I can only vouch for the BES870 as i have it. What I can say is that since you are not a frequent drinker(I make mine on the weekdays during rush hour, need about 10minutes to prepare 2cups, inclusive of starting up and clean up). The build in grinder is okay to use, but tends to spill out due to a smaller portafilter. For an all in one, it does get the job done; so no major complains for me.
Where did you get the quote for the Oscar though? Seems like a pretty sweet deal to me, sans the grinder.

cshuang: Depends on how much you're willing to tinker with it, wait time, and how much money you're willing to part without crying inside.

For a non-fussy experience and the ability to pull a shot + froth at the same time, pick the Oscar. (And yes, that's a sweet deal).  The Silvia and Classic is a single boiler, and you have to wait a little between tasks. Not a huge wait, but ya know the new generation... *waves tongkat*

Silvia vs Classic - Between the Silvia and Classic, the additional 1k for the Silvia seems to be mostly for a bigger boiler and the ability to froth milk better (without doing any mods on the Classic). Also you can get better shots from the Silvia, but only if you know how to play/tinker with it. Both of these are great to geek out on! But if you aren't willing to spend time to understand the machine/coffee making, go for the Classic. The Silvia has this thing where when the boiler is empty, it does not autofill unless you do some stuff, which can be damaging to the boiler if you're careless (or too sleepy while handling it).

Silvia vs Oscar - Even though Silvia could only do one thing at a time, some people prefer the Silvia because you're able to play with the temperature more, and get a better shot. Oscar has a better frothing ability, but it's not to say that you can't do a good microfoam on the Silvia. Again the Oscar is less of a hassle for those who just wanna straightaway buat kopi.

I've got a Classic recently, and my priorities were to be able to geek with it. Wasn't keen on forking out an extra 1k for the 'upgrades' in Silvia, nor was I keen on the boiler-refilling-prob (partially cuz i'm careless macam sial wtf). Also, another point of consideration was that the Classic has a lot of replacement parts around and knowledge support, because it's been around for so long. Wasn't a hassle at all to work with it.

For KD-570, it's also known as Sunbeam EM7000 if you wanna look into it further... I think you would be quoted for a bundle too, with a grinder - A friend has that machine and he's happy with it. The bundle came up to 3.5k~, which might be comfortably within your budget. Also can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time. Just make sure that you will get support from the supplier if anything happens. Did consider the BES870, but read reviews that the grinder is not fine enough for espresso.

...which leads to the next point: Grinder > Espresso machine. The Baratza is a great start for grinders! You seem to have done research, so won't repeat what you probably already know. I would go for your second option; cheaper espresso machine and better grinder, esp since you're only using it on weekends.
A two-cents; if you're not willing to go for cheaper espresso machines than your choices here, the Classic is a pretty good deal. It is cheaper than your other options, and gives you room to get a decent grinder + happier wallet. As is, it's good for beginners. Malas oso, boleh guna coffee pods. The selling point for this is that, when your tastebuds become more refined and you yearn for a more cafe-standard espresso, you have the option to make it as such.

Apologies for the wall of text, but I hope this helps. If there are any mistakes, feel free to correct me.

I bought my BES870 for 2999 with 5% cash rebate & a bag of coffex mokka beans at Robinsons Mid Valley. I've also seen it go for 2799 at ESH Empire Subang a couple weeks back.

wouldn't exactly say a rebadge for sunbeam.. if you noticed all the subtle details.. sunbeam em6910 is vis-a-vis kd-210s (not s2). this earlier iteration do have lots of issues (as compare to the later s2). the other similar machine  to em6910/kd-210s is krups xp618050(available in the usa).. since these are thermoblocks, it's certainly cheaper than boiler types machine.. for the price you pay in m'sia, it's a bit pricey..

we're getting our kd-210s2 directly from china and we have confirmed that parts are available should the unit requires fixing (dankoff m'sia do accept wpm machines, not sold by them, for fixes).. our white kd-210s2 + wpm grinder comes in at about less than rm2.2k with shipping

and if you're picky enough, you may also stumble upon lots of negative reviews from almost all the consumer brands espresso machine (sunbeam, silvia, you name it).. btw, kd-270 is not newer.. it's just more expensive with added sensors and electronics..

guess the main and honest question is, how much are you willing to plonk down for your setup?

