I recently installed Eric's thermometer on my Rocket Cellini, and it works great. I find myself researching double boiler machines, such as the duetto. I only use the machine to make three espressos a day, I am on the verge of upgrading but I'm not sure if it would make sense. Also I hear that the fit and finish on izzos are not at the same level as rockets. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Felix

If I were you, I would stick to the cellini a few years or do a jump to a bigger gap machine (profile machine). In the mean time, you can jump to a better grinder. The technology curve for grinders is not as steep and the investment is safer in the long term.

Cheers

You say your current setup works great. Why would you upgrade? The differences between E61 models are mostly about features and workmanship; whether they're worth "upgrading" is personal judgment. The Duetto introduces the HX versus double boiler debate that comes up regularly. Below is a sample of the more thorough discussions of the topic:

• HX vs DB
• HX vs double boiler in the real world
• The Worst Thing about HX Machines/Heat Exchangers are evil
• Why are HX espresso machines so popular?
• Some thoughts on heat exchanger vs. double boiler espresso machines

For me, the ease with which an espresso machine automatically manages brew temperature isn't a key criteria. The stick shift versus automatic analogy applies, i.e., if I were searching for my ultimate driving experience, I would not limit myself to cars equipped with automatic transmission. However, if I were shopping for my wife, I would eliminate any without it.

I agree with Rafael, a grinder upgrade would bring more noteworthy results to the cup than a lateral move among E61 models. Jim touches on the same point in Why not double boiler with PID?

another_jim wrote:People who have tried a wide variety of different espresso blends and SOs on a wide variety of machines are rarely glib about what will and what won't bring out the nuances. However, I think all or almost all the people in this position agree that a rock solid grinder combined with accurate dosing and packing are more important than how the water gets heated.

Personally, I'd prefer a Robur and 1/10th gram scale combined with a basic HX machine to a GS3 combined with a basic grinder like a Mini for just about any espresso blend that has nuances.

Dan, you mean wives come with a manual vs automatic option? (Sorry I just couldn't resist.)

In seriousness, though, I agree that I'd rather have a good HX and a better grinder than a good DB and a lesser grinder. I think people too often just assume a DB is an upgrade (thus your quotes above)- If I feel the urge to upgrade in the future, I still think I'd get another HX - ie I'd rather have an Elektra A3 or T1 than the DB's that are the same price or less, but fortunately I'm very happy with the Semi, so for now I'm not shopping!

Hugh

Thanks guys. You bring up valid points and my macap m4 works very well, but its difficult to know how much better the shot would take switching to another grinder. I'm assuming better than switching from a Cellini to an izzo Alex duetto.

Felix

Yes. Your espresso will improve more by upgrading your grinder than it would by upgrading the espresso machine itself, all else being equal . . .