Hello espresso experts, I've finally worked up the nerve to ask you a question.

Being a fanatical espresso drinker, with a subpar consumer-grade machine (a Breville), a decent grinder (Vario), I've decided to (within reason) remove the financial constraint: in other words, so long as I wind up with an awesome machine, I won't really care what it cost me. Now I need help finding one

After doing much research, I've made what seems to be a list of key requirements, in order of priority. After digging around the FAQs, reviews, Chris' Coffee, and other online sellers, I still cannot quite find a machine that fits those requirements. I was hoping you could help me select one, or correct my (quite likely) incorrect prioritization.

Here's the list, in order of priority, with brief reasons for each item:

1. E61 group, for all the obvious reasons.
2. PID controller, because I am too obsessive to go by feel.
3. Double-boiler (or HX?), because we make at least 3 lattes per day in my house, and are always pressed for time.
4. Not too huge, because it needs to fit my reasonably sized kitchen/counter space.
5. Option of being directly plumbed, but capable of pour-over, since I am certain to start simple.
6. Pressure & temperature indicators, so I can geek out on data and debug my shots.
7. All other things kept equal, I'd prefer a quieter pump.
8. A vendor that will support/fix the machine vs abandon the customer.

Thank you all in advance, I am really looking forward to your thoughts!

--Max

So you basically want a Duetto.

Or a Vibiemme Double Domo.

The Duetto II is a little wide, the VBM is a little deep.

bigringclimber wrote:1. E61 group, for all the obvious reasons.
Thank you all in advance, I am really looking forward to your thoughts!

--Max

If you are really looking at "cost no object" systems the E61 certainly is not the "be all and end all." Consider the Synesso, GS/3, LaMarzocco, or Speedster groups all of which offer as good or better performance. For me it has been optimal to have both a commerial lever and the Speedster. Not sure which I would pick if forced to make a choice because each works best with certain coffees. In the last analysis I would probably choose the Speedster unless all my coffees required sub 200 degree temperatures.

bigringclimber wrote:Hello espresso experts

Not an expert, but I'm going to toss my $0.02 in anyway, since I think I've shopped for, own and like a machine that meets most of your criteria.

bigringclimber wrote:1. E61 group, for all the obvious reasons.

Can you share these "obvious" reasons more explicitly? I like my machine with an E61 group, but I'm not sure that's an obvious requirement.

bigringclimber wrote:2. PID controller, because I am too obsessive to go by feel.
3. Double-boiler (or HX?), because we make at least 3 lattes per day in my house, and are always pressed for time.
4. Not too huge, because it needs to fit my reasonably sized kitchen/counter space.
5. Option of being directly plumbed, but capable of pour-over, since I am certain to start simple.
6. Pressure & temperature indicators, so I can geek out on data and debug my shots.
7. All other things kept equal, I'd prefer a quieter pump.
8. A vendor that will support/fix the machine vs abandon the customer.

It sounds like your list is neatly satisfied by both the Alex Duetto II and the VBM DoubleDomo Super v3. I've been very happy with my Duetto and have never tried the VBM. I'm not sure what other machines offer #5 for you (maybe the GS/3?), though, to be honest, I did not look seriously at anything more expensive than these two. I suspect you'd be happy with either one. I bought mine from Chris' and have nothing but good things to say about that experience.

I've had my Alex Duetto II for exactly one week now, and I am extremely pleased with both the machine and the tech support I've gotten from Chris Coffee. It is not any "deeper" or "taller" than other similarly designed E-61 machines, and is only slightly wider due to the dual wall case--which really keeps the machine cool to the touch. I was worried about the width before it arrived as we have somewhat limited counter space. The Vibiemme looked considerably deeper to me (although narrower) and I don't think it would have fit our kitchen as well. But the extra inch or so of width on the Duetto hasn't been either a visual or a space issue. I've set the machine up at a 45 degree angle in a corner under standard cabinets and it fits and looks great. I run it in 15 amp mode, and as advertised, I notice no steaming/brewing performance issues. I'm currently using pour over mode, but will eventually plumb it in. Refilling water is a breeze. I went to the automotive section of Walmart and purchased an oil/gas funnel with a clear plastic hose on the end for less the $3.00. I simply insert the hose and can easily fill the tank from outside the cabinets without moving the machine--just removing the cup warmer tray (I got the rails, and they are worth it, especially if you'll be using the tank--cups don't slide off). And the dual boiler with PID is definitely not overkill IMHO. I love it. I adjust the brew temperature all the time (just because I can), and it only takes a minute or two for the machine to change the brewing temperature (aided with a short cooling or heating flush of the brew group). Even a relative newbie like me can taste the subtle differences in flavor between 198, 200, and 202-03. I've been leaping out of bed early every morning just to rush downstairs to have some fun in the kitchen.

Given your list of desires, I would recommend you look closely at the La Marzocco GS-3. If the size works, the GS-3 will never need replacement as it is a consumer friendly machine that competes with most any professional machine available.