Opinions of used La Spaziale Vivaldi ii
-
- Posts: 102
- Joined: 10 years ago
I haven't been really been looking to upgrade, but the machine I have now is definitely overkill. There is a Vivaldi ii for sale locally, that I am considering.
I did some searching, and while most people seem pretty happy with them, most of the conversations are at least a couple years old. Anyone who has had one for a while be willing to give a long term update on what you think about it now?
Also, are there any things specific to this machine that I should look out for, other than the obvious questions about maintenance questions?
I did some searching, and while most people seem pretty happy with them, most of the conversations are at least a couple years old. Anyone who has had one for a while be willing to give a long term update on what you think about it now?
Also, are there any things specific to this machine that I should look out for, other than the obvious questions about maintenance questions?
-
- Posts: 78
- Joined: 10 years ago
No hands on knowledge of this machine but anyone considering a second hand machine should also consider a Breville dual boiler -$1299 at Bed Bath and Beyond but closer to $1050 with their 20% coupon.
- jfrescki
- Posts: 625
- Joined: 14 years ago
Well, I've had my Mini for four years (it's five years old) and I don't have upgradeitis. I've had to replace the brew boiler element, which was an early failure, and just replaced the vibe pump at the five year mark which is typical.
It makes great espresso with ease. The only thing that I might trade it in for out of curiosity is one of the newer spring levers (Strega/Londinium/ etc.). The limiting factor is dose size if you care. Users typically end up in the 14g-15g range because it's what the machine likes.
It makes great espresso with ease. The only thing that I might trade it in for out of curiosity is one of the newer spring levers (Strega/Londinium/ etc.). The limiting factor is dose size if you care. Users typically end up in the 14g-15g range because it's what the machine likes.
Write to your Congressman. Even if he can’t read, write to him.
- Will Rogers
- Will Rogers
-
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: 10 years ago
While I love my BDB, the only thing that would make be buy it over the Vivaldi is the bigger more standard portafilter size.
-
- Posts: 867
- Joined: 15 years ago
Good machine; the drawbacks for me are the temperature in 1 degree C increments and the nonstandard portafilter so you can't swap out to the stainless Lamaz portafilters and baskets; makes good coffee and lots of steam
- russel
- Posts: 778
- Joined: 13 years ago
I have an S1 amongst many other machines. I wouldn't sweat the 1c temp increments, you ( and by you I mean everyone) can't discern a 1f temp difference anyway.
russel at anacidicandbitterbeverage dot com
- jeffb
- Posts: 79
- Joined: 12 years ago
Also had sn S1 purchased about 9 rears ago, plumbed in and used every day until several weeks ago when I procured a Linea Mini and passed the S1 on to my son. S1 makes an excellent shot, is easy to use and temperature can be changed when needed. I did not have any issues with machine, left it on 24 hours, cleaned regularly and it just worked. I enjoy the Linea Mini, but can reflect that the Vivaldi did an excellent job and the quality of shot and machine is very good.
- JmanEspresso
- Posts: 1462
- Joined: 15 years ago
Had a Vivaldi II for a while, it was a great machine. The 1C increments are fine, I was always able to get the coffee tasting how i wanted it too. I had the plumbed model, and the pre-infusion on that model is fun to use. You have a lot of freedom to adjust it, both by the time adjusment, and adjusting your incoming line pressure.
Honestly I went back to a 58mm machine because thats what i prefered using. Ive long held the belief that if the Vivaldi II were a 58mm machine, because of its other features, it would likely be even more popular than it already is. The steam power is better than what this class of machine usually affords, the really small brew boiler allows for quick temp changes and recovery, and the adjustable line pressure preinfusion is another feature not usually seen on machines of this price range. I also grew to really like the volumetric dosing buttons.. its usually a feature that isnt majorly stressed over, but, having owned a machine with them, I would definitely choose a machine with them again if it was an option.
Paired with a worthy grinder it is sure to please.
Honestly I went back to a 58mm machine because thats what i prefered using. Ive long held the belief that if the Vivaldi II were a 58mm machine, because of its other features, it would likely be even more popular than it already is. The steam power is better than what this class of machine usually affords, the really small brew boiler allows for quick temp changes and recovery, and the adjustable line pressure preinfusion is another feature not usually seen on machines of this price range. I also grew to really like the volumetric dosing buttons.. its usually a feature that isnt majorly stressed over, but, having owned a machine with them, I would definitely choose a machine with them again if it was an option.
Paired with a worthy grinder it is sure to please.
- JohnB.
- Supporter ♡
- Posts: 6580
- Joined: 16 years ago
Both my old Strega & my Bosco were/are quite happy with 18g & 20g doses in the appropriate baskets.jfrescki wrote:It makes great espresso with ease. The only thing that I might trade it in for out of curiosity is one of the newer spring levers (Strega/Londinium/ etc.). The limiting factor is dose size if you care. Users typically end up in the 14g-15g range because it's what the machine likes.
LMWDP 267
- jfrescki
- Posts: 625
- Joined: 14 years ago
I was (trying) to refer to the La spaziale basket
Write to your Congressman. Even if he can’t read, write to him.
- Will Rogers
- Will Rogers