Congrats again on the purchase. I had a Delonghi Magnifica 3200 for a few years (bought in 2006) until the pump broke in mid-2010. I switched to drip coffee (I only have 1-2 cups in the morning anyway) since I had a starbucks drip machine anyway.

Now that I am once more gainfully employed, I'd like to get an espresso maker, but I don't have the counter space in my tiny NYC apartment. I think I'd get a semi-automatic because I want to learn the art of pulling the perfect shot.

For the FlyerTalk of coffee, check out www.coffeegeek.com. Those guys are serious.

I enjoy coffee but its like one cup every 2-3 days tops and my wife doesn't drink it at all....so we bought a K cup machine.

I know it's odd to spend $950 on a machine that is making me decaf, but it's divine. It tastes better than anything I can get at Starbucks or Caribou or even the local coffee place (who thinks a 16 ounce Americano can be made with 2 shots of espresso).

I found a decaf online that has amazing reviews -- Lavazza Dek Decaf -- that many are comparing favorably to non-decaf beans. My current favorite is Caribou's Decaf Sumatra. The advantage to the Lavazza is that it's under $12/pound and I can get it sent to me with free shipping. So I'll have that show up next week and will give it a try.

I'm resisting the temptation to make a third cup this morning.

I have an IV drip connected directly to the [horrible] coffee machine at work. Usually, it's enough, though sometimes I have to slash a vein and pour more in directly.

For the price of the machine and the fact that its decaf what is holding you back?

:)

Just a feeling of being full after 30 oz. of liquid.

Besides, the machine will be here for years. I think I'll go grab lunch and a quick workout at the gym.

:D Just how quickly did you drink the first two cups? :eek:

It was an hour of plyo for me today.....I downed a bit more than 30 oz during and mostly after (water though). :cool:

RichMSN - if you ever find yourself in Chicago, get beans from Intelligentsia or Metropolis. Or Peet's (in Evanston or Chicago). You will love all of them.

Peet's ships to all states and has retail stores in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington.

I am on my way to get my morning fix as soon as I post this message. :)

Our beloved Gaggia superautomatic reached the end of its useful life and we are looking for a replacement.

I was wondering if I can get some recommendations on brands/models. Looking for something relatively cheap, in the $600-$700 range.

My parents have a DeLonghi Manginifica 3300 and so far are very pleased with it, but I'd like to know what else is out there. Unfortunately, have not been able to find any good reviews. I am only familiar with Gaggia and DeLonghi as brands in terms of quality and durability, does anybody know if Saeco/Jura have anything good in our price range and how reliable they are?

Check out www.coffeegeek.com.

If you aren't stuck on a super automatic, get a rancilio Silvia and rocky. I've used mine daily for nearly 6 years with no issues. Great setup for around 1k.

Edit: just clicked back a page and see I made the same recommendation 2 years ago.

When I think coffeemakers & cheap I don't normally think $600-700 :eek:

Cheers.

I know it isn't a traditional espresso machine, but I adore my nespresso

I know, it does sound wrong, but a superautomatic in that range is indeed cheap. I just can't justify spending $1500 - $2000 for a "proper" one, since our coffee drinking habits hardly merit it.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm looking at the reviews, some very interesting options.