Hi all, I wasn't sure where to put this so took a best guess.
At present I'm using a Gaggia Syncrony Compact Digital which I've had since December 2003. Being something of a gadget man (and being uncertain how long I want to keep a machine with an aluminium boiler) I've been toying with the idea of replacing it with something new and improved.
I want a fully automatic machine because I really can't be bothered with tamping and dealing with everything myself. I like to roast my own coffee but prefer to be able to just press a button and let a machine make me a cup, especially first thing in the morning.
Expected usage is low but variable - usually 2-4 shots in the morning with maybe another 2-4 in the evening. Some evenings I'll draw a couple of dozen shots or more through it if I have company. Because it will spend a lot of time not being used it needs to have an energy saving mode. A timer to wake it up shortly before I get up during the week is also a must-have.
Ability to make latte, macchiato and so on is useful but not required, and since I want this machine to be easy to work with I don't want to have to fuss about cleaning milk pipes every time I make a latte.
Having two bean hoppers for a choice of bean (e.g. my own blend for long black coffees and a cheaper blend for philistine guests who want a sugar-laden cappuccino) would be useful. The Jura X7 does this but I don't want to spend that kind of cash...
It looks like the Saeco Talea Touch does everything I want and some, so if anyone has experience of using it or other comparable high-end (if not top-end) bean-to-cup machines I'd be grateful for any thoughts. I'll even do a light roast in your honour
Cheers
John