I just purchased a Baretza Virtuoso Presico grinder in hopes that it would improve the espresso I make with an inexpensive DeLonghi that I own. Boy, did it ever... In spades! The grinder is excellent!

So now I've decided to go the whole nine yards and get the best new machine that I can afford. After a great deal of research, I had settled on the Expobar Lever - until I read all of the rave reviews here for the Quickmill Anita. Despite the additional cost, this seems like the perfect machine (in this price category) - especially when compared to the Expobar.

Having viewed the video for the Anita on Chris' site, I'm more than a little concerned that one needs a degree in mechanical engineering in order to own it. There is such an emphasis on internal adjustments, and parts replacements in the video, that it seems as though I've got to keep a toolbox handy just to make espresso. I don't have a problem with descaling or typical maintenance associated with owning an espresso machine, but I just want something relatively easy to operate, and not be consumed with complicated adjustments, and having to keep going 'under the hood' just to make a good drink.

A warranty is fine, but given the weight of the Anita, I don't want to worry about having to ship the machine for service as a result of my not being able to tinker with it properly.

I don't want an easy to use super automatic because I do want control over the various aspects of creating great shots - but I don't want to invest $1500 in a machine that's going to need a lot of mechanical fussing.

I'm ready to take the plunge, but I'd really appreciate the thoughts of Anita owners before I make the purchase.

Thank you in advance!

Really not sure what your concerns are. The video simply showed a quick overview of some of its internal components, none of which had anything to do with shot day to day production. The reality is all machines may fail at some point, Chris was pointing out to the initiated some of the common aspects in relation to the Anita and how some components used were repairable versus requiring buying the entire replacement part.

Quickmills are quality machines and Chris Coffee a top flight vendor with excellent customer service record. I'd take a Quickmill over an Expobar in a heart beat.

I have a Vetrano, which is a bigger brother of Anita. I am not really mechanically inclined, but I have had no problem doing simple maintenance. I would not worry about much, and this forum can talk you through most anything.

Thank you Scott and Mike for your thoughts and insights!
I just needed a little re-assurance that I was investing in an espresso machine - and not a tinkerer's delight

Cheers!
Jerry

I assume you're referring to this video:



If you follow comments in the forum, you'll soon learn that Chris' Coffee Service is very service oriented; one thing he prides himself on is identifying potential service issues in the field and incrementally introducing improvements in later shipments. I see how the video's emphasis on the internal components may have led you to conclude you'd be signing up for DIY repairs, but I believe it speaks to (a) Chris' penchant for addressing problems before you'll encounter them, and (b) enabling you or a modestly handy DIY friend to do your own repairs. Keep in mind that at this level of equipment, the expectation is that they'll be in service for a long, long time. There are parts that will eventually wear out (e.g., gaskets, pressurestats), but unlike most consumer products, they can be repaired with little fuss at reasonable expense.

When shopping around for espresso equipment, consider the advice I shared in How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price:

HB wrote:Keep in mind that when buying new from a reputable vendor, a lot of what you pay for is service after the sale. The espresso equipment we discuss on this site has a small, specialized market. While everyone enjoys a bargain, if something goes wrong with the equipment later, you may regret saving a fraction of the purchase price when parts/service/advice are needed. As the website owner, I am admittedly biased, but I believe the HB sponsors are among the best vendors on the Internet; you can find them listed under Commerce on the Resources page.

I personally used to own the Quickmill Anita, purchased from Chris Coffee about 2 1/2yrs ago now.

While I had it, she was a great machine to use. Never really had any issue's with it, except for the pressurestat going. Its inevitable, eventually, they'll fail. But, its a piece of CAKE to put a new one in, so, don't even worry about it.

Aside from that, the only stuff you're looking at is changing the grouphead gasket and screen as needed, and keeping the machine clean. Otherwise it should be smooth sailing with delicious espresso.

HB wrote:I assume you're referring to this video:



If you follow comments in the forum, you'll soon learn that Chris' Coffee Service is very service oriented; one thing he prides himself on is identifying potential service issues in the field and incrementally introducing improvements in later shipments. I see how the video's emphasis on the internal components may have led you to conclude you'd be signing up for DIY repairs, but I believe it speaks to (a) Chris' penchant for addressing problems before you'll encounter them, and (b) enabling you or a modestly handy DIY friend to do your own repairs. Keep in mind that at this level of equipment, the expectation is that they'll be in service for a long, long time. There are parts that will eventually wear out (e.g., gaskets, pressurestats), but unlike most consumer products, they can be repaired with little fuss at reasonable expense.

