What is the ultimate coffee maker?

Being a coffee addict...oops, I mean, coffee lover, I have been thinking about upgrading to a serious coffee/espresso machine. Assume that price is not a big sticking point as long as the investment is truly worth it(although ultimately I will likely have a hard time justifying expending hundreds of dollars on a coffee maker). The keys for me are (1) great coffee (2) great espresso (3) ease of cleanup/use (4) design/style.

Does anyone have an recommendations or can anyone refer me to any resources?

Mille grazie!

I can't vouch on personal experience, but Slate magazine recently did a comparison of espresso machines:

http://www.slate.com/id/2110848/

Franabanana wrote:I can't vouch on personal experience, but Slate magazine recently did a comparison of espresso machines:

http://www.slate.com/id/2110848/

Well, I am not one to argue with the results of that comparison test, as I am the proud owner of a Alessi Coban Nespresso machine. However, snoopdug said that his preeminent concern is "great coffee." The machines in the Slate test-drive are espresso-only machines.

Regards,
Erik M.

Erik M. wrote:However, snoopdug said that his preeminent concern is "great coffee." The machines in the Slate test-drive are espresso-only machines.

Regards,
Erik M.

Am I wrong that Nespresso now offers three "Lungo" packs, which are meant to be brewed into normal sized cups?

The choices are, obviously, very limited...

However, snoopdug said that his preeminent concern is "great coffee." The machines in the Slate test-drive are espresso-only machines.

I know, I know. IMHO, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a machine that delivers both "great cofee" and "great espresso." If memory serves (can't recall where I read this) the espresso equipment on dual-coffee/espresso machines is pretty lightweight. Again, not personal experience at all!

In terms of just coffee (b/c I don't have an espresso maker and therefore cannot recommend one) have you ever used a French Press?
This is the only coffee maker we use, and I love it. It creates a much fuller-flavored cup of coffee than anything else I have tried (so far). Also, they are inexpensive, so you could get one of these and then spend more on an espresso maker alone.
Let us know what you choose!

Definitely get a french press. The next step beyond that for coffee nirvana is a gravity pot which, in my opinion, does produce superior coffee but not a significant enough improvement too justify the added time and expense.

Without spending hundreds of dollars you are not going to be able to get a machine that produces real espresso, let alone great espresso. Inexpensive machines don't generate enough pressure or consistent enough heat.

I can't think of a machine that does both really well. Of course, part of the reason is that I just don't think coffee is made well by machines (see frech presses and gravity pots). One option, however, is just to make a great shot of espresso and dilute with hot water - i.e. make an "americano."

Out_

rien

Do you prefer any particular brand of French press? Or are they all pretty much the same?

I prefer Bodum's french press (here is a picture of one):

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 2?v=glance

you can order them here:
http://www.surlatable.com/common/produc ... GRFNBR=336

There are all different sizes, and some come in a plastic holder instead of a metal holder. If the carafe breaks it is easily replaceable and you can buy them separately. They also make tea presses which are very nice.

Thanks all for the great info. I had been looking at one machine that claimed it makes great coffee and espresso...of course, the cheapest I can find it is $800 and I think the "coffee" is made by adjusting to a more coarse grind (cafe suisse??). It is called the solis palazzo, and here is a link to a description (although i saw it cheaper on ebay).

www.1-800-espresso.com/solis-palazzo.html

After reading all the posts and linked resources, I am leaning toward the french press and a "dedicated" espresso maker. I will advise when I pull the trigger. Thanks again for all the posts.

messycook wrote:There are all different sizes, and some come in a plastic holder instead of a metal holder. If the carafe breaks it is easily replaceable and you can buy them separately. They also make tea presses which are very nice.

I recommend the ones with the plastic base. Definitely not the ones that have a cork trivet. The plastic base seems to protect the carafe better from a deep and malicious sink that destroys approximately one a year.

rien