Some Good Coffee
After contemplating about getting an espresso machine so I can make all kinds of coffees and use fresh beans at the same time I decided to do some research on different machines. I finally ended up choosing one and then the search for a good deal began. These things are expensive although if you consider that you use them for many years and that the beans are overall cheaper in use than coffee pads or cups in the long run you get good value for money.
When searching the internet and different stores I noticed a lot of differences in price for the same machine. Sometimes even as much as E 100! Of course this also means that some of the stores offering these deals seem kind of shady. And that’s a choice I’m not willing to make, after all you never know what you’re going to get (if anything at all)
So I ended up buying online from a store I have bought from a lot of times and is a checked and safe online store to buy from. They generally do good service and it saved me a lot of money. Or so I thought…
On Friday my machine arrived. It was kind of a Christmas present for myself but I decided to open it up anyway to see if it was complete and in one piece. After opening it, seeing that all was in the box except for some cleaning products I started reading the manual. After reading for a little while I opened the machine up to see if I could take the inside out as easily as described in the manual. And I’m glad I did that. It opened up easily as described, but even though the papers stated I could find a little bean residue from testing in the factory I found not only a lot of bean residue but it altogether looked like it was used! I ended up seeing that the electrical cord was damaged (it was black but it seemed scratched at some places) as well. Phoning the company I bought it with the lady on the phone was as grossed out by the amount of bean residue as well but continued to ask if I “preferred a new machine”. Eh yeah, I’m not paying that much money for a second hand machine.
The delivery of the new, and pick up of the old machine were set for the next day and with anticipation I awaited the new machine (I want my coffee!!!). It arrived perfectly on time and as soon as I wanted to open the box I noticed something odd; two colours of tape where used to tape the box shut. Unpacking the machine it was immediately apparent that this was even filthier than the previous one. The bean residue was actually laying on the bottom of the box and even more fell out of the machine as soon as I opened it up.
Having enough of second hand machines and extremely angry I tried to call the company again but they happened to be closed during the weekend. I was instantly done with buying through them and I’m returning this machine as well. I rather spend more money and get a NEW machine rather than one that seems to be used before.
I’ve already asked for an pick up appointment through their website and will expect a phone call from them tomorrow to have confirmed.
After all this drama on Saturday, I went into town to a specialised dealer and purchased mine there. Yes I had to pay more than when I bought it from the online store but it was worth it. I now have a new machine (with the little bit of bean residue from the factory tests!) and they threw in some free cleaning sets which saved me a lot of money so all in all it wasn’t that much more expensive.
I guess the machines the store send me where returned to them by other customers either because they didn’t like it (you apparently can test the machine for two weeks and then decide) or (according to the delivery lady) where from a repossession after not paying the bill.
Either way, they can keep their (second hand) machines, I got myself a brand spanking new one, and the coffee is delicious! It takes some more time to learn how to froth the milk but practice makes perfect and I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon. Now it’s only a matter of picking the beans I like. I’m currently testing standard beans from a big brand purchased at the supermarket, but I’m going to the fair trade store in town this week to see what they have and I’m also thinking about buying these as 10% of the money goes to building schools and making water wells in Kenya
1 Comment on "Some Good Coffee"
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Aw, I’m sorry with all the drama you had to deal with as far as that coffee machine goes but at least now you have a good machine. At least you know what to expect with your brand new one and you can finally enjoy it.
PS: I love that you linked coffee from Hanson’s site. You are so awesome. That coffee looks like a good choice to me.