nixter wrote:Regarding the VII, which of the various available accessories would you guys recommend? What's the deal with the $200 timer?

You do not need that extremely overpriced timer! You can switch off the steam boiler at will and even if you shut down the group boiler, it is up and ready in less than 15 minutes. Double boilers are great!!!

As far as accessories, I have three 53 tampers (you only need one but... you know it is...) and a bottomless P/F. That is it! I have been trying to find a triple basket but they are hard to come by.

I had no intention of buying it I'm just curious as to what it's purpose is?

Accessories.. sorry I was more referring to the available options for the VII including the following..

In Tank Water Filter and Softener: Softener Replacement Cartridge
Pre Infusion Chamber
Longer Vivaldi Arm
.9 mm 4 hole tip for No Burn
No Burn Steam Arm

I would guess that the pre infusion chamber would be a good add on?

The La Spaziale Vivaldi is a machine that is meant to always be on. hen plugged in and powered the machine is in a standby mode. To turn on the two boiler heaters you need to push two buttons.

So if you want the machine to turn the boiler on automatically at certain programmed time you need to have the La Spaziale special timer. You cannot (simply) use a timer switch that just cuts off and turn on the electrical power.

I know nothing of the intank water softener but it is small. So you'd have to tinker with it often.
The pre-infusion chamber is an affordable option and most users seem happy with the result. I does not make unanimity though. Some have removed it. I guess that I would recommend it and let your taste decide with usage.
I have installed a No-burn steam arm. I love it and it is plenty long enough for me. There was an issue with the fact that it required a 2x12mm holes tip to maintain the no burn feature but Chris Coffee just came out with a new 4x9mm holes. My new tip is on order!

This is my 2 Canadian cents worth, you can go to

Thanks for the info Whale! So this is the 7 day programmable timer I've heard about? Hmm, well i'm used to having my machine on a timer so that it's ready when I get up in the morning. How long after pushing the two boiler buttons would I have to wait before brewing?

Nixter, I do have the timer as well. Expensive but convenient for me. I have it set to turn the machine on at 6am - 30 minutes before I'm up and off at 8pm last shot of the night unless I'm out observing. On the weekends it stays on till 10pm (late night Americano) and doesn't start up till 7am. I drink coffee all day so keeping it on during the day is important.

Cheers

Ian

I was going to get a timer but got talked out of it. I leave it on 24/7 like alot of VII users. I'll turn the boiler off when I don't think I'll be making milk drinks for a while. This has worked well for me and saved me $200.

Power consumption data is posted here for the different options. http://s1cafe.com/s1v2/S1Power.php

For the most part I make one espresso or latte per day, maybe 2 on the weekends. I think leaving it on 24/7 is not ideal in my case. I hate the thought of having to shell out $200 for a silly timer. I already have programmable electrical socket timer! If things can warm up in 20 min or less then that's ok. If can wake up at 8am, turn on the machine, shower and get ready, then be able to pull a shot by 8:20 or 8:25 I'd be happy.

Can I purchase it after the fact if I change my mind?

nixter wrote:Can I purchase it after the fact if I change my mind?

Yes.

nixter wrote:If things can warm up in 20 min or less then that's ok.

Mine takes less than 20 minutes to warm up!

Hello,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a VBM DD PID Electronic. For what it is worth, after weighing all of the factors, I am on the fence but leaning towards the Mini II. However, my better half strongly prefers the aesthetics of the DD, so the decision has been made....

...almost. I have one lingering concern about the DD. The DD's brew boiler is 1.4L and it has a 600 watt heating element. I will frequently want to pull 5 2oz doubles in a row. Will the DD be able to keep up? If the answer is yes, then I will let my mind rest.

Edit: One more question -- with the VBM Junior Double Boiler having smaller boilers, but the same wattage for the heating elements, would the Junior actually perform better? I guess it would depend on the point at which the better recovery of the smaller boiler (the brew boiler is what I am focused on) outweighs the temperature stability of the larger boiler -- any guesses where that threshold is? 3 doubles in a row? 7 doubles in a row? I'm not that worried about the fact that the Junior only has a thermostat instead of a PID -- I'm planning on using EricS' grouphead thermometer anyway.

Thank you,