Hello Home Baristas,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I now have the opportunity to buy a 2 year old Vibiemme Domobar Jr HX machine. The machine would be my first (non thermocoil) real espresso machine.
I would love some advice from you about what I should check on the machine, how I should test it at the sellers house, and what would be a good ballpark for the price. The machine is 2 years old, ~$1400 new, not used that often any more. The pressurestat was defective and the manufacturer replaced it under warranty.
I'm a student so my upgrade budget is limited. I would have to stick to my current Gaggia MDF grinder for a while and I need a machine that is pretty reliable for the next few years. As for usage, its usually a double shot in the morning and one or two milk based drinks during the day. On the weekends I occasionally make an additional 2-3 milk based drinks for friends.
Thanks for your help!
Karan