Double boiler espresso machine recommendation - Page 2

by **zin1953** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:46 am

Bernie, you're evil! :twisted:

by **Endo** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:49 am

Michal wrote:.....I don't like the black plastic if that was stainless than it would look better. Does the 1 degree Fahrenheit adjustment of the alex make a big difference vs the 1 degree Celcius adjustment of the Vivaldi 2? .....

I think people get too hung up on the plastic sides and sadly miss out on one of the best DB machines. To be honest, you don't really notice the sides much since you are mostly viewing the front in most kitchen installations. If you have an "island" arrangement for your machine, the back of the LsSpaziale Vivaldi is absolutely gorgeous and gives a look much closer to what you'd see in a cafe (see photo below):

I had a chrome E-61 and in my opinion the LaSpaziale looks much better in a modern kitchen. In my opinion, the "all chrome" look is way too reflective for a kitchen (chrome is better suited for a bathroom). People are just used to the old chrome E-61 since it's been around so long. But to be honest, I always thought they looked like some device that belongs in the back of a dental office to sterilize equipment. What's with that big honkin' chrome puck on the front? :lol:

As far as 1C vs 1F issue you brought up. Nobody has tastebuds that accurate.

by **shadowfax** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:59 am

bernie wrote:One never knows. I have a 4 group La Marzocco that works perfectly I got several years ago on ebay. The shipping was more than I paid for the machine. Nuts. Anyway: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....&item=250353939487

Nice, Bernie... I thought about getting an $800 (+ S&H) LM 2 group Linea that needed some serious love before getting my Elektra T1. I've seen the 1 group in person... IMO it's borderline too big.

Of course, I'd be glad to take your GS off your hands, y'know...

by **JohnB.** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:00 pm

Michal wrote:I have plenty of space. 3 ft wide, upper cabinet is shorter to make more room. I don't like the black plastic if that was stainless than it would look better. Does the 1 degree Fahrenheit adjustment of the alex make a big difference vs the 1 degree Celcius adjustment of the Vivaldi 2? I have the fridge water connection right next to the coffee bar so I guess I could plumb in.

The novelty of the stainless/chrome sides wears off after you've removed the hundredth fingerprint. The plastic side covers stay cool & save weight. They used double wall steel panels on the Alex to keep the heat down. The Vibi side panels are known for getting HOT.

Whether or not you can notice the difference between 1*F & 1*C in your cup depends on how highly developed your taste buds are.

The S1V2 does allow you to set the duration of the Pre Infusion or just turn it off, switch off the steam boiler when you don't need it, switch back & forth between 15A mode & 20A mode easily, gives you volumetric water control, easy access for maintenance, a drain plug on the steam boiler & both boilers have removable covers so you never HAVE to fill your machine with acid. No chrome flakes in your puck or E61 grouphead to open up & scrap out & nothing to lubricate after a chemical backflush. It's a clean sheet, modern design which is a rarity in the current upscale espresso machine market.

by **Michal** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:08 pm

Okay, I am reconsidering the Vivaldi II and after some research it is pretty much at the top of my list (go figure). My main concerns are quality of machine and quality of coffee. If it makes better coffee than Alex Duetto and DomoDouble than I'll go for it. Is there a triple shot basket for it? How convenient is the hot water? Does the steam arm have good mobility and if not does it impair its steaming ability? For me plumb in or not isn't too big of a deal. I can go either way but obviously plumb is more convenient. Where does the water line connect? Will it work off a refrigerator connection split into 2? Does anyone have pictures of the gray side panels? Can I possibly ask more questions?

by **Endo** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:27 pm

All components on the Vivaldi are of the highest quality. Have a look at this review with photos of the inside and then compare it to any E-61.

http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/pdf...IIcloserlookv4.pdf

As far as taste goes, all machines you mentioned will deliver great taste. The biggest variables in taste are always beans, grinder and barista skill.

I don't think you'll need a triple basket. The standard double basket gives you about 17g to 18g (more than enough). Most people actually dose less than this.

Hot water is great on the Vivaldi, less on the MiniVivaldi. Steam arm is perfect (same as the commercial S5, only about 1" shorter).

Go with the Vivaldi if you want plumb-in. The MiniVivaldi is a pourover. The Mini comes with a vibe pump and a more limited hot water delivery (in 200ml intervals rather than continuous).

