Hi, all. It's time to upgrade from my PID'd Silvia. Money's an issue, of course, but so is convenience; for this to work out, my partner needs to be able to walk up to the machine and create a capp or latte easily. We do low volume and while my taste runs to straight shots, she wants milk drinks. We occasionally offer espresso drinks at dinner parties, but not often. One of the drivers for moving up is to eliminate the annoyance of having to change the boiler temperature to steam and then have to get it back down to brewing temp if more pulls are needed.

I think the convenience requirement mandates a double boiler machine, and the available location in our kitchen requires a machine not much bigger than the Silvia. My reading suggests the answer may be the DB version of the Vibiemme Domobar Junior. Does this seem like a reasonable choice? Are there other machines that fit my criteria that I should consider?

If it's this machine, should I be concerned that it doesn't have a PID? I've grown used to the precise control that the PID delivers and the ability to change the temp easily. Should I consider PIDing a Junior if I get one, and factor this into what I'll have to pay?

Many thanks in advance for the help!

Hi Alan! Read this: Install a PID on my Vibiemme Junior DB?, and this: Vibiemme Junior DB experience - anyone?.

Many thanks, Sir Anselm. Quite a saga! Apologies for adding to the noise level here rather than doing a sufficiently thorough search. I'll watch the PID thread with great interest in hope of seeing a successful installation. In truth, though, that do-it-yourself solution may pragmatically be impractical for me in terms of electronics skill level and available time; we'll see.

It does seem, though, that the DB Junior with stable and easily adjustable temperature would fit my profile of a good machine for my needs. Are there others that would fit the bill as well?

If you feel the PID is important, you might consider the Brewtus III which is a DB with PID and both pressure gauges. It's a few hundred more than the V Junior but I felt it was worth it. Have had since March 2010 with "0" problems. Don't forget the importance of the grinder. The Vario seems to have become the "go to" for many of us...got mine when I got the Brewtus, wouldn't trade it for grinders costing 2-3 times as much unless maybe I was running a coffee shop.