I have been in a happy rut for 9 years, making decent but not excellent cappuccinos and lattes with my Silvia, with occasional but purely accidental art to make me think I kinda know what I'm doing. (Espressos have been underwhelming, and we generally prefer milk drinks, although I hope to up my espresso game.) But I have had my eye on an E61 HX machine as an eventual upgrade. A major kitchen renovation now underway provides the perfect excuse (we are replacing all the other appliances, so...).

I think the Anita would be a good choice, with only one niggling concern: I would like to plumb in the water supply directly to avoid constantly refilling the reservoir. On Silvia, I only had to refill every 2 days or so, but with an HX machine, the constant flush ritual makes me think I will go through water more quickly (although the reservoir would be bigger, so maybe it's a wash). The E61 machines are also heavier, so I won't be able to store it under a counter and pull it out for making coffee and filling the water tank, as I did with Silvia. All that said, the price may bring me back to the Anita, and I I'm sure I will figure out a solution for refilling the tank. But before I make that decision, I'm contemplating other, more expensive options, and I would appreciate the wisdom of the collective.

I would also like the flexibility of running from the reservoir in pour-over mode to get used to the machine at first (I'm not exactly sure where it will end up in the new kitchen), and in case the direct-connect becomes problematic. So I have ruled out plumbed-only machines like the Vetrano.

The Andreja is a very nice alternative, but once the direct-connect option is factored in, it costs almost the same as the Alex II. Which makes me think I should go with the Alex for the rotary pump and PID controller. Alex also has the steam wand on the right, like Silvia, which makes me think the transition might be that much easier (I wouldn't have to learn to steam left-handed).

Are there any disadvantages to the Alex, compared with the Andreja? Chris tells me both are roughly equivalent build quality (although I would be interested to hear the opinions of others). Andreja is a little nicer looking, but not enough to matter (both look great to me). Is there any reason that -- contrary to my perception of the received wisdom -- I should prefer a pressurestat to the PID? Or a vibe pump to the rotary? What else am I missing? (Note that my only experience with these machines is pictures/videos/specs on the internet; I have not seen any of them in person, let alone actually used one.)

I also welcome any suggestions on a grinder. I am currently leaning toward the Baratza Vario, as it seems to have a good price, a nice size, quality components, reasonably quiet operation, and easy adjustments. It ain't pretty, but I can live with that. I am not set on it, though, and would consider other options.

I realize similar questions have been asked ad nauseum, and I appreciate your patience. My rudimentary search efforts didn't turn up obvious threads addressed to these specific questions, though I hope others will point me in the right direction. I have been lurking here for many years, and reading up on E61 HX machines and the techniques I will need to learn. I'm excited, and a bit daunted, by the prospect.

Thanks,
Tom

Hi Tom, First question about the IZZO, are you looking at the Duetto or the HX? I have just recently made the same upgrade you are thinking about in last two weeks, from the Silvia to the Alex ll HX. The Silvia was a good machine and I have had it for the past seven years with no problems at all. As far as quality of shots, if you were regimented (temp/time) with your Silvia you are not going to notice a great difference That being said, there is no comparison to the Alex at all, greater boiler volume, greater reservoir volume, haven't had time to plumb her in yet, greater steaming power and better constant temperature stability. I like the PID control, it comes set up for a temp. of 255 degrees F. and can be user adjustable with the push of a button, The temperature set controls the pressure of the boiler as well, for any given temp. there is a corresponding pressure associated with it. I also like having the temperature read-out on the PID, it's not necessary but it is nice to know when you are up to temp. I have found that with a 5 to 7 ounce flush I am ready to brew several shots and then immediately start my steaming. Still getting used to the steaming power, the Silvia was so much slower, but I had an easier time slowly building the froth. On the Alex, in about 20 sec. or less you are up to temp. and done, this has given me a much lighter froth, I may try cutting down on the volume of steam with the valve or blocking a hole or two in the steam wand to correct this. You stated that you liked the steam wand being on hte left side, it was one of my big considerations also. My machine is set up on the left side of my sink, so I always flush out the steam wand directly into the sink, this also allows me to run a small piece of tubing (supplied with the machine) from the overflow directly into the sink. No more emptying the overflow tray. All in all I can say that I am quite happy with this machine. Make sure you have room for it, Big and Heavy but Aa nice piece of bling and eye candy. I am sure you would be happy with any of your choices. One other item that I purchased with my machine is the digital thermometer that goes into the top of the E-61 brew head, this is about a $95 option, what it does is let you see the temp. at the inlet to the brew head, comes in handy to let you see what volume of flush you need to bring the HX down to brew temp. However once you get to know what the flush volume is it is really not necessary.
Good luck with your choice.
Tony

Thank you, Tony. I am looking at the HX Alex II. Good to know you made the same transition and are happy with yours. I am also going to install Eric's thermometer in the grouphead, as you suggested. Between knowing (and adjusting) the PID boiler temp (and thus pressure) and knowing the grouphead temp, I should have way too much information and plan to be sufficiently overwhelmed as I work on re-tweaking my technique.

I have now pretty much settled on the Alex II with a Vario grinder. Just waiting for the kitchen install to be done so I can measure and make sure everything will fit where I want it -- hope to have it in place by Christmas.

Tom

Well, our kitchen is now done, and I made some measurements. Turns out our under-counter height is too low to accommodate the Alex and some of the other machines I was considering.

But the Andreja will fit, without the cup rails. So I have ordered a new Andreja Premium from Chris Coffee, along with a new Baratza Vario grinder. Chris and Mary were very helpful (and very patient!) on the phone and by email. UPS says they will deliver Tuesday. I am very excited, and looking forward to having good coffee again after a little over 2 weeks without Silvia. I'm sure I will post in the forums again, as I struggle to get used to these new machines. Thanks to H-B for a great resource, and to Chris for a great buying experience.

Tom,

Are you going to plumb her in?

Yes, I hope to plumb it in soon, but not right away (I am still awaiting delivery of the new RO filter, and I need to run hardness and espresso taste tests on RO vs. tap water, and I want to wait until the tile backsplash is installed above the new countertop). So probably in a month or two...