You'll get amazing support as well at the online forum for the Vivaldi (even better than for your Silvia):

http://s1cafe.com

by **JohnB.** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:30 pm

Michal wrote:Okay, I am reconsidering the Vivaldi II and after some research it is pretty much at the top of my list (go figure). My main concerns are quality of machine and quality of coffee. If it makes better coffee than Alex Duetto and DomoDouble than I'll go for it. Is there a triple shot basket for it? How convenient is the hot water? Does the steam arm have good mobility and if not does it impair its steaming ability? For me plumb in or not isn't too big of a deal. I can go either way but obviously plumb is more convenient. Where does the water line connect? Will it work off a refrigerator connection split into 2? Does anyone have pictures of the gray side panels? Can I possibly ask more questions?

I would hope not! :lol:

I think all 3 machines are capable of making excellent espresso so it really does come down to features & looks.

First the triple basket is scarce at the moment but you can get 18g in the double. You push a button for hot water & the tap will allow a 4 cup measuring cup underneath. The steam wand swings out of the way for easy access to the tap. The steaming power of the S1 is legendary & its dry steam/metal pivot puts the stock set up on a GS3 to shame. The factory stainless flex line attaches underneath the machine. You can run it off a fridge line. Lots of pics & a wealth of information can be found on the S1 website & forum.
http://s1cafe.com/ Check out the Pride Page section for photos of the grey sides & water line attachment point. You will also find good info on various ways to plumb in the S1 as well as photos of various set ups.

by **RapidCoffee** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:37 pm

Michal wrote:Okay, I am reconsidering the Vivaldi II and after some research it is pretty much at the top of my list (go figure). My main concerns are quality of machine and quality of coffee. If it makes better coffee than Alex Duetto and DomoDouble than I'll go for it. Is there a triple shot basket for it? How convenient is the hot water? Does the steam arm have good mobility and if not does it impair its steaming ability? For me plumb in or not isn't too big of a deal. I can go either way but obviously plumb is more convenient. Where does the water line connect? Will it work off a refrigerator connection split into 2? Does anyone have pictures of the gray side panels? Can I possibly ask more questions?

I'm sure you can :twisted:

but you may have to find the answers for yourself. Some opinions:
1) Nobody can convincingly argue that one of these machines makes "better" espresso. The advantage of a DB is that it delivers brew water at a fairly precise temperature setting, but even that does not guarantee "better" espresso. 1C resolution is fine for mere mortals. A good HX machine will also meet your requirements of "6-10 milk drinks a day".
2) The S1 is a nice looking machine and has a much longer proven track record than the Duetto or DoubleDomo. Chris Coffee is an excellent vendor. Hard to go too far wrong with this machine. The 53mm filter basket size does limit your options, but I wouldn't worry about triple baskets. Just pull two doubles if you want a big gulp latte.
3) Get an electric kettle for hot water. The hot water tap gives you water that's a) too hot and b) been sitting in the boiler for too long. But yes, it's available on the S1 if you insist.
4) Plumbed espresso machines are great. You can tee off the refrigerator line and call it good, but I'd recommend a pressure regulator and a filter/water softener as well (available from CC).

Some great advice on this thread. Good luck with your decision.

by **JohnB.** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:52 pm

RapidCoffee wrote:3) Get an electric kettle for hot water. The hot water tap gives you water that's a) too hot and b) been sitting in the boiler for too long. But yes, it's available on the S1 if you insist.

I use the hot water tap throughout the day so water never gets to sit in there very long. It's very handy for rinsing the p/f or pre warming it if you forget to lock it back in.

I use the hot water for press pot brewing & have found that by the time you fill a 24-32 oz container & are ready to pour it into the press the water temp is 200-201*. If you place a cup under the tap & draw water directly onto a digital thermometer probe the hottest temp I've seen is 206*F & that drops off quickly. There is a definite heat loss between the steam boiler & the cup. I see little difference between boiling water in a kettle or on a stove & drawing it from your machine tap as long as you are using the steam boiler water regularly(daily).

by **Michal** on Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:25 pm

So my question still remains. If you make 6-10 milk drinks a day, can plumb it in, and have the option of Alex Duetto, Vilvaldi II, Domodouble Rotary, or Brewtus 3-R, which would you get?


Contact Us	Legal disclaimer and copyright: This content and all its parts are copyrighted, all rights reserved. Content including all text and images in part or in whole may not be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission. Home-Barista, Home-Barista.com and related logos are trademarks of Home-Barista.com, LLC. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. By accessing this site, you agree to the terms of service. Overall speed: , current page: s, avg: s, max: s