It is very interesting, which coffee machines are the most popular. I don't know the better way to get to know it, only to ask all of you - what coffee machine do you ownor are going to purchase?

__________________
Wine is for aging, not coffee

I own a Rancilio Sylva. It has worked great for over 2 years\r\n\r\nRandy

__________________
Coffee Bean Jewelry\r\n\r\nhttp://www.jewelercam.com/coffeebean.html

For my home office I have a Rancillio Silvia, I usually have a triple ristretto while checking emails before leaving for the roasting facility.\r\n\r\nI have a La Marzocco Linea 2 group in the reception area at the facility. This is for making drinks for visitors and clients. \r\n\r\nAlso I have a new super tricked out pid'ed LaCimballi DT1 which I keep in the roasterie for testing our espresso blends.\r\n\r\nAt this time I'm not looking to buy another machine...unless....

__________________
www.rocketcoffeeroasters.com

Some of my frineds have Rancilo Silvia as well.\r\nCan you explain what is so good in this machine?

__________________
Nothing can compare with a cup of my morning Latte!\r\nhttp://www.800espresso.com/

It is a single boiler machine with very stable temperatures at the brewgroup. Built like a tank, awesome steam capability, pro sized portafilter and with the right amount of skill can produce an amazing espresso!\r\n\r\nDownside...if you like milk based espresso drinks, you need to do a cooling flush and temp surf before pulling your shot

__________________
www.rocketcoffeeroasters.com

Does anyone own a good machine to make milk based drinks (cappuccino, latte...)?

Any of the Heat Exchanger (HX) machines such as Expobar, Isomac, Elektra...this list goes on & on. They don't require as much futzing around. For super ease and convienence without sacrificing quality one of the pro-sumer Double Boiler machines like LaCimbali S1 or the Expobar Brewtus is the way to go.\r\n\r\nAnswering the milk based question.

__________________
www.rocketcoffeeroasters.com

It looks like you know something in coffee machines, triple \r\nCan you gave an advice - do super auto machines make good cappuccinos or it is better buy a frother and an espresso machine separately.

Mercury, this is just my opinion from my experience...I've never had what I would consider a good drink of any style, (espresso-latte-etc.) from a super-auto. There are quite a number of adjustable variables involved in making espresso based drinks. I can't rely on a machine to determine and adjust to these variables no matter how smart they say it is.\r\nThat being said, most quality home espresso machines have a steam arm/tip for texturing milk for capps so you don't need a seperate frother. You do need a good burr grinder...this is essential!\r\n\r\nI would go for a semi-auto any day of the week.\r\n\r\nIf you decide this is the way you want to go, let me know a budget you are working with and I'm sure I can point you in the right direction.

__________________
www.rocketcoffeeroasters.com

I realize this thread is kind of old, but I am hoping to revive it!\r\n\r\nMy last job overseas had an industrial 3 station espresso machine in the kitchen. After 3 months of daily trials, I finally made the perfect cap (well, perfect for me!).\r\nI enjoyed the fine brew for a year, until now, when I have returned to the states.\r\n\r\nNot only have I spent at least $100 dollars in the last 6 weeks at various coffee houses, I find that they often leave me dissatisfied.\r\n\r\nThat being said, I am getting ready to purchase a semi-auto (I think that's the decision i've made) and I believe I may bring it to work and keep it in my office (as I generally like my coffee around 10 am)\r\n\r\nPrice is not so much an issue as quality, ease of use (as far as cleaning) and reliability. It will most likey only be used 2 to 4 times a day.\r\n\r\nThanks in advance for all your expertise!