I've done a fair bit of research among the choices in the $1500-2000 range and narrowed it loosely to these. This will be paired with a Cunill Tranquilo. I realize that the Andreja would be a closer comparison but I'm not convinced of its advantage (for me) over the Anita. I have also considered Alex (plain), Giotto Premium, and the Brewtus. I welcome any other suggestions of ones I may be missing.

Here are some of my considerations: I want high quality and reliable. Don't want plumb-in only. Good steaming capability.
It's clear to me that this is offered by both machines, but the Anita is $300 less expensive, which definitely factors in.

I have read many a thread dealing with this range of machine, but rarely are these two mentioned in comparison.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Quin,

Both are great machines, and you'd be happy with either. BUT let me throw one more into the mix . . . the Izzo Alex. You wrote that you "don't want plumb-in only," but this has a "switch" that easily converts it from a pourover to a plumbed-in model and back again -- something that might come in handy down the road . . .

Other than that, all THREE would do a beautiful job.

Alex: 1400 watts, 2.0L boiler, 3.0L reservoir, rotary pump, weight = 70 lbs; 14.25" wide x 16.5" high x 16.5" deep.

Anita: 1400 watts, 1.6L boiler, 3.0L reservoir, vibrating pump, weight = 47 lbs; 10.75" wide x 15.75" high x 17.25" deep.

Domobar Super: (Note: obviously there are many models; I am using the least expensive model) 1600 watts, 1.8L boiler, 3.8L reservoir, vibrating pump, weight = 70 lbs; 10.6" wide x 16.5" high x 21.0" deep.

AGAIN -- any of these will do, but take a tape measure, layout your counter space, and ADD more inches than you think for workspace! And remember, at some point, it comes down to aesthetics -- you're going to have to live with the machine for years, day-in and day-out. Take that into consideration, too.

Cheers,
Jason

I'll have to second Jason. As much as I love my Anita, I always wished Alex was available when I was making the purchase decision. Eventually there is a coffee bar with available plumbing, and I wished I could plumb in the machine easily. It is possible to make some modification to convert a tank machine to plumb in, but it does take some effort, certainly not as easy as flipping a switch.

Others may disagree, but I also wished the Anita has a little more oomph to "roll the milk". A larger boiler may help. Now I just have to convince the wife I "need" to upgrade.

What is your boiler set to as far as pressure Henry? I've found that Anita likes to be hot (I run at the very top of the green bar area or 1.4-bar and she steams like a freight train) plus flush-and-go works like a charm.

Tim, thank you for the advice. I'll up the top boiler pressure this weekend. However, you are not helping! Now if the wife reads this, how can I convince her we "need" a Synesso or GS3?

The ease of switching between tank and plumb-in is nevertheless an advantage of Alex. May delay the onset of upgraditis.

Thanks for the thoughtful responses. I do really like the idea of the ability to plumb in the future, and the Alex is of course a high quality machine. I'm having the usual issues with my budget creeping upward here so I am even considering the Duetto II. The main thing holding me back is the reservoir position - but I feel like I could mod that to quell my worries. Getting a rotary pump and the ability to plumb in would be great.