Best setup for under £1,000

Pompeyexile got a fantastic deal on a new Sage Dual boiler and added a Niche Zero and the difference is like night and day.

Yes, exactly that. Its still a sage but above the level where it should be called “just an appliance”.

I used to get a bit narky (unusual for me 🤭) when people used to pull it down. I still say it’s a perfect starter AND intermediate machine. The steam power is also great until you try a machine 2 or 3 times its price. No reason why anyone without upgradeitis ( I cant deny i do have that) couldn’t be happy with one forever …. And with the usual lifespan it really is disposable when it gives up out if warranty .

You can slayer mod the sdb too,

Just thought it was out of the £500 budget

I would have another (having had 4) Sage Dual Boiler tomorrow. They are fantastic machines and so versatile. The hidden menu gives you so much control 0ver pump pressure, pre infusion and the like. There is a but though and that is once you are out of warranty you are constantly looking over your shoulder. SO, I still say buy a Niche for re sale value and something else. If as a result you want to replace the machine the grinder is quite capable of staying with you. I have owned and used a Niche Zero daily since they were first launched and also owned alongside many other grinders. I cannot see the day when I will not own a Zero

Cuprajake Just thought it was out of the £500 budget

For all we know, @vanq may work for the HS2 company and therefore all above suggestions will be within “budget” ,🤪☕🤭

LMSC and buys some very nice coffee

If you’ve got any leads on where to actually still get this that would be great 😅

HarveyMushman

Loads in Google??

….. https://www.redber.co.uk/products/sage-the-dual-boiler-espresso-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-brushed-stainless-steel?currency=GBP&variant=48861822222640&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=1b0d2bb4171a&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoJC-BhCSARIsAPhdfSgQY0C_oVafoyfsuhtiZNerA0UJjM3tOdv3EwWnrVOMCoNbBAuLc-AaAjofEALw_wcB

Adrianmsmith

I meant ‘very nice coffee’

I should realise by now sarcasm doesn’t translate well!

HarveyMushman

Sorry!!

If it helps i regularly have the same issue 🤭🤪

Adrianmsmith I realise theres a price difference from Bambino to DB.

oh yes. I got the Bambino at sub-£200 deal. 😊

It is a great gear for a starter.

Adrianmsmith This might look interesting for a new starter but maybe too expensive for that audience ..

https://sigmacoffee.co.uk/products/meraki-espresso-machine

Would you not choose Sage DB over this ? I have not tried both and do not have any experience with them.

LMSC It is easy to spend other peoples money……ask the Government!

dfk41 It is easy to spend other peoples money……ask the Government!

Hmm. I am not going there. 😀

Id rather buy tried and tested over something like that

LMSC

Thanks! I was half joking as I’ve struggled a bit to get really good coffee the past 6 months or so even from roasters I like.

I haven’t heard of a few of those in your list so that’s appreciated!

HarveyMushman agree stuff seems to have gone to shit!!

LMSC

Sage dual boiler is underrated by many. Very capable machine.

HarveyMushman Price is not a guarantee for a great cup. Many expensive bags costing £100 a KG has disappointed me.

Another thing which disappoints me are the roasters who send coffee roasted 3 weeks from the roast date to the date it gets delivered. I avoid buying from them with Darkwoods being an exception as their coffee is great. I also avoid those who cannot take anything other than a positive feedback.

Please keep trying! 😊

Adrianmsmith Sage dual boiler is underrated by many. Very capable machine.

True. Infact, I recommended this to my daughter some time back.