first thanks for all the replies!

I think i’m going to get the much recommended Gaggia Classic, but just been looking at burr grindes, jeeez i didnt realise they were so expensive 🙁

Anyone reccommend a reasonable priced one? From reading about making espressos it sounds like the grind is a key factor and i guess i need to look at one with a wide range of settings so i can find my perfect grind?

thanks

Rancillo are good grinders – not sure if they make a cheap one.

I have the KA one which is good but quite expensive.

Could try a hand grinder but I suspect the problem might be getting a consistent grind. Not sure though, sure others will have tried.

Just to explain briefly why you need a range of grinds – too coarse and water will flow to quickly past the beans, too fine and your machine will stall.

Latter depends on pressure your machine can deliver.

Can’t remember exactly but you need to be aiming for around a 20 sec pour on a firm tamp. You basically adjust grind to achieve this.

And if you get really keen you can PID mod your machine to make sure you get consistent temp through the pour which is the other critical variable.

I looked into all of this years ago, gave up and just had a coffee.

I started on a Gaggia machine and it was fine.

I have one of these and it does the job just fine.

http://www.johnlewis.com/230843325/Product.aspx

And I got my Baby Twin from here. Check out the bundled deals and the ex demo units.

http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/products.php?cat=21