Espresso machine for Steamboat...

[Ron]

Super autos, the problem I see is they don't get hot enough really. This little machine supposedly will get up to the 180's which isn't bad.  can't you get a nice anita or something worthwhile?

[Svend]

You're right about the temperatures.  Every cup I've ever had from a superauto has been almost luke-warm...definitely not hot.  Not sure if that's because the distance from brew head to cup is too long, or the brew temp is just too low.  I'll read up on this....Bosch seems to be addressing this in their machines....better grinder too - conical burrs.

An Anita would just duplicate what we already have in the Giotto.  Something totally different would be in order, but not to replace the Giotto - no way! I love that machine, and you'd have to pry it from my dying fingers before I gave it up.

[jim-ratliff]

Not at all knowledgeable about coffee machines, but sounds to me more like the McDonald's effect.? McDonald's loses a big lawsuit because some guys coffee was hot (duhh) and everybody else turned the temperatures to luke-warm?

Imagine the stink if someone made a machine that would get coffee hot enough that it might burn you.  Shameless profiteering by the manufacturer.

[Ron]

Jim, it's more of a cost thing. The components required to generate good consistent temperatures and pressures are costly and the avg dude who's buying an auto doesn't really care. It's the OCD types that are fantical about brew head temp and actually look to keep temps consistent within a 2-3 range.

[Svend]

OK...yeah, I admit, when it comes to my Giotto, I'm as OCD as Ron...well, maybe not quite...   But we're using the Cadillac machines of the espresso world here, so why not be a bit A-R about their performance?  However, for a superauto, there will be some compromises in the name of convenience...kinda like the gas vs. charcoal trade off in grills.  But there's a minimum performance that I expect for the exorbitant prices they're asking for these machines:

a) a minimum temperature...just above lukewarm is not hot enough
b) a minimum depth of flavour...thin and insipid = dishwater
c) a minimum viscosity....10W30 at least

If I demo one that blows away my prejudices, I'll let you know....but I'm not optimistic.

Cheers,
Svend

[Ron]

well said my enlightened friend.....

[Svend]

Saw Iron Man this weekend, and it occurred to me that what he really needed inside his suit was a superauto espresso machine to keep him alert during his long flights to Afganistan.  Will contact Marvel to recommend this for IM2   

[Gary]

Hey..that was a fun movie...loved it! The acting, humor and special affects were top notch.

Yes and I agree....the SAE would be a great equipment add on...both humorous and functional! 

Nice call Svend!

G