I've been using a Silvia for a long time now and it's time to upgrade. Looking for a single group dual boiler, around $2k. So far it's between the Vivaldi II or a Livia 90. Advice? Should I be looking at anything else?

SigCool wrote:Looking for a single group dual boiler . . . it's between the Vivaldi II or a Livia 90.

Well, if it's between those two, I'd certainly go for the Vivaldi II. The Livia is not a dual boiler machine; it's a heat exchanger (HX) model.

Things to keep in mind, IF you want to limit yourself to double boiler machines:

The La Spaziale Vivaldi II requires a 20 amp plug to perform at its best (but can be run on 15 amps). It also needs to be plumbed in. If the latter is not an option, you will want to look at the Mini Vivaldi II.

You might also want to look at the Alex Duetto by Izzo, which is easily convertible from plumbed-in to pourover and back. It, too, can run on either a 15 amp or 20 amp circuit -- 20 amp is preferable. It's $100 more than the Vivaldi II.

I would also look at both the plumbed-in OR pourover models of the Vibiemme Double Domo . . . Both require only a 15 amp circuit.

I don't think you can go wrong with either Chris' Coffee Service or 1st-Line. (No connections, but a satisfied customer of both.)

Of course there are lots of great HX machines out there, too, but that's a different discussion.

Cheers,
Jason

I agree with Jason's advice. Don't hesitate to give Chris or Jim a call either. They have lots of knowledge and if you can catch them at a good time, they are very willing to talk to you.

I upgraded from a silvia to a Vivaldi II over a year ago and I am still very pleased with that upgrade. By the way, plumbing in the Vivaldi was very easy and worth the effort. As for the 15/20 amp issue, the 15 amp set up has very good results. You will have so much more versatility over the silvia.

By the way, one thing that has impressed me about the vivaldi was the ability to upgrade it with the preinfusion option by simply having the motherboard reprogrammed for a nominal fee. NICE!!!!

jerry

the 15A vs 20A debate really is a non-issue for me. I run 15A and make caps and lattes every morning, usually 3-4 back to back, and yes sometimes I wait 30-40s for the boiler to come up to full steam after pulling shots and rinsing the portafilter. It's not a big deal for me, but if you're running more than that you'll certainly want a 20A machine to reduce downtime while waiting for boilers to come to temp.

to me, the VII is a perfect blend of features and usability. it's very well designed.

SigCool wrote:Looking for a single group dual boiler, around $2k

Sigcool, earlier on HB today someone from Colorado mentioned a CL item that was not moving. You might look into that. Your purchase would keep me off the upgraditis purchase.

zin1953 wrote:You might also want to look at the Alex Duetto by Izzo, which is easily convertible from plumbed-in to pourover and back. It, too, can run on either a 15 amp or 20 amp circuit -- 20 amp is preferable. It's $100 more than the Vivaldi II.

I didn't want to start another thread asking "what should I buy," so I thought I would take off from this thread.

I'm trying to decide between the Izzo Duetto and the La Spaziale Vivaldi II. One merchant (who will sell me either for the same price), said he owns the La Spaziale and thinks it is designed better than the Izzo. One of his objections to the Izzo is that is built on old technology, such as needing to rely on a pressure stat; another is that he doesn't like that the PID is situated above the boilers.

As for me, I like the looks of the Izzo, and that it takes up a little less space; I also like the versatility of being about to easily switch between plumbed or not, and a 15 or 20 amp choice (we are likely to move to a new location in the near future).

Anyway, I would value hearing opinions on both machines, and if there really is enough difference to bother about (i.e., and therefore I can choose the Izzo for aethetics without worrying I've missed out on too much). At my age I'm hoping this will be the last machine I buy, so sturdiness is also a concern.

Keep in mind, Les, that the Vivaldi II can also be run either on a 15A or 20A circuit. What it cannot do is run as a pourover . . . BUT you can run it off a Flojet.

Since I have owned neither one, I'll leave it at that . . . except to say that I wouldn't let the basket size (53 vs. 58 mm) affect your decision.

Cheers,
Jason

zin1953 wrote:Keep in mind, Les, that the Vivaldi II can also be run either on a 15A or 20A circuit. What it cannot do is run as a pourover . .

Mini-Vivaldi II = Pourover

Endo wrote:Mini-Vivaldi II = Pourover

Yes it is. But . . . Mini-Vivaldi II ≠ Plumbed-in. The point is that it's either/or, whereas with the Alex Duetto (and the Alex HX model), it can be switched back-and-forth quite easily.

Cheers,
Jason

zin1953 wrote:Yes it is. But . . . Mini-Vivaldi II ≠ Plumbed-in. The point is that it's either/or, whereas with the Alex Duetto (and the Alex HX model), it can be switched back-and-forth quite easily.

Thanks for the insights. I definitely want the plumbed option; I am more concerned about the two machines' long-term performance. The impression I got from my adviser was that the La Spaziale's newer technology does a better job. I'd go for the Izzo for looks and wife-acceptance factor if he hadn't seemed so decided the La Spaziale was such a better choice. Any thoughts on that?