Long post warning!!
DavecUK, I like that. Although I’m really just looking to know if there are other good options to consider outside Silvia Pro X, MaraX, Elizabeth, Minima and Bianca. Or maybe something coming soon. Those are the main one I found that could respond to my needs but I surely don’t know the whole market (Bezzera, ECM and Profitec seem interesting but all more expansive). All this in case I missed a good option.
I’m still an enthusiasts at the deep low of the Dunning–Kruger Effect curve! Hence the hesitation - although the real show stopper is always money ressources, otherwise I could “afford” making the wrong choice (and buy a Decent for example!). Which I’m trying to avoid.
To answer your question, my list (so far a top 8!) would look like that:
1 - Ability to control and “see” the main espresso brewing parameters with repeatability (with sufficient accuracy to be noticeable in the end result - i.e. I can sometimes get an espresso with my Oscar II that is as good as the with MaraX, except I don’t know what was the state of each parameters).
2- Targeted cost around 1500£-ish - I would prefer something around the cost of the MaraX/Minima but may extend to the Bianca range to get an “end game” machine!
3- High reliability/quality, parts easily available, designed for easy maintenance and information/support available to allow me to service/repair once it will broke/age.
4- Efficiency: Steaming and brewing capability at the same time without affecting the end result (i.e. sufficient thermal stability to avoid a noticeable impact to the end result). My Oscar II allow me to have a cortado made within 3 minutes from scratch to a cleaned area ready to go back to work. But doesn’t respond to criteria #1 very well.
5- Noise level somewhere between a MaraX and a Oscar II. Ideally like the MaraX. So it doesn’t have to be a rotary pump.
6- Well thought user interface allowing good efficiency. For example I like machines with steam lever instead of valves. But that would not be a show stopper.
7- Aesthetic - Most espresso machine are to my taste except if it is a non neutral colour (I would not get a yellow machine) or if they look cheap.
8- Medium sized, but flexible as long as it fits in my kitchen. A lever machine is not really an option though. Maximum height of 40cm to fit under the cupboard (a paddle like the Bianca can stick out at the front as long as roughly half the machine fits under).
That’s about it for now I think. I may have to revisit.
Note that when I say noticeable, I wish I had an objective way to express it into a measurable way but let’s assume “noticeable to someone with great taste sensitivity without being an expert”!!!
P.S. The Minima with a flow control seems to fit the bill so far. With obviously the Bianca but quite expansive. I would rather get a better grinder (Currently have a Mignon Silenzio) if it’s worth it. That’s for another thread! :)
