Thread: Coffee Enthusiasts

I love the hot water feature on this machine. Temp set to 205f.
Pictured is my new Rattleware coffee cupping cup just love how they name things.
I was trying an Etheopian Yirgacheffe, quite a very nice cup and flavor to this one. Can't describe it better than earthy/floral and smoooooooth

Do you prefer the Breville to your lever machine?

Crisp this morning in southern CA but still enjoyed my cup on my porch.

Originally Posted by Midway

Do you prefer the Breville to your lever machine?

In some ways yes. The Breville is a simple machine to use and to pull more than 3-4 shots off of. Like if the wife and I each want a cappuccino, simple and ready. With the lever, the group head would get too hot even with my best efforts to keep it cooler. Also, the steam feature on my lever is very limited, so another plus for the Breville there. Double boilers and a much larger water compacity.
So for my individual morning Espresso, the lever is great!
But for the convenience of more than one shot and a much better steam output, the Breville wins.

And as of right now, I would highly suggest the Breville to someone looking for a great machine, a prosumer (professional/consumer) quality line and what I consider a very good price point for the options on it.

Originally Posted by Dieseld

In some ways yes. The Breville is a simple machine to use and to pull more than 3-4 shots off of. Like if the wife and I each want a cappuccino, simple and ready. With the lever, the group head would get too hot even with my best efforts to keep it cooler. Also, the steam feature on my lever is very limited, so another plus for the Breville there. Double boilers and a much larger water compacity.
So for my individual morning Espresso, the lever is great!
But for the convenience of more than one shot and a much better steam output, the Breville wins.

And as of right now, I would highly suggest the Breville to someone looking for a great machine, a prosumer (professional/consumer) quality line and what I consider a very good price point for the options on it.

Very interesting choice of machines. I know you're a discerning consumer. When I was doing my due diligence some number of years ago, the choice of prosumer HX machines was perhaps the Rancho Silvia, Gaggia Classic, or a Pasquini Livia.

As it concerns your lever, I think some adjust the pressurestat to help with regulating group head temps, as well as manual cooling with a wet towel. I don't believe I've ever had an issue with adequate steam. Those machines are steam demons. I can say I have had excellent success with pulling multiple shots with mine, all though I would never use it for a dinner party. It's just too unwieldy and time consuming, especially since I manually grind my beans. That Micro Casa is a lovely machine and hopefully used often!

Originally Posted by Dieseld

And as of right now, I would highly suggest the Breville to someone looking for a great machine, a prosumer (professional/consumer) quality line and what I consider a very good price point for the options on it.

I have two Brevilles. The first was a Cafe Roma, which I don't really recommend. It's OK, and I've kept it in case the newer one breaks down, but it is definitely entry level and the step up to "The Infuser" marks a big change in quality. Both build quality and in terms of what ends up in the cup. If I recall, the infuser is a step or two down in their line from the double boiler. At least in terms of features, if not build quality (which I *think* is quite similar). I would have no hesitation in recommending the infuser as well.

Now, having said that, I should add I love good coffee and espresso, but I'm nowhere near the connoisseur that many of you guys are! So I can't begin to compare it to the real high end machines. But for good, reliable (in for repairs once in six or so years), repeatable espresso, I'm very happy.

And as for Breville in general, my grinder, toaster, and kettle are all also Breville, so I guess I've been happy with them over the years.

I just parted ways with a Breville. It was a great machine but ultimately not my preferred puller. I personally at the price point find the Lelit ranges to be superior. I think extractions are better. Also at the general price point for most Breville machines puts them behind say the Grace in just about every way. Further, I generally find the Lelit to be a sturdier longer lasting machine. I currently Have a Grace and a Biannca and use them regularly (roughly 4 pulls between them a day). I sort of fell into the Lelit units during a bout of CEAD (Coffee Equipment Acquisition Disorder) which also got me a twin mahlkonig. So if anyone is looking I fully endorse the Lelit's especially the Grace if you're looking for super easy use with no sacrifice in performance.

There are also some super great accessory bits that I love. Personal current favorite is the coffee leveler which is super excellent.

Originally Posted by Midway

Very interesting choice of machines. I know you're a discerning consumer. When I was doing my due diligence some number of years ago, the choice of prosumer HX machines was perhaps the Rancho Silvia, Gaggia Classic, or a Pasquini Livia.

As it concerns your lever, I think some adjust the pressurestat to help with regulating group head temps, as well as manual cooling with a wet towel. I don't believe I've ever had an issue with adequate steam. Those machines are steam demons. I can say I have had excellent success with pulling multiple shots with mine, all though I would never use it for a dinner party. It's just too unwieldy and time consuming, especially since I manually grind my beans. That Micro Casa is a lovely machine and hopefully used often!

Well I did a brief checking out of it, as it was on sale for 12 hours at 30% off. So running around the couple coffee forums I'm on, I didn't really read about a tragedy.....

Figured it was Amazon, I'll just return it

Now from one comparison I read, it out preformed the Gaggia. But that's one mans opinion.
And in the 1k price range, I didn't expect what it is.
Now this is my first "automatic machine" and I have had nothing to compare it to in that realm.


Now the Micro Casa will NEVER be ignored my friend. As I said, for my morning shot, I use it.
I've successfully pulled 4 Americana's from it without issue. I do agree, I need to take the bottom off and decrease the pressure just a touch. And I do use the cold towel method. I find the group head to hot for the City+ roast I use for my Espresso if not cooled.
As to the steam, It does produce a good amount, my thing was steaming milk and pulling a shot at the same time. It is barely doable at my skill level with the single boiler. The double on the Breville makes it much easier.
I do love my lever and would never go without it or the God shots Ipull from it more and more often.

Hey, brother, I do not NEED to legitimize my mind-limbering drug regimen to ANYONE.

EVER! ....