HIDDY

Bit of a long shot here but thought I'd give it a try.

Now that I've managed to source a supply of semi decent coffee beans I thought the next step should be to purchase an espresso maker with built in milk frother.....it might just make my coffee taste like the cafe stuff.
Had a look around the shops here and the choice is woeful....only a couple of makes that neither I or the wife have ever heard of. To be honest they don't really look up to the job.

Just wondered if anyone can recommend a decent machine that will be available to purchase in BA or through Mercado Libre. Given that I am a RSJ drinker you'll then know that money is no option here.......so try and keep it below 2k pesos.

Oh yes none of those coffee capsule toys....I want the real thing.

SoFlyOn

I don't have any specific recommendations, but it's probably advisable to get a model that can be serviced/spare parts available in Argentina. You might look on Amazon for reviews of any of the models on Mercadolibre that look like they might fit the bill price-wise.

And you coffee source is ....?@:-)

HIDDY

A van comes to town every Monday from BA or La Plata and delivers to most of the cafes and clubs here. The best stuff I can lay my hands on without having to go into BA. Casa Do Cafe it's called.

Gaucho100K

Hiddy, I assume you are looking for a proper coffee machine (espresso machine), and not the typical spoof juice maker (filter & drip)...... if so, John is right on about service and parts.

I have a Swiss made Jura S90 machine that served me very well for over 10 years, but when the brewing unit died I had to schlep it with me to JFK and have it serviced there... I had it fixed and I know I have a great machine for another 8-10 years, but the hassle to get it fixed was considerable.

The best machines that have good local service are the Saeco. I suggest you do some research here:

http://www.saeco-argentina.com/

HIDDY

Yes Saeco seems to be the most popular brand although the shops here don't have a great selection to choose from.
Your machine looks the business but I'd be wanting a car not a expresso maker for that sort of money.

Gaucho100K

Doode... my old S90 is now vintage.... probably would not fetch $300 if I put in on Ebay. I would love to invest in one of the new Jura babies... those monsters are high-end. If Jura had a local rep I would have no doubts. You are right about their pricing... it is an investment of sorts but I think that its money well spent considering what inflation is doing to currency these days, I think the ROI from enjoyment and the good life factor is far superior to what most cash will give you these days.

HIDDY

I hear you but I just couldn't justify paying that sort of money for a coffee maker.
I have no real need for an automatic one as I don't exactly have to rush out to work in the morning so going for a manual one cuts a fair whack off the cost plus it's one less thing to get broken. Shall probably go for a middle of the road Saeco....do you have any web links to a supplier in BA by any chance?

Gaucho100K

I suggest you check the large consumer products chaines like...

- Garbarino
- Fravega
- Megatone
- Rodo
- Las Malvinas

HIDDY

Thanks Gaucho100K.

Had a look at the shops here today. Very poor selection of espresso machines of all makes never mind Saeco.
Only one Saeco to be had...a basic manual model but it'll do me till I want to go upmarket.

KurtD

Hiddy, we bought a Saeco Odeo almost 4 years ago from Garbarino in Bs. As., its makes good coffee and its been easy to maintain:
- http://www.saeco.it/it/prodotti/macc...giro-plus.html.
- http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/d...&slg=es&scy=AR

Also, there's a boutique coffee supply store on Pueyrredon, near Santa Fe. I forget the name and address, but its on the east side of the street between Arenales and French. They have a pretty good selection of machines, accessories, cleaning supplies, and coffee beans.

HIDDY

Cheers for the info. ^

KurtD

Hiddy, I found a link for the coffee shop: http://www.estcafe.com.ar/. FYI, i've done some more research and it seems to me the Delonghi brand gets the best user reviews at Amazon.com and several other sites. We've bought a couple of Delonghi appliances in the past few years and have been very happy with them. But Saeco espresso machines are easier to find in Argentina.

Gaucho100K

Great info !!!! ^

HIDDY

In the end I just went for the cheap Saeco model as it was the only one they had.

After some faffing about which nearly had me taking it back to the shop I eventually mastered how it should be operated. I have to say what a difference it has made to my enjoyment of drinking coffee.

The coffee tastes so much better now. ^

Gaucho100K

Hiddy... when will you break the piggy-bank and purchase a proper fully automatic with electronic control dual pump and two grinders with cup warmer and shiny stainless steel look machine to make me coffee when I visit you...........?????