nitpick wrote:I think you can "jump in" to Espresso with either a Silvia/Rocky class setup or one small increment higher, like an HX/Vario. I don't believe in jumping from Silvia/Rocky to HX/Vario as it's not enough of an increment. If I already had a Silvia/Rocky class setup the next step would (and is) a double boiler PID machine and a $1500 grinder to go with.

I disagree. I went from Silvia/Rocky (about 6½ years) and replaced the Silvia with a VBM Domobar Super HX and kept the Rocky, and the difference was apparent immediately. A year or so later the Rocky got replaced with a Mazzer Kony. This also made a big difference. Comparing the Rocky to a Mazzer (any of the better Mazzers, above the Mini) makes the design and precision of the Rocky look pretty silly. They should have kept the old plastic case and spent some time improving the tolerances of the burr carrier system and made it stepless instead of making it look pretty with the metal case.

My vote would be for the BZ10 w/o PID and the Baratza Vario grinder. The BZ10 is available from Canadian dealers and the Vario from a multitude of sources. As you must be close to Canada, this is a wise choice. You will be happy.

Hi everyone,

I have been diligently researching machines and have narrowed it down to the Bezzera BZ07 or the Quickmill Anita. I am fairly comfortable/settled on the Vario grinder.

My question is this: if I get the Quickmill, will it be too advanced for me as a novice? I have read posts where new users say it takes years to get used to their machines. I know everything has a learning curve, but I just want to make sure that I am not getting too advanced of a machine.

Thanks in advance for the insight! Since reading this forum, my budget has more than doubled. But I am confident I am making the correct decision and avoiding future upgradeitis.

The_Baumer wrote:My question is this: if I get the Quickmill, will it be too advanced for me as a novice?

Hardly. As I wrote in How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price, the choices you are considering (second tier) are significantly easier to use than what you originally considered (first tier). The initial learning curve lasts a couple weeks; if you know someone locally who's familiar with your setup, that can be cut down to less than a week.

HB wrote:Hardly. As I wrote in How to choose an espresso machine and grinder at the "right" price, the choices you are considering (second tier) are significantly easier to use than what you originally considered (first tier).

Definitely, +1

Hi guys,

I have decided to get the Anita/Vario. I am going through Chris' coffee. My question is do you suggest I get the extended one year warranty for $99.00? Thanks for the help!

As you seem to be 10 hours from Chris' Coffee, you would probably take care yourself of a broken part replacement. Chris' Coffee usually offer excellent tech service via phone if you ever need help fixing your machine. Therefore, the extended warranty would only make sense if you think a part costing more than $100 could break during the second year. It is rather more likely that you find a fault during the first year or as your machine gets older.

Myself, I wouldn't pay for it. (IMHO)

I agree with Louis.

Extended warranties are essentially insurance. Let's assume something goes disastrously bad in year 2 and requires an expensive repair, say an eye-popping $300. Would you spend $100 for one year's insurance against the risk of a $300 loss? I sure wouldn't. Finally, given that Baratza has stellar support and very reasonable replacement part pricing and Quickmill has heavily documented repair advice available here, I absolutely would not purchase an extended warranty. But that's me.

Thank you both very much. You both made very good points and I appreciate the advice.