Upgraditus has hit and I am looking for a new machine. I believe I want to purchase a Duetto II based on the following reasons. I am looking for input on any other machine that would fit these needs that I should consider.

1. Ability to plumb or work off reservoir. Need reservoir now but may want to plumb if kitchen remodeled
2. PID w/dual boiler. I don't have the mental capacity in the AM to deal with the flushes from an HX
3. Ability to use a cheap timer
4. Although not a necessity the ability to shut off the steam boiler is nice
5. Again not a necessity but the quiet and serviceability of a rotary pump is desirable


This list is not exhaustive but they are the biggest things. I really appreciate any input from this huge pool of knowledge.

Pretty sure LM GS3 meets your criteria...

mmm...GS3...... now to convince my wife we don't need that extra $4200

I believe that Stefano said they're expecting to get a new version of the Vibiemme dual boiler machine in, with PID and the ability to plumb in or work off reservoir. Which may be meet all your requirements.

Of course, it's not supposed to be here until sometime in January, and the price is still unknown, but if you email them I'm sure Stefano can answer your questions.

This would look like a pretty direct competitor to the Duetto II, and once people start using the latest version and writing up reviews/impressions, I'm guessing the main differences would come down to aesthetics and maybe price.

First, it seems like you are designing your criteria around a certain machine...i.e. you have already made up your mind. Second, without knowing your usage, it is difficult to give much advice. Also, I also see people saying they want a machine that can work off a reservoir and plumb in all the time. I think people place way too value in this. It is very easy to plumb in a machine and often times people just assume they can't plumb in when they can. To me, it only makes sense if you want to actually use both methods, for example at a second home or office, etc. If you are moving/remodeling/etc for certain in the near future, then wait. If not, then it doesn't matter. Finally, if you have a machine that meets factor #4, don't worry about factor #3...just turn off the steam boiler.

First, it seems like you are designing your criteria around a certain machine...i.e. you have already made up your mind

Not the case. As I said, I am actively asking people for other possible options as this is the only one I have found that looks like a good option. I love to compare stuff so even if it met most of the criteria I would be interested to see if it would still be a viable choice.

Second, without knowing your usage, it is difficult to give much advice.

I primarily drink shots with some cappa's occasionally. My wife drinks lattes. I would be looking for a machine where I could pull a shot or two for myself before work and some days make my wife a latte in the am. I drink drip at work. On the weekends I will be primarily pulling doubles for myself and only an am latte for the wife. This was the main reason the separate steam boiler was of interest since it will not be used most of the weekend. I want to be able to use a timer so that it is up to heat when I get up. Occasionally we entertain but I will not be pulling lots of back to back shots on a regular basis.

Based on my house setup it is going to be in the basement due to space constraints in the kitchen. It is in an area that really will be a pain to get plumbing to. I also do not know how long it will be this way. This is a chunk of $ for me so I want something that can be used in the future when I have a kitchen situation where I can plumb it.

TrlstanC wrote:I believe that Stefano said they're expecting to get a new version of the Vibiemme dual boiler machine in, with PID and the ability to plumb in or work off reservoir. Which may be meet all your requirements.

Of course, it's not supposed to be here until sometime in January, and the price is still unknown, but if you email them I'm sure Stefano can answer your questions.

This would look like a pretty direct competitor to the Duetto II, and once people start using the latest version and writing up reviews/impressions, I'm guessing the main differences would come down to aesthetics and maybe price.

Just took a look at the preliminary info and it definitely looks interesting. Wish there was more info but will have to email Stefano. Thanks

jkoll42 wrote: I also do not know how long it will be this way. This is a chunk of $ for me so I want something that can be used in the future when I have a kitchen situation where I can plumb it.

Exactly, which is why I wouldn't worry about it. My wife and I talked about remodeling our kitchen for 6 years and still haven't done it. I have gone through 4 machines in that time. Also, you are going to have to upgrade your grinder so consider that in your cost estimates.

It seems there are 3 machines that fit your criteria. Duetto, GS3, or a Speedster. Looks like there will be a Vibiemme as well in the future.

Is the Vibiemme thought to have any possible advantages over the Duetto?

And likewise, I haven't heard any real definitive reason to get a GS/3 over a Duetto, considering the price differential. Even if the Duetto falls apart in 4 years, buying the latest/greatest at that point will be cheaper than having gotten a GS/3 (which I wouldn't bet $6500 on being the be-all/end-all from La Marzocco). The GS/3 at $4500 would have been a much tougher sell.

When doing my research, the advantages of the Duetto seemed to be fairly definitive, surprised it isn't lauded more on here - perhaps I'm missing some flaw. Mine arrives tomorrow - we'll see how everything boils out in use. I'm going from a simple Caravel to the Duetto - one heck of an upgrade! I've never steamed a milk drink before, ever.

dialydose wrote:Exactly, which is why I wouldn't worry about it. My wife and I talked about remodeling our kitchen for 6 years and still haven't done it. I have gone through 4 machines in that time. Also, you are going to have to upgrade your grinder so consider that in your cost estimates.

It seems there are 3 machines that fit your criteria. Duetto, GS3, or a Speedster. Looks like there will be a Vibiemme as well in the future.

Just realized that I have not updated my profile in a while. I am currently using a Cimbali Max that I am quite pleased with. So true about the remodel - will probably be talking about that more than doing for quite some time. I guess while I would prefer to have both options it is not a make or break for the machine.