OK,
I am new to this site and new to sophisticated home/prosumer espresso equipment, but I am not new to making a quality cup of coffee. At home I probably make a maximum of three double shot latte's a day, along with a couple of straight doubles. I have meticulously teased better-than-average shots (albeit not consistently) from by Starbucks Estro Vapore and a Krups burr grinder for the past 10 years. I was a barista in Seattle when there were only two Starbucks - one on Broadway and the other was in the Market (1982). I learned from the guy who worked at the Egyptian theater who was a legend, yet it was so long ago I have forgotten his name. In other words, I know what it takes to pull a good couple of shots and make some good micro-foam, but I have grown, and I think it is time for a real machine.

However, in my old age I cannot see myself doing the "dance" required to finesse pulling coffee from any old machine for much longer, in fact the old Estro is about to give up the ghost. I just sprung for a Rancilio Rocky V2 w/doser, so for now I think I have the grinder situation under control. My question is, should I wait for the new Vibiemme Domobar Super DB, or should I be happy with the Domobar Jr DB? I know I want two boilers, and I know I want the E61 grouphead and I want a non-temperamental, robust performer that is bomb-proof enough that my wife will be able to pull herself a couple of shots.

Any advice or criticism is welcome. Thanks folks.
Geoff

It's my understanding that the Junior model has lesser quality components to reduce cost. So, if money isn't a concern, and you want rock solid build, wait for the DD!

Are you only looking at Vibiemme? Is there a reason for that? You could get any number if similar machines right now - Izzo Alex Duetto, Expobar Brewtus, La Spaziale Vivaldi, etc...

edit - Oops, forgot it has to be e61. Cross Vivaldi off the list.

If I lived in Oregon, I'd certainly be more tempted by the Domobar Super DB than the rivals like the Duetto mentioned above just because I could buy it from Stefano and bring it back to him in person without having to ship it if I needed service I couldn't do myself. Vendors really matter a lot and Stefano is one of the best.

I have less wisdom to offer on which Domobar, but I'd be more tempted by the HX than the DB (I know the OP is not, but I would be). As for the Junior vs the Super, I'd be more tempted by the Super just because I see more raves about the bigger Domobars, but that may just be because they have been around longer. I've never used any of the Domobar machines so I don't have experience myself to speak from.

I am trying to wrap my brain around HX - but so far the biggest hurdle is the hassle of overheated brew temp and flushing, surfing, etc to get it right. For me, I wouldn't be overly concerned with that aspect, but my wife has insisted that she be able to operate the machine when I am traveling. This detail has compelled me to search for a very robust and consistent performing machine. And you are right, Stefano will be my dealer, service, supply, etc. I am in that area frequently so it makes it very easy.

jfrescki wrote:It's my understanding that the Junior model has lesser quality components to reduce cost. So, if money isn't a concern, and you want rock solid build, wait for the DD!

The Junior model has smaller, not lesser quality components. The switches are simpler. Temperature control is by a bulb thermostat, not a PID. Just like any number of much dearer machines, the JR had its teething problems. The control box was recently been upgraded to a more robust model.

Feature for feature, the JR represents great value.

Thank you Ian, this is what Stefano's has maintained. There are a couple of youtube videos out there by some HB members and I get the feeling that the machine is solid. Aside from not having a rotary vane pump and non-direct H2O connection, the price tag suggests a lesser unit, IMHO.
Geoff

geoff- did you read this thread on the JR?
Install a PID on my Vibiemme Junior DB?

jim

Yes several times - My understanding is there have been some changes since the original production runs. I have an appt to get a demo on the Jr next week and will see if any of those changes have addressed the temp fluctuation issue. Since no one here makes mention of a resolution, this issue will be my number one question on the agenda for the demo.

Geoff, the HX flush is really easy if anyone is willing to learn it. If you know how to count you've mastered the hardest part. You can't control the temp down to .1 degrees, but you can probably do it down to 1 degree. I personally think things like grind, dose, distribution, etc have so much more impact than a fraction of a degree that it doesn't seem like a hard trade off for me. In fact I'd be amazed if anyone could prove with blind taste tests that they can detect a .1 degree change in the temperature. You may notice that many of the moderators here use HX machines at home even though they have tested DB's.

As for wives I have yet to convince my wife to try my HX herself so that may be a valid concern, but anyone who is unwilling to learn the flush is also unlikely to master precision in the other variables so it should be sufficient to say "flush x oz, lock in the portafilter and pull the shot." The distribution, tamp, grind, dose, etc will be a much bigger variable from shot to shot than the temperature even under this strategy. Again having said that my wife has never used my machine and will make drip if I am not there so perhaps my advice is less good than I like to think!

Hugh