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?

This post has been edited by Cyclone1: Apr 14 2015, 11:51 AM

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?

This post has been edited by Cyclone1: Apr 14 2015, 02:21 PM

Good point on issue with the all-in-1 machine.

Well, my initial thought process was that BES870 may have lesser known issue, such as shorter wand and underpowered steam from the EC155, that could justify that additional cost. From Youtube, the wand on the BES870 also seem more flexible that could probably help me learn the technique withou frustration. Not to say also smaller foot print and takes up only one power outlet, hahaha. Maybe I didn't lay out my concern quite clearly there. My bad

I watched some video at youtube, it looks like SCG gives the Saeco Poemia very good review. I quite like the Machine + Grinder combo since from googling, many expert seem to agree grinder plays more role in brewing better coffee. I wonder if Saeco Poemia + Baratza Virtuoso combo will serve me well? Is this combo as effective as EC155 + Baratza?
I don't see many people discuss about the Saeco, is there any issue with this machine?

One more question, where can I get Baratza product in Malaysia? It seems like the authorized seller is papapalheta.com and they are sold out ~_~

This post has been edited by Cyclone1: Apr 15 2015, 11:36 AM