I have a friend in my town who has owned an Andreja Premium for about 5 years now and who has had lots of problems with it. The latest problem is a leaking boiler that appears to likely be due to a small crack. He has tired of dealing with this machine and wants to get something at a higher level, that will not give them problems.

I might add that we all owe him a debt as he was one of the blind tasters in the large coffee freezing experiment that I conducted a few years ago

Anyway, I could sell them one of my Cimbalis but I'm reluctant to do that because they have been heavily modified and I'd rather see them get a stock machine, that won't have issues going forward related to my modifications.

I'm looking for suggestions on where he might look to get a used 1 group commercial machine that has either been fully restored or is relatively new and in perfect condition. The two top choices would probably be either one of the Elektras or a Cimbali, but other models would be considered.

If anyone here has a lead on such a machine, or who we might contact, I'd be very appreciative. You can either post in this thread or send me a PM.

Thanks,

ken

Here is the Craigslook page for Boise + 250 miles. I don't know if this helps, but there are a couple of commercial machines on it.

http://www.craiglook.com/boise-id/all.h...hine&m=250

Thanks for the Craig's List information. I didn't see anything on there that looked too promising, but maybe some more listings will be added in the near future.

ken

The Rancilio S27/28 had the reputation of being the tank machine. Indestructable for transport and for duty in odd places (e.g. SCAA exhibitions). No idea if that translates to robustness at home or whether it applies to the Epoca successor models.

Ken,
Send me an email, I have info on a Junior sold and serviced by Bravo.
-Ian

Ken,

Nicholas (Shadowfax) still has his Elektra up for sale. While it is currently PID'd, it can easily be reverted back to using the pressurestat.

Ken Fox wrote:I'm looking for suggestions on where he might look to get a used 1 group commercial machine that has either been fully restored or is relatively new and in perfect condition.

I keep my eyes out too, but they aren't real common out here in the sticks.

Try Republic Espresso Restoration (do a google search) in Seattle, perhaps if that is not too far afield.

Here is the winner....

Commercial - by many standards
Bulletproof - should be durable enough
Used - yes
Used by a minor deity - absolutely

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bfs/1581102836.html

It has been listed for months so maybe there is some negotiating to do.....

Some great responses, already -- Thanks!

On further discussion with my friend it is now clear that not only are there no holes in their granite countertop for doing a plumb in, their SS kitchen sink, next to the espresso machine area, has no available predrilled holes in it. So, they are going to have to do some kitchen surgery in order to accommodate any plumbed in rotary machine.

This is all doable, but my friend wants to sleep on the idea of of kitchen surgery (possibly involving some wifely negotiation) before making any further decisions . . . .

But please, if you have any other ideas, please either post them here or send me a PM.

ken

another_jim wrote:The Rancilio S27/28 had the reputation of being the tank machine. Indestructable for transport and for duty in odd places (e.g. SCAA exhibitions). No idea if that translates to robustness at home or whether it applies to the Epoca successor models.

I know a guy with a Rancilio (I think it is the Epoca, but certainly that or an S27/28), and it's a horrifyingly ugly beast, but it puts out good coffee and sure seems to take a heck of a beating--he keeps it in the back of his car and caters with it. They're bulletproof yeah, but all the ones I ever see turn up look ugly brand new and not much better after apparently having had their mettle put to the test...