Espresso Machine?

[Harry Singh]

Hello,

Can someone recommend a store where I can buy a good quality espresso machine in the Markham/Scarborough area?

[artgeek]

Not the area you're asking for, but Faema on Davenport is kinda fun (www.faematoronto.com). You might want to check out online vendors as well. I've personally had success with Espressotec in Vancouver (http://www.espressotec.com/).

Good luck!

[Harry Singh]

Thanks for the help!

[pimentdespelette]

When I was shopping for a good machine a couple years ago I went to the Faema shop and wasn't all that impressed. Their machines are comparatively very, very expensive, the service was pretty much nonexistent, and they didn't sell tampers. You can't make great espresso without a tamper.
I'd recommend starting with http://www.coffeegeek.com/. It's a website run by a guy in Richmond, B.C. who is considered in many circles to be the expert on home and professional espresso machines. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but stick with it and you'll find great reviews on machines and recommendations for what to buy for a decent price.
And as Artgeek said, don't neglect to look online. You'll find a far better selection of machines for far better prices than if you limit yourself to a few Toronto shops.
A couple more things: be sure to get a good burr grinder with your machine. A great machine can't do anything if your grinder's no good. And use fresh coffee—ie. stuff that's marked with the roasting date. More than a week old, and you're shortchanging yourself. Moonbeam and Ideal are fantastic roasters around town.

[FlyingChef]

Try Seaco-store on Steeles,great machines,prices and good service.

[rama96]

If you still want an espresso machine check out Dr. Espresso on Kingston Rd. they have new and used machines and their service is incredible, here's the number you should call 647 477-5630

[straum]

Went by this store(Dr. Espresso) yesterday but it was closed. Do you know what days they are open?

[detritus]

Google is your friend.

They have a pretty minimal website at: http://www.drespresso.net/

It hasn't got a phone number or hours, but their e-mail appears to be: [e-mail]

Good luck.

[robatsohomet]

I was just doing a search for Dr Espresso and discovered this post... I left my machine with them in August or September of 2006. They had it for a month or two, then brought it back 'repaired'. It has exactly the same problem as it had when I sent it in! So they took it away again and after numerous phone calls on my part and excuses on their part, they brought out a loaner machine. I decided not to call them again but wait for them to get back to me... It's now been a YEAR! I still have the loaner... they still have my machine... c'est la vie.

[foodyDudey]

I left my old espresso machine at Dr Espresso in early December 2006 and they still have it (almost 3 months later) I have left 4 messages for them in the past 4 weeks and have not heard back from them. Luckily I bought a new machine so am not without espresso, but my old machine is a good machine and did not need any major repair. I don't recommend this company. If I hear back and get my machine, I'll post here.

[embee]

FYI, I have never seen them open, their telephone number is, if not unlisted, impossible to find, their website gives no useful information, and they have never returned a phone call (I tried the number posted here in November) or answered an email. I don't know what kind of business they are running there. I hope you can retrieve your machine.

(Fortunately, I was just trying to locate a part.)

[foodyDudey]

I'm having trouble reaching them also. It's a bit of a drive to go there just to check on the machine. The owner told me he checked it and it just needed a cleaing, then 2 months back someone caled and said it needed a pump. So I asked to have the owner call but he never did. I would never reccomend this place to anyone.

I left the machine there around December 7, 2007.

[kenbong]

Again, not in your area but a great shop:

http://www.gaggiahouse.com/

The owner was actually a Gaggia distributor for years (I think he still is) before he opened this retail location up. I bought my first super automatic from him and couldn't be happier. It's not too far off the 401 (south) on Avenue Road.

[estragon]

The Green Beanery, on Brunswick, near Bloor and Spadina, carries great machines and does mail order. It's a fair-trade non-profit run by the same people as Energy Probe. Good selection, including some great brands. Bought a burr grinder there a couple of weeks ago. http://www.greenbeanery.ca

[FlyingChef]

Try Saeco Store on Steeles west.
Great selection and service.

[FlavoursGal]

I haven't been to the Saeco store on Steeles, but I have owned the Saeco Professional automatic espresso machine for about 2 years, and love it. My sister has the Saeco Vienna Digital Deluxe and is really happy, too.

Bought my machine at Word of Mouth kitchenware store. Home Hardware on Dufferin south of Lawrence sells them, as does Nella Cutlery on Norfinch.

[DarleneO]

We have a great machine purchased from alpha Cappucino. They send all my beans to me monthly..and I am clsoe to Algonquin Park. They deal with many brands. Web site is: http://www.espresso.com/home_office.html

[jcanncuk]

Hate to admit it, but the Starbucks machine is made by Saeco and is a great value (esp. when they put it on sale). It has constistantly good ratings on coffeegeek etc. http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/con...

I've had mine for 4 years -needed one repair and still going strong. Kicks butt compared to most of the machines in this price range - I can easily do 2 jugs of milk and I know people whose machines conk out on one.....

[FlavoursGal]

Just followed your link, and it says that the Starbucks machine is made by a company called "Estro", not Saeco.

[jcanncuk]

If you look around a little further, you'll see that some list the Barista as Saeco & some as "Estro". I researched this a while back and I assure you, it's made by Saeco.

[jcanncuk]

FYI - was in a Starbucks today. The sale is on & the Barista is on for ~$400. A good deal IMO.

[doctorandchef]

Yes, the Barista is indeed made by Saeco.... verified with the Saeco reps. They also do most of the repairs.

There are extensive discussions on the merits of this machine, including using a "non-pressurized" portafilters....

IMHO, as I also own the machine, it makes a decent espresso for its price. The key is getting the grind of the beans right, otherwise the water just shoots through the grounds resulting in a thin brew.

Apparently the "gold standard" for home machines is the Rancilio Silvia with a thermacouple mod, along with a Rancilio Rocky Burr grinder.

Unless you're a real espresso veteran, for the casual drinker the Starbucks Barista will probably suffice (until you become totally obsessed with getting that god-shot, in which case you'll covet the Silvia).

Don't bother with any of the cheap Krups steam driven machines, they're a complete waste of money.

[detritus]

... then as soon as you've got the Silvia, you'll want an HX (heat exchanger) machine.

As soon as you get used that, you'll want a double boiler machine.

[galambo]

actually i have a nespresso machine. And it is the best, i believe bar none (also got excellent rating from CoffeeGeek).

[pravspresso]

YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT..& that's all it ever will be. Nespresso is bar none the best? you are deluded. I had to reply because of the sheer stupidity of the statement.

[galambo]

i it is to taste, and that is my opinion.

two your insults just because we don't agree only reflects on you.