sharkmom

I have just laid to rest a 15 year old Paquini espresso machine. A new one costs $1500. Since I am planning a trip to Rome, I was thinking I might be able to pick one up there for a lot less, especially if there is a VAT rebate. This could end up as the best souvenir ever if I can pull it off. Does anyone know anything about buying one of these machines in Italy and if so, where?

PalQ

Plenty of restaurants in US have them and i suspect that like anything currently due to weak dollar you'll be dollars ahead and lots of hassle ahead by buying in the US - there are many products now sold for less here than in Europe. (Dutch tomatoes in the winter for example - 99 cents a pound at the local veggie - an unheard of price in Holland for any kind of tomato!) I'm of the believe that just about anything you can buy in Europe you can buy less here now - except booze. I may be wrong but i've priced a lot of items.

icithecat

Would a coffeemaker bought in Italy be dual voltage? Rewiring the house could be a pain.

kenderina

Sorry if I sound rude, it's not my intention but..do you have installed at home an industrial expresso machine ???? It's the first time in my life I hear that

elaine

I have friends and family who have industrial/commercial espresso machines at home. Many of the ones made for home use make only one or two cups at at time, and the coffee not worth all the trouble.

andy

my only question is if the item has dual voltage...?????

platzman

I have an 8 year old Krups that cost something like $60.
It makes 4 (2 ounce) espresso shots with the elusive and much-heralded "crema", and does a decent job of steaming and frothing the milk.
As far as I can tell, it smells, looks and tastes just like the stuff at your usual street corner Italian snack bar.
If there was such a thing as a cornetto-maker to complete the package, I'd make the trip to Italy to get one.

ira

Hi S,

Have you looked at eBay?

There are 2 new Livia 90 models on offer for <$1000.

Scarlett

We had a Nepresso machine in our Paris apt that I reeeeally want. I found it in the US for $400+ and will wait for someone to give it to me as a gift
I think it is a great item to bring back from a trip, good luck.
LOL seetheworld, rewiring the house! That could be a problem!

SuzieC

Not purchased in Rome but new beau has a Capressa - EXCELLENT expresso, lattes, capuccinos... difficult and time consuming to keep clean.

NYCTravelSnob

A Krups espresso? YUCK!

Scarlett

Suzie, that was one of the things I loved about the Nepresso, it took 2 seconds to clean

SuzieC

New Beau has two things that are completely his responsibilty! <GRIN>
His elderly 16 year old Jack Russell terrior that bites me. AND the maintenance of the StarShip he calls a coffee maker.

BTilke

A barista in Italy once told me that professional model espresso/cappuccino machines aren't truly suitable for home use because they need to be used frequently (a lot more than a few cups of coffer per day) to perform at their best.
For a while, my husband had his heart set on the built in Miele cappuccino/espresso maker, but he's finally been talked out of it and we're shopping around. We tried the Nespresso machine at the Cocoon show in Brussels and didn't care for it. Our current leading contender is the Gaggia Synchrony compact digital, but reviews are mixed.
The sad truth is, no matter how good the home machine, it will never measure up to a perfect cup made by a handsome Italian with a sexy smile in a cafe overlooking Lake Como!

dutyfree

Crate and Barrel has a great one for about $350 in BRIGHT RED from Italy(don't have the name nearby at the moment) but most of the cheaper ones from Linens and Things,department stores,etc. are not going to do well.I would think that there would be a voltage problem buying overseas?

julie_Colorado

We have a high end Capresso (sp?) espresso machine - it grinds the beans, filters the water, froths the milk, washes the dishes (ok, 3 outta 4 - not bad). I thought we were nuts to buy it ... but it has lasted around 6 years and saves a bunch of money over starbucks. We love it. But for warranty purposes and all the reasons entered here - I'd just find the best price locally and buy it.

PalQ

Not only voltage but a plug problem - adaptor may not be safe for high voltage so may have to re-wire plug - plus what would it cost to ship such a heavy thing and then you'd probably pay customs duty if you didn't bring it back with you.

sharkmom

I hadn't thought about the plug problem, although an adapter/converter might solve that issue. In the meantime, I will check out ebay and try to check out the Capresso machine. Anybody heard much about Gaggia machines? I really loved the old Pasquini (it was a gift)-but am put off by cost of replacement.

elaine

Scarlett
just looked at the Nepresso website

http://www.nespresso.com/precom/sima...en.html?xtor=2

which model did you like? (No, I'm not sending you one)

tartangal

My only experience with a Gaggia machine was an ice cream maker which was terrific. Finally parted with it because we rarely made ice cream anymore and it took up valuable space.