Let's say I was to give in to upgraditis (currently have a Nuova Simonelli Oscar) and wanted something that would give me easy display AND control over temp and pressure? Double boilers? What are some popular units I should look at?

n

One machine that fits your bill is the Quickmill Alexia w/ PID installed. Certainly the temperature stability of the machine is impressive, but more importantly the repeatibility of the machine is also very nice.

Performance data is here: http://www.pidkits.com/alexiakit.html

Alexia would be good if you didn't want to make lots of milk drinks. If you want to steam lots of milk, go with a double boiler. There aren't too many to choose from. Expobar Brewtus, La Spaziale Vivaldi 2, Alex Izzo (just arriving this month), Vibiemme (early steam problems have been corrected I think), Dalla Corte Mini, and LM GB3 (bring your checkbook). You can narrow your choices depending on whether you need a pour-over/plumbed machine, have strong choices as to vendor, etc. If you want a different approach without a PID but with very good temp control, check out the Ponte Vecchio Lusso (lever). Good steamer, good temp control, and much cheaper than the electric pump machines. Also sturdy and easy to repair. More opinions will be forthcoming I'm sure if you tell us more about what you're looking for. Michael

Thanks guys,

I'm probably interested in a pour over. My primary goal is adjustable, readable, and stable temps as I'm after the elusive god shots but I will be steaming some milk for my girlfriend. Probably not more than 2 lattes at any given time however.

I agree with mgwolf. To add my opinion, the Izzo Alex Duetto wouldn't be a bad choice, depending on budget. It is a pour over that can be plumbed in if/when you decide to go that route with no additonal hardware needed (all supplied, just attach the tubes and flick a lever). It is a dual boiler E61-based machine. If you don't need to steam, and have the steam boiler switched off, imagine a PID'd Alexia (very temperature stable) but with rotary pump. However, with the steam boiler switched on, for when you want to make those lattes, brew boiler recovery time is almost non-existant due to the tuned brew water preheat (through the steam boiler).

Hope this helps,

Martin

VBM doubledomo is a double boiler, pourover with a factory PID. If you just want espresso, you can turn on the main power (3 position switch) and the PID but leave the steam boiler off. Then when you want steam, you can turn on the second boiler.