Hello all,

I'm not exactly a newcomer to the world of coffee or espresso but I'm certainly not a seasoned barista, so please bear that in mind as you read this.
I currently use an Ascaso Dream semi-auto machine at home and while I've been fairly satisfied with it, I think it's time to step up to something bigger and better. I'll note here that I don't use a grinder with the Dream.
I've been looking at machines for several months and really like the Rocket Cellini Evoluzione. I like the proportions, the look, the finish and I've also seen a number of reviews that really praised it. Several times I came close to pulling the trigger. If I were to buy a machine today, I think I'd be a little conflicted over whether to get the Cellini or the Brewtus IV, which also seems very well liked.
So, I guess my question is which one? They come in at about the same price and have pretty similar features, except that one's a dual boiler machine. What's better, heat-exchanger or dual-boiler? Please educate me. From a strictly aesthetic standpoint, I prefer the Cellini. I think it's a cleaner, better looking machine, but what's the Brewtus got on it?

Also, considering getting a Mazzer Mini type B. Any thoughts on those?

Thanks.

Accurate temperature control is the major advantage of the DB machines. I have owned two HX, but would not go back to them having owned two DBs because there is much less fooling around. Those who prefer the HX tout its ability to do "on the fly" temperature adjustments in the "low," "medium," and "high" ranges of temperature control. Once you get it down this may be an advantage if you use different coffees that require widely different temps. To get enough experience to hit the temp points tends to be the issue.

Both machines are highly regarded. My sense of the two is that the Evo has more of the "built like a tank" quality, but I haven't used either one.

As far as the grinder is concerned, my personal opinion is that until you get into the "Titan" class grinders the Vario is both the best grind and the best value for the buck. Low retention, low clumping, capable of single shot grinds, grind quality among the better.

Thanks, Hal. I did consider the Vario, classing it with the Rocky and thinking it would be a better purchase.

HB wrote:See the thread Choice between Expobar Brewtus, Quickmill Andreja or Rocket Giotto; it is only a few weeks old and answers most of the questions you posed.

I read that thread. It's good but I just wanted to get a little more input. It really seems like it's simpler than I think, though, and that both are ultimately very nice machines that differ pretty slightly in functionality. It basically comes down to which one you like looking at better.

Ah, dumb. I only saw the first page of that thread.