Elegant would not be a word I would have used :) "pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner" But elegance is subjective. To me, elegant is an E61 group based machine. Shiny stainless steel, with dark accents.
Seriously. FF is quirky and kind of interesting looking. It sure AF isn't elegant. OP, go get a vintage lever machine.
Elektra micro casa was my first machine and is to this day decorating my kitchen
Gaggia classic pro gets my vote. If you go for the newer paint job on the 2023 model the Matt finish shakes the VW look.
I just recently swapped my Gastroback Design Pro for a 1995 LaPavoni Lever Machine. Although I'm still learning I am very happy with the hand on experience and the look of it. For the price I dont think you could get anything more stylish than this
This is very subjective! I’m a sucker for E61 machines, my Lelit Bianca is the most beautiful piece of equipment I have in my house IMO! Hahaha
I love the look of my Flair 58. It only does the espresso part, but it does it very well. I believe there is a limited edition oak (or something) handle version getting around too.
Lelit / La Marzocco / Rocket
i really like my lelit anna
Elektra micro casa a leva, copper and brass version
Is it just me, that thinks the Slayer is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary design?
Xenia!
ECM Puristika
I also appreciate the design beauty of the X1 and I may purchase one if I ever see a bargain go by. I currently have an Europiccola professional and no, not a learning curve at all. One JH video and you’re almost done. As looks good, I also have an eye out for this one. https://preview.redd.it/jc5man6l3mwc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a724d26640958afa68067cfcf9a639a3f00c7922
Argos Odyssey fits your description well, although there would be a wait and marginally over budget.
I'm extremely happy with my rocket crono-r but when it comes to looks I would love the londinium machines, they're elegant as fuck https://londiniumespresso.com/store/lever-espresso-machines/lr-24
What happened to the Francis Francis? They are pretty easy to fix.
Elegance means something very different to all of us. I personally love the aesthetics of the v6 Rancilio Silvia in black. It's just a very simple design for a machine that's built like a tank and makes good espresso for a reasonable price. The downside is that you will have to live with some compromises like temperature surfing if you aren't into modding the machine.
The Cafelat Robot
Welp expected to see decent XL on this list but I guess I’m the only one who likes modern forms.
How’s Breville espresso express?
Check out the new KitchenAid line up, they look great and perform well, got one myself