143615 Fri Dec 13 08:47:16 -0800 2002 9 12 Boston Area 0 768825 The old espresso maker finally died and I'm looking to upgrade from the $50 department special. Can anyone recommend a store in the Boston area where I might find a good machine at a good price? David "Zeb" Cook Fri Dec 13 08:47:16 -0800 2002 0 David "Zeb" Cook 1 768831 I would try Crate & Barrell in Faneuil Hall. Fri Dec 13 09:27:40 -0800 2002 768825 0 Corrina Cantalupo 1 768870 Starbucks sells good machines - mine has lasted 4 years so far. Be prepared to pay a lot more than $50 - these are pump type machines, like the commercial ones, rather than the steam only units that you get from department stores. BIG difference in the oils, crema, flavor... The Barista, which is what I have, is on sale right now - both at their web site and in the stores. See link below. Link: http://www.starbucks.com/shop/product.asp?category%5Fname=Brewing+Equipment&product%5Fid=BAR101 Fri Dec 13 23:52:21 -0800 2002 768825 0 applehome 2 768878 I don't know anything about making expresso and would also like to make my own...is there a big difference in quality between steam style and pump style expresso makers...do you really need to spend $200-300 to make good expresso? Sat Dec 14 16:14:48 -0800 2002 768870 0 paul 3 768879 I do believe that there is a big difference between just allowing the steam pressure to force the condensing steam through the coffee and actually using a pump to force the steaming water through it. The pump machines invariably create more crema (froth) and thicker texture and flavor. But I don't believe you have to spend $200 and up (I've seen even home units go for $600+) to get a good pump unit. The post above from John indicates a Krups (good name) available for $100 - I've seen others that low before. Sat Dec 14 17:01:31 -0800 2002 768878 0 applehome 4 768880 Here's a good website that was linked on the General Topics board, about different models and brands of pump machines..... And here's the thread it came from... http://www.chowhound.com/boards/general/messages/52683.html Link: http://www.coffeekid.com/other/newbies/espresso Sat Dec 14 18:31:28 -0800 2002 768879 0 galleygirl 1 768877 In the past week, I have seen the Krups Espresso Novo machines at Building 19 and at Ocean State Job Lots, priced at $99. This is less than half what I paid for mine, and that was some years back. At that time the Krups Novo was a highly-thought-of home machine (may still be, for all I know -- mine continues to work just fine). Both stores have various locations in the Boston Suburbs. I noticed the machines in Westborough and Medway (Ocean State) and Natick (Bldg 19). Don't know if they are factory refurb or new, or how much stock any store had. Sat Dec 14 13:43:29 -0800 2002 768825 0 John Burruss 1 768969 i would definitely not try crate and barrel, as someone suggested. places like that and williams sonoma have such high mark-up for the impulse buyer. i recently got a francis francis machine from ebay, for about 2/3 the lowest retail price that i've seen in boston or NYC. ebay is a great place to look for things like this, because so many people buy them, use them twice in a year, and then unload them. you can get great deals on great machines if you're patient. i would suggest, though, that you pay with a credit card using paypal, because for big ticket items you'll have the added security in case you don't get the product. Tue Dec 17 10:56:24 -0800 2002 768825 0 Jcesar 2 769030 I agree with the eBay suggestion - and especially re: Paypal. One more recommendation is to really read up on the models, features, ease of use - reviews by notable critics, etc., before going in to bid. The sites previoulsy mentioned are good. I also highly recommend Jeffrey Steingarten's 2nd collection of pieces from his Vogue columns - a book called, "It Must Have Been Something I Ate". There is a very funny and informative chapter (his norm) on Espresso and Espresso machines. He is very thorough in not only trying a bunch of machines, but various combinations of fresh ground coffees and the pre-packs that have been kicking around for a while. He explains all the variables - and why it's so hard to make exactly the right stuff - not bitter or woody, but with a natural sweeteness and almost Jasmine flavor. The book is good for lots of other subjects - from Toro to Taco to Caviar... Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375412808/qid=1040180577/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/002-0076940-2149672 Tue Dec 17 22:04:11 -0800 2002 768969 0 applehome 3 769060 I don't know where to get them in Boston (got mine on the Cape, years ago) but if you don't have a La Pavoni lever machine, you ain't making espresso. In my opinion, of course. You can buy them on the web at: http://www.1stincoffee.com/lapavoni.asp Wed Dec 18 11:27:43 -0800 2002 769030 0 Dr Dave