Now for grinders, I really like the Vario with the settings available to switch around. I make drip and aeropress at times. Easy switch is nice. Would I NEED a bigger grinder?

Qualifying Statement. I'm a newbie and only sharing as I went thru this last week. Loads of great recommendations for the Vario on these forums. You can get a rebuilt one on their site for $360 USD. However, my wife disliked it. The reviewer from SCG said "too much plastic". More cosmetics again. But, I did not like that it is powered by a drive belt rather than a worm drive? FWIW there is someone over at CoffeeGeek selling a Mazzer Mini shipped in the US for $425. Again, plastic and belt doesn't mean not a great grinder but my hunch is they are not built for the long haul... but we shall see.

Bob

Again with the search tips LOL

I also saw someone saying the plastic used was high quality and very hard, not referring to the body. On the other hand all I see is people selling Mini's and complaining about them. I see them as good but why bother when the Vario is around.

hudsterboy wrote:"Why not get a single boiler?", they say. Well, because sometimes I want to make milk drinks, and usually it's for a few people. I just have to set the PID higher (takes about a minute or two to get to temperature), and it's just like a regular HX. I have enough heat for steaming milk, but I just have go the whole cooling flush route.

You maybe interested in HX Heaven or 1½ Boiler

By all accounts, the Vario is a great grinder, so I don't think you'd need anything bigger. Of course, you may get the urge to upgrade anyway, but I doubt you'd really need to.

If I were in your position, I'd look hard at the Bezzera BZ07. It's got a stainless case, exposed group, HX, tank fed, short cooling flushes, plenty of steam power, fairly compact, and it's reasonably priced at about $1,100. Seems like it checks most of the boxes you've got on your list for a good price.

Alexia is a good machine too, but you would have to wait between pulling shots and steaming. Apparently, steam power is good once the boiler is switched over to steam mode, but your shots are going to be sitting for a minute or two before the milk is done, which isn't ideal. Also, the price with the PID option is a bit high. Seems like for that price, you might as well get the Anita and have on demand steaming.

I ended up going with the VBM JR. 1st-line had one lightly used. I have read some things about steaming issues/power, possibly changing the tip. I'm not even sure where to start. There's not as much info about the JR to be found from users. I did see this:

robca wrote:Thanks for the answers so far


I thought the Junior used a pressurestat, which should not be sensitive to the heat coming from the other boiler... definitely something to worry about. Is this a common problem for other Junior owners?

Does the Junior have any insulation? Is there any room to add insulation inside, and somewhat reduce the problem?

Does anyone know?

rennix- so were you happy with your choice? I'd be interested to know what your experience with the Junior has been?

jim