Coffee shops in my area of Orlando are terrible and I am sick of paying * $5 for my morning fix.

I am preparing to take my first step into the espresso world by buying a semi-auto espresso machine. I have narrowed my choice down to three units, the Izzo Alex II, QM Vetrano and the Rocket Cellini Evoluzione. Two of the three can either be plumbed or pour over with the Vetrano requiring a direct plumbed solution.

Other than plumbing, the PID (Alex II..are there any major differences I am missing that would sway me from one machine to another?

Feedback from owners or anyone who has demoed any of these units would be appreciated.

I plan on matching these up with a Vario grinder and going from there.

BTW...first post!

Welcome !

The Vibiemme Domobar Super HX should be on your short list. All the machines are 'parts bin boxes' according to another_jim and shots will vary little between them. It's more about esthetics and build quality. IMO, none mentioned exceed the Vibiemme in either category.

What Ian said.

Plus why not consider the VBM?

Plus...

Buy from a shop you KNOW you can trust.

Buy something you KNOW can be easily and conveniently serviced.

If you're sure that plumbing-in is and will remain practical for you, don't consider not doing it. Plumbing in hugely improves the HX experience. Or at least it does mine.

Call Chris Coffee to and ask that they compare the Izzo and Vetrano. They ("they," as I understand it, more likely than not being Mary) will break down the differences as they apply to you.

Hope this helps,
BDL

Hi there,

All solid choices. I have a Rocket Cellini Evo and am quite happy with it. A year has passed and aside from regular maintenance, all i did was lube the brew lever that one time. It was a 10 minute job since the E61 is pretty much exposed for disassembly.

I agree that you should seek out a reputable local shop that can service your machine. I am not that fortunate so i ordered it online. If you are a bit handy, these machines can be serviced with some technical support over the phone.

Spend some money, get wired on caffeine... have fun!

Bought my Giotto Evo 16 months ago and love it. I will admit that esthetics are what tipped it for me. This thing is gorgeous. The ability to switch between tank and plumb is nice too.

Plus why not consider the VBM?

Agreed, the VBM Super HX's should be on the short list.

HB has a review of the Vibiemme -- Buyer's Guide to the Vibiemme Domobar Super

http://www.home-barista.com/vibiemme-domobar-super-review.html