I was looking through parts drawings from Cimbali so I can order replacement gaskets and noticed that there is a gas heating system available. My experience with gas appliances is that they're quick to heat and cheap to run. But it's only for the Bistro2 and not the Bistro1; a 2 group is overkill for me at home. If I had a shop, I would assume natural gas heat would save some serious cash.

Has anyone considered gas heat for an espresso machine? Just curious.

I have converted many machines for use in mobile operations. No Cimbali though. We once priced out a gas conversion kit for a 3gr (I think). It was about USD1000.

I like using converted machines. They recover well. Gas machines are very common in europe I understand. If you have retic. nat gas available and it is cheaper than the equiv. electric kW then it may be worth your while. I guess you'd need to use certified pros and oem kits though.