Buying advice- upgrading from a Flair.

PricklyBean

Hoping to get some advice on buying my first semi-automatic machine.

I have been using the Flair Pro for the last couple of years but would prefer to not deal with the issues with temperature regulation (especially as I like a lighter roast). I am now also really enjoying milk drinks so would like a steam wand.

Relevant bits of information:

- Likely 2-4 drinks most days

- Would like to work on my milk steaming and latte art

- I have a good enough grinder (but may upgrade for single dosing in the future)

- I am in an extremely hard water area and haven’t decided how I’m going to manage that so any guidance (or notes on machines super prone to scale issues) welcome.

- Budget: sub £1000, preferably sub £800

- Would be willing to buy used but would rather not mod.

Thanks for any help!

Systemic

PricklyBean - I am in an extremely hard water area and haven’t decided how I’m going to manage that so any guidance (or notes on machines super prone to scale issues) welcome.

All espresso machines are vulnerable to scale build up just as kettles or anything that has a heating element in it. Solution is simple - use bottled water.
This read will help: https://bellabarista.co.uk/blogs/cleaning-and-maintenance/water-treatment

DavecUK

Welcome to the forum…I think with the budget you have in mind a used machine would be a sensible purchase, many good machines come up regularly on here.

Cuprajake

https://bellabarista.co.uk/collections/single-boiler/products/profitec-go-espresso-machine-black

new with a warranty,

you could prob get a used mara x for £700

CafeNoir

Seriously, please consider using bottled water,….much as I’m not a fan…. having to tear down my Mara X after moving from a soft water area to Limestone Country has modified my attitude….
Now using distilled water with Potassium Bicarbonate ( the Late Dr R Pavlis recipe courtesy of Home-Barista) Or if you’re in the UK, an Osmio seems a sane option.
As a Flair Pro owner for my work travel, I can heartily endorse the Mara X after 2 previous trouble free years of home use (personal roast profile preference for espresso being the light side of medium).
It’s a very decent machine offering highly reliable performance and temperature stability….but please read Dave C’s intro for using it carefully first, you will be a happier person.

FadedFrontiers

I’d consider remineralising zero water or reverse osmosis, zero water works out as more expensive in the long run but you only need a jug rather than a full RO machine which will cost more up front. Saves the plastic from buying bottled and means you have more control over the water’s properties - lots of simple recipes on here too so you don’t need a chemistry degree to understand them!