There are pleasure, convenience and aesthetic factors when using a machine which factor into how often you use one or another. Dan, when he was second chairing the Strega review, had it set up next to his Strada (non-profiling version). He used the Strega for the lions share of shots; although, unlike me, he's pretty convinced that quality differences become very small once you get to the well set up machines above $1000. His preference was based on the Strega being a very workable lever where you can shape the flow -- it's immune to gushes, since you can retard the lever; and immune to ultra-bitter choked shots, since the spring can seemingly punch through any grind, and longer shots don't go bitter. Moreover, it warms up fast, steams like a demon, and is just fun to operate if the shots are made at an easy pace.

Finally, there's the thing that is really important to me personally, although maybe not so much to others -- how quickly does a given grinder/machine set up dial in with a new, unknown coffee. In this, the biggest difference for me was going to a commercial conical, which produces properly or very close to properly flowing shots from the outset. With it, I can get a decent shot on the first go, and be well dialed in one the second or third with most machines. But the Strega, with its one size fits all temperature and pressure profile, it knocks down to a very good to perfect first shot, and definitely perfect by the second.

Alex Duetto or Bezzera Strega?
IMO, it should start with your coffee and taste bud preference.

Here some analogies.
For guitars, which is better a Les Paul or Taylor? Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton.
If I'm for rock roll Jimi Hendrix way, of course the Les Paul, but if I more Claptonist then I'll go for the Taylor.

For race cars, which is better the Bugatti Veyron or Ford Fiesta WRC?
If I'm chasing the straight-line top speed above all then Bugatti or other "supercar" are my choice.
On the other hand if I'm racing in the dirt track with very few straight line then Ford Fiesta WRC is the choice.

Back to coffee what is higher in the priority? Is it the clarity or the complexity?
If my taste preference is the same with Jim Schulman then my priority list will include Strega.
Is Jim Schulman is more Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix, is up to you.
There will never be "absolute" right or wrong.

To summaries, I believe that the grinder is the music instrument, the espresso machine is the amplifier the coffee blend is the score notes. All have to play in-sync in harmony.

Thank you all for your insightful comments, you have made my choice a lot easier. As I'm not hearing a overwhelming recommendation of the Strega, I will be keeping the Duetto for now - At least until I'm either able to try the Strega in person, or there are more experience reports. The gear pumps sound really cool, I've plowed through the "'Pressure Profiling' With The Fluid-O-Tech TMFR Pump" thread. That could very well be a interesting project! But first I'll see what more can be improved in the Mano department. Btw, has nobody thought of adding a gear pump to a Strega yet?

Best regards,
Stefan

Btw, has nobody thought of adding a gear pump to a Strega yet?

Of course . . . but then a quick check of the empty space in their right rear pocket resulted in a "maybe, some day".

Would someone be willing to link to Jim's Strega review? I've looked, but haven't found it yet. Thanks.

I broke. My weekend trysts with the Caravel were making me wonder why I can never get anything that good from the Brewtus. I just cannot get rid of that edge that is present on the pump machine. I have already been keeping my eyes open for a vintage commercial lever the last 6 months or so. I probably will still keep looking for one, but for now I'm going with the Strega since I rent and therefor can't plumb in anyway. This will buy me more time to find the vintage lever of my dreams, or decide I don't need it after all. Now the waiting game. Did anyone else get their order status changed to "backordered" this morning? I wonder if that means I was too late for the first shipment.

I just cannot get rid of that edge that is present on the pump machine.

That's exactly what I'm experiencing - Very interested in how you get along with the Strega

compliance wrote:Did anyone else get their order status changed to "backordered" this morning? I wonder if that means I was too late for the first shipment.

I did. Maybe it's just so they don't have all the pre-orders sitting in an "open" status on their system?

I placed my pre-order in early October & I haven't received a back order update.