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

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.....

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...

I have an older 1-group Epoca. I wouldn't call it ugly, but it isn't a shiny metal box and is instead made from an anodized tubular metal frame with curved plastic panels forming the outside surfaces. It is bombproof and doesn't rust.

Mine was used from ebay. I think it had been packed by a small child, who just had some random bits of cardboard and some sticky tape. It had been dropped on the way, and the seller didn't drain the 4L boiler before shipping, so the frame was bent and the panels didn't fit very well. All I needed to do was reglue one stud onto one of the side panel and plug it in. No damage to the guts of the machine at all; it just worked.

Oh, that really is beautiful.

I have a Cimbali M21 Automatic that is a few years old. Was used in a restaurant here that maybe served 10 espresso's a week. He has decided to get rid of it for $2750.

Would you really rather have some used machine than a vivaldi S1 v2 that is new?

Ken Fox wrote:I think he would prefer a relatively new machine that would look good in a modern kitchen

Since you asked for input

They do have commercial ratings although anyone would reasonably think that they are better for light commercial duty.

It does have a rotary pump.

They have a forum - actually a big deal, IMHO.

Why would someone want to have a HX with a 5 or 6 liter boiler? - unless they are pumping out the shots all day long.

Granted - the appearance of the Vivaldi doesn't suit everyone. If so, there are other double boilers in the same price range.

I know, not what you asked. But since I found your "unconventional" recommendation for lower dosing to be quite useful - perhaps you might find my suggestion for a different path to take useful.

I agree that a new S1VII would fit your buddys requirements nicely, if not a little differently.

The VII has MASSIVE steam power... Id bet it be just slightly less then the Elektra's 6L HX boiler. Since the VII boiler is dedicated 2.2L gives it wonderfully dry, lasting power.

One Feature I really like that is probably overlooked by some, is an easily accessible drain for the steam boiler. Slip and open-ended wrench, adjustable wrench or pliers around it, turn it, and the boiler drains.

Runs on 15amp quite nicely for a home environment.. Im running on 15amp currently, and though I am going to be running on 20amp when I move, I haven't yet found myself saying that I wished it was on 20amp already. And the config. is nice.. Every machine is 20amp, and if you want it to run on 15a, you flip a switch on the inside, and buy the adaptor cord if the outlet wont take a 20amp plug... This way, if/when you want to run on 20amp, you just flip the switch back.. no need to worry about buying the properly configured machine from the get go.

Now, for completeness sake.. Im Biased. I own the La Spaz S1VII, and absolutely love it. Its a wonderful machine to use as long as massively updosed, uber-ristretto's are not your bread&butter.(I know they're not yours, Ken!), but doubles in the 13-17gram range do lovely, and single shots too. 16grams or so for the blends like BlackCat, or Toscano.. 14-15grams for single origins like the Amaro Gayo. The programmable Preinfusion is quite useful, and a lot of fun to play around with. Plus, no other machine in this class has that option.

In MY opinion, thats how I'd go. Well.. Thats how I went!