I have been looking to buy an espresso machine for home that isn't too big, but is a quality machine. I found this on craigslist and was wondering what it is worth. The seller said he bought it to use in a mobile trailer and only used it 3 times before quitting. The owner says it comes with a water-filtration device and is also including a Mazzer Super Jolly Timer. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

So maybe I asked the wrong question or nobody has a good answer... I'm wondering if this would be a quality machine to make consistent shots and produce powerful steam. I am planning on opening a bakery/coffee shop 2-3 years from now. currently I am looking for something close to commercial quality that I can practice on and use at home. I know the temp won't be PID controlled, but without spending thousands of dollars it might be a good deal? I went and looked at the equipment and it appears to be in like new condition. The SJ is labeled as an Astoria and is painted copper to match. The SJ seems to be a popular grinder around these forums. If anyone has any advise for a machine that would be better suited for me, please let me know as well...

I see the guy is asking $1500. That's a pretty good price for all three if they are in good shape. It's a good sign that there is a filter system with it. Is it hooked up? I'd make sure you can run a 220v machine if that's what the espresso maker is set up for, although they most likely have a 110v if he had a catering setup. It wouldn't surprise me if you showed up at his house to inspect it with a thousand in cash and he took it, though.
Bernie

Thanks for the advice Bernie...I wish it was hooked up, but it is in storage. It is set up for 110v so that makes it easier. I offered 1000-1200, but he wasn't willing to go that low. I'm thinking I'll make a decision tomorrow. For now I am wondering if I should get it or go with something smaller like maybe a V3 RANCILIO SILVIA ESPRESSO with PID? The Astoria seems to be more commercial quality, but it will take up a lot of space...?

If you're serious about opening a bakery/coffeeshop in the near future Silvia would NOT be suitable. The Astoria and Mazzer SJ combo OTOH would work at home now and work fine for low to moderate commercial volume. IF the Astoria is fully functional, good deal IMO. FWIW the SJ by itself is worth $300 to $400, so $1100 to $1200 for the Astoria? New $3k plus. Definitely good deal.

Sure the Astoria is bigger than a HOME entry level single boiler dual use machine like Silvia. But the Astoria isn't substantially bigger than a serious prosumer HX machine and it's made to be hammered in commercial service.

Don't forget that the machine will have to be rated for commercial use for the health inspector to be pleased...

Mark

mhoy wrote:Don't forget that the machine will have to be rated for commercial use for the health inspector to be pleased...

Mark

Health inspector? In Oklahoma? Boy, you guys from California. Actually I have an Astoria auxiliary steamer and it does carry the NSF sticker. I'd be surprised if the espresso machine didn't have one also since they were built primarily for commercial use. But, it's always prudent to check just in case you live in an area where they do check such details.