When shopping around for espresso equipment, consider the advice I shared in How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price:

Thank you Dan for your reply.

Yes - this is the video to which I was referring. I appreciate your acknowledgement of the video's emphasis on internal components... which is why I was concerned. Although. I also assumed that it might not be anything more than a declaration of important features and new innovations - but it never hurts to ask, especially when there are so many experienced and thoughtful individuals on this invaluable forum.

I also agree with your philosophy on the importance of patronizing merchants who place their emphasis on service and customer satisfaction. Which is why I purchased my Baratza grinder from Chris last week. I have every intention of purchasing the Anita from them as well.

Thank you also for providing the link to your brilliantly written and immensely informative "How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price" This is definitely a mandatory read!

If I may go off topic for a moment, I'd like to avail myself of your vast knowledge and ask you for a recommendation for a tamper. I could probably make a selection for myself quite easily if only I could go to a store and personally examine different models. I live in the NYC area and am not aware of any stores that offer tampers. I'd like one that feels heavy and substantial (all metal). I don't have large hands, as such, I'm assuming that that a shorter model would be more comfortable. As for flat, on concave, what do you use? The tamper that Chris uses in the video looks quite good (but I wasn't able to locate it on their site). I've also seen a video (SeattleCoffeeGear) where a Rocket tamper was used. That also looked quite appealing (again, because it appears to be rather substantial). I know that whatever tamper it is that you favor was chosen due to your own personal preferences and experience, but I'd still be so very grateful for specific suggestions / recommendations.

Thank you again for taking the time!

Warm regards,
Jerry

JmanEspresso wrote:I personally used to own the Quickmill Anita, purchased from Chris Coffee about 2 1/2yrs ago now.

While I had it, she was a great machine to use. Never really had any issue's with it, except for the pressurestat going. Its inevitable, eventually, they'll fail. But, its a piece of CAKE to put a new one in, so, don't even worry about it.

Aside from that, the only stuff you're looking at is changing the grouphead gasket and screen as needed, and keeping the machine clean. Otherwise it should be smooth sailing with delicious espresso.

Thank you Jeff for your reply.

I appreciate your feedback, especially since you owned the Anita.
Your input, as well as those other thoughtful individuals, have allayed my concerns.
Moving from a leaky DeLonghi EC155 to a Quickmill Anita is a quantum leap for me, so I just wanted to be certain that I was going to make the right decision.

As a previous owner of the Anita, I'd be so very grateful to you for sharing any specific tips, advice and technique that you acquired over the time that you owned one.

I can't wait for it's arrival! At the very least, it'll be wonderful to make coffee without having to aim the leaky steam wands over a wastebasket!

Warm regards,
Jerry

Jebez wrote:I'd like one that feels heavy and substantial (all metal). I don't have large hands, as such, I'm assuming that that a shorter model would be more comfortable. As for flat, on concave, what do you use?

All metal and heavy narrows the choices. How about the Buffalo tamper (20 ounces, all stainless)? Another possibility is the Coffeelab Design tamper. Adjustable height, good grip. Or another of my favorites, the TORR tamper. The Nero is all metal and has a unique XS piston shape (you can special order the trapezoidal if you want to try some serious nutation action). The choices I listed are high on workmanship / uniqueness. If you prefer to spend less, the Prima Coffee tamper is a price performer and even comes with a nice velvet carrying pouch.

I prefer the convex pistons. But to be honest, my choices are more about ergonomics and appreciation of craftsmanship. Espressoparts.com sells cheap "make do" tampers that are functionally equivalent to the pricey models. The HB Tamper Roadshow gives you even more models to consider.

HB wrote:All metal and heavy narrows the choices. How about the Buffalo tamper (20 ounces, all stainless)? Another possibility is the Coffeelab Design tamper. Adjustable height, good grip. Or another of my favorites, the TORR tamper. The Nero is all metal and has a unique XS piston shape (you can special order the trapezoidal if you want to try some serious nutation action). The choices I listed are high on workmanship / uniqueness. If you prefer to spend less, the Prima Coffee tamper is a price performer and even comes with a nice velvet carrying pouch.

I prefer the convex pistons. But to be honest, my choices are more about ergonomics and appreciation of craftsmanship. Espressoparts.com sells cheap "make do" tampers that are functionally equivalent to the pricey models. The HB Tamper Roadshow gives you even more models to consider.

Thank you Dan for the quick reply! I really appreciate your time, and thoughtful suggestions.
Wow... So many great choices!
I'll look all of these over carefully, but I've already spotted a few that I really like.

Thank you again!
Jerry