HB wrote:You're not the only one! I reviewed the Gaggia New Baby for WIRED magazine; it sells for $399 full retail, but is frequently on sale for less (e.g., WholeLatteLove has it for $299 at this moment). I'd take the $400 saved over a Rancilio Silvia and put it towards the grinder (or a gift for a loved one ). Or, as you noted, the Rancilio Silvia + PID combination is within striking distance of an entry-level HX espresso machine if you've already got budget for a good grinder.

I think it might be a bit of a different situation in Canada. The Gaggia Baby can be found for around $450 ($499 full retail), while the CC1 is $699. The Vario wasn't on sale with the Gaggia, so the choice between Gaggia + Vario for $900 or CC1 + Vario for $1050 was pretty easy for me. The price difference between the Silvano and the CC1 is a lot more in Canada too - it's $1099 around here, so with the Vario it would have been $1550.

Had I been in the states, where the price difference between the CC1 and the Silvano is smaller, I might have gotten the Silvano, as it seems more robust (and prettier) than the CC1. However, for me, $1050 for the CC1 + Vario was the sweet spot, and I'm quite happy with it! I think the temperature control alone makes it worth the extra $150 over the Gaggia.

I am just so torn right now between the CC1/vario, Silvia/Vario, or the Silvano/Vario. I mainly want to brew a great espresso shot and make Caps! If anyone can offer even more clarity on each I would be greatful or even some better deals out there now? Keep me posted.

Thank you,
Gene

eantunes0204 wrote:I am just so torn right now between the CC1/vario, Silvia/Vario, or the Silvano/Vario. I mainly want to brew a great espresso shot and make Caps! If anyone can offer even more clarity on each