Please refer my view on bes870 here

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=72787658

Been using the machine since December last year.  Purchased it at bangsar shopping centre. ESH for rm 2599.  Looks like price has increased since.

if you're planning to pay >rm2k for an espresso machine, at least avoid those plastic pannarello wand.. just make the setup looks toyish.. btw, what's the reason/factor for considering the gaggia classic?

since you already knew taobao, there're plenty offers to consider there too.. you may even spot some e61 machines there as well..

Hi cschuang. I myself is using the Gaggia MDF grinder. It grinds great for espresso sized grinds. Fine enough to choke the machine. Only grinding at step 4 out of 34 grind settings. Less than 15 seconds to grind 18g of coffee. One down side is the grind retention in the chute. You'll need to sweep the excess into the doser. Otherwise it's a great machine to start up with. Do check out my thread if you wish to get a used unit. https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...6&hl=gaggia+mdf.

Ppl who drinks 2 cups a week just go outside to buy cheaper. Don't need any machine to begin with.

I think this darn good but watt just 2400 so not the norm?
https://londiniumespresso.com/store/londini...nes/londinium-i
This also just 1400 but price at £1.6k
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.p...kmill_vetrano2b

being someone who probably drinks 2 cups of coffee a week.. i find it hard to quantify the kind of cost you'd want to spend on such indulgence.. mind you, the path towards this coffee aficionado can be very mind boggling and costly.. at every stage of investment, be it material(hardware, beans, etc), time and skill.. it may bring you away from actually enjoying a simple cup of coffee to a near manic-state of being a perfectionist.

that being said, you decide on your own path.. any espresso machines do have it's strength and weakness.. preferentials can be had over:
1. the type of boiler/heater used
2. the type of group head at dispensing the extract
3. the type of materials(brass, nickel, composite, etc) of all the internals and peripherals(that includes the portafilters, etc)
4. the aesthetics and functions(which includes the electronics)

for whatever machines you found on taobao, your outmost leverage, is it's cost.. retail prices here in m'sia has quite a fat margin to begin with.. since it's your 1st machine, you can spend some time understanding all the intricacies of #1-4 and perhaps you can also avail yourself to some coffee-related expo/exhibition.. something like the mbc(m'sia barista championship), fhm and one upcoming at matrade, called cafe malaysia which happens to be on may-2015(next month). there are lots of samples you can try and appreciate from these events.. unlike those you try on cafes which may brew you some not-so-fresh beans.

then you can comfortably decide, what type of espresso machine you may want to invest given your frequency of usage and the cost and time you're willing to invest in it.

at this point of time, why an e61? is it because somebody said so? can you discern the difference? if you're born with a insensitive taste buds, you wouldn't tell the subtle differences from the roasted beans extracted from different machines.. not all e61 are made the same..

machine and grinder are just part of the equation.. how about coffee beans, where are you planning to source them?

when we're at dankoff the other day, the particular salesman brewed us a terribly bitter espresso.. it wasn't a committed sales pitching, just routine perhaps.. so a good espresso machine too can produce a terrible drink.. lol

wpm zd-12 .. heard of it? all the stuff should be arriving within these few weeks i suppose.. the grinder is surprizingly good, given it's price (it's just a fraction of all those grinders that you mentioned earlier).. consistency is good for a low volume grinder. that's what we liked..

fake or not.. pay attention to the wattage and weight of the machines.. that's the hint. unless they pack "bricks" inside.. #3(material) can be substantial in weight.. and to generate a good extraction, you'd need a certain wattage to generate the kind of pressure/heat.. don't be surprize that an espresso machine will probably be the highest wattage rated appliances in your home if you're considering a good machine.. 3,000 - 5,000 watt can be the norm.. if it's below 1,000 watt.. we'll look away.

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)..

congrats on your purchase bro.. from EUPA tk-1826 to oscar, must be a very big jump hor? 
where did you purchased your oscar? did you get a good price for it?

i dont know anybody but i know ebay haha

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rancilio-Silvia-V1...=item3f2fb0e243
initially going to get 1 for my china machine but after inspecting the machine i have no idea how to disassemble it so i can't change the steam wand haha

I hv called Doi Chang cafe @ KL before, sometimes ago. rm5x for 250g. My bro bought a package back from Chiang mai b4. It is peaberry. Cute & tiny bean.
I cant comment coz im using lousy grinder that time. Wasted. Haha

Antipodean bean is cheap. Rm 26.5, include GST & a free drink. But roasted date is 9th July 😁

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