I am newbie in espresso making and am planning to consider a espresso machine for my everyday coffee. I usually take one cup of coffee everyday before work. Usually Latte.
I can see that many are recommending Delonghi EC155 for beginner but I also seem to realized many were discussing about the wand. What exactly is the issue with its wand?

Is EC155 a good unit for starter to make good coffee? Does it require a coffee grinder?
How much does a decent coffee grinder typically cost? Could anyone recommend me few model for me as starting point for research?

Will EC155+decent coffee grinder a better deal than a all in one machine like Beville BES870?

Haha, in term of my personal expectation and that is really hard to come into a conclusion because as a newbie I don't quite know how does a really "good" latte should taste like.
Maybe I would say start with Latte from cafes like coffee smith or other similar chain as a reference. Let's just say making Latte taste similar to these cafe will be my baseline and the ability to exceed that is my ultimate expectation. Of course, I am not saying I will expect the coffee machine to churn out good coffee right off the bat, but rather I would be able to start making good coffee with these machines that is able to meet my end goal as my technique improved with training.

So the problem with the EC155 is the underpowered wand and shorter steam thus causing milk steaming process lengthy and difficult? That's irritating for sure since I usually start my day with a cup of coffee before work. Who would want late for work Do you have recommendation for a espresso machine around the similar price point that does not suffer from this problem?

I searched Baratza Virtuoso and got the result "Baratza Virtuoso Burr Espresso Grinder V2" at SeattleCoffeeGear.com, not sure if this is the model you mean. I look at the price and it is within my acceptable range and have good reviews too. I would throw money at this model if this is what you recommend a good grinder for a beginner.

I kinda hit by dilemma here, with a espresso machine that cost RM900 and a grinder that cost another ~RM800, would it be better to wait for sale and purchase a all-in-1 machine like the Breville BES870? Or espresso + grinder combo is much more worth the money ?

Top up question, is the grinder found on the Breville BES870 on par with the performance of the Baratza Virtuoso?

Hi guys I am into handpouring type, currently using V60. I am going to Taiwan for a holiday soon, I know their coffee culture is much more advanced than here.

Can you suggest something that I should bring back for my own use? I will probably get an aeropress there, maybe some Hario stuff too. Thanks.

what setting do you use for your zd-12? ... i have the same grinder as you do.. for my current espresso machine.. the finest i can go is 7.. (5-6 will jammed up the extraction)..

wait.. you mean on your poemia?!.. i gathered the poemia is also not modded rite?
never thought the poemia can be so geng xia.. 

aiyahh misunderstanding liao..

1. have you tried grind setting #1 on your wpm zd-12(unmodded) with your unmodded poemia(including the manufacture given portafilter) before? .. does it choked up the poemia?

PID is on temperature.. has nothing to do with the pressure of your extraction.. ngam mou?

no wonder la.. if you've left everything at "default factory".. your unmodded zd-12 will definitely choked that pressurized poemia..
i have a unpressurized basket, wonder it'd choked it at finest setting..?
how long have you been using your zd-12?.. how's the burr blades wear n tear?

I believe someone here wrote on Starbucks and other beans without dated roast date. They are all vacuum packed.

A lot of info on such beans if u using for espresso. Some ppl have connection in Italy to get 3 day old beans
http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/questions/616647

Buy from Aussie or Europe all arrive within 5 days. But not cheap. Try to support local roaster if budget don't allow one to buy overseas

tried using the unpressurized basket today and at grind setting #3, it's simply choked the machine, only single drips appearing..    guessed we may have a different zd-12?! 
can't fully conclude the grinder yet, as we're waiting for our other espresso machine enroute.. then we'll see if it grinds fine enough to choke it..

are you sure that pacamara sells cheaper than here? ... translate to about rm40+ for 250g oo .. you sure you got the right price bo? 

Chang Mai is the coffee capital in Thailand!
Pacamara Asian blends are 150TBH and panama for 500Tbh for 250gm I read. I gather buying Asian blends cheaper back in 2012, prices still same?

Looks like you can buy online, url recommended by their Facebook page
http://www.espressofriend.com/เมล็ดกาแฟ

Nice page with links where to shop Thailand roasters  online
http://bestcoffeein.asia/advice/best-singl...k/#.VT7GvVL3anM
http://redcliffcoffee.com/buy-thai-coffee-online/

You in Thailand how? How much do they cost? 250gm pack

Bro, RM40 - 20% .. You sure it's RM36?

That's the steam wand for the ec155 right? May I know where did you get it from?

How much is that approx?
I've visited the website before. Not sure how to purchase from there. I can't read chinese LOL!

I got philips SAECO manual espresso machine. I just can't get the prefect milk froth. Still exploring. Is it Dutch Lady full cream milk can't do the job??

Ya exactly! Bummer. :-(

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^ I got myself one of this.
However, I am not sure how to use it, LOL !

Any thoughts ?

It comes together with the ground coffee, which is ground coarse.
Of the opinion that it should be correct grind, no?

Where can i get cheap fresh roasted 100% arabica in klang valley? Less than RM 40 per 250g

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