Hi all,

Newbie here to the world of espresso, but want to do it right. I'd hate to skimp and then go through the hassles of resale, etc.

One more point, when I started looking for a second car, because my SUV was just too much as a daily driver, I started with the Smart Car and ended up buying a lightly used Porsche Carrera..

Anyway, back to espresso machines. I bought a Gaggia super automatic and quickly realized that this doesn't come close to the quality of what I am looking for. The place I bought it from has a 30 day return policy and will exchange it for something much better.

My wife and I do like milk based drinks more than just espresso. My original thought was the Quick Mill Alexia, but after thinking about it, realized that waiting 2-4 minutes for the steamer, that wasn't gonna be fun. Then the idea of a hx machine came up, but being that I'm just getting into it, the complexity of temp surfing, cooling, all that just seemed too much for me.

So, what about the Alex Duetto II? Simple to use, instant steam as it's a double boiler, PID controlled and has the E 61 group. Seems like a winner on all accounts (except maybe that it's not cheap). I for sure want the Baratza Vario grinder and to start out, a bottomless portafilter and the Espro automatic tamper and probably the Espro torroid milk pitcher as well.

Thoughts, comments, opinions and other factors always welcomed.

Thank you in advance,

Steve

Thoughts

Hi Steve-
I was in same position as you. I returned my store bought, and went for a Silvia + PID.

I'd skip that SB/HX part if you can...

I own a Duetto (ver 1) for almost 2 years now. Smooth sailing... and I love that I way able to progress into plumbed in and draining. I drain to a 5 gallon tank... so empty it every 5 days or so. That makes the process much more fun, machine is always ready.

I also love that steam boiler can stay off. I make mostly straight espressos (which you might too once you 'see the light' )... but in 10 min machine is ready for cappas.

Good luck in your decision!

Socalsteve wrote:the Espro automatic tamper

Put the same money into quality coffee. It'll pay dividends for much longer

Steve,

I always recommend to buy the best you can. If I did not have a rather large 2 group La Marzocco at home, I would buy the Alex Duetto myself. I love having a dual boiler! I would recommend that you have it plumbed with water in and a drain, you will never go back!

Eric

Socalsteve I'm right there with ya. I'm looking at the Alex Duetto II for my first (and hopefully last) machine. and while I've been debating between it and the Mini Vivaldi II, I'm really leaning towards the Alex. I like the option of being able to plumb later even though I have to go with the reservoir for now. I looked at the Brewtus too, but heard concerns from some about the retailers CS, so I'm looking at getting something from Chris Coffee Service because of the excellent reviews I've heard on their service. Now to just save up the funds.

Looking forward to hearing what you think of it, especially from a fellow newbie's perspective.

While you're saving, the new Vibiemme Double Domo will arrive.
It will be the one to beat.

Here in the UK, Vibiemme UK knew nothing of a new Domo when I called them so perhaps we have it already ? Anyway I enquired on pricing and the double domo worked out about £1000 dearer than the Duetto. Not sure what that is in Dollars but it's a lot of wonga as we say in the UK.

cafeIKE wrote:Put the same money into quality coffee. It'll pay dividends for much longer

For someone just starting out, don't you think getting a consistent tamp is pretty important? And, it's only a few dollars more than a nice standard tamper...

Everyone agrees consistency is important. However, I don't think it's difficult to learn how to tamp consistently. Judging from the poll How important is tamping?, Ian's Tamping Twaddle and John's Part II, we've not yet reached community consensus.

Socalsteve wrote:For someone just starting out, don't you think getting a consistent tamp is pretty important? And, it's only a few dollars more than a nice standard tamper...

A consistent level tamp is important. A 30# tamp isn't. it's much easier to consistently tamp lightly than gorilla style.

Concentrate on distribution. With good distribution, tamping becomes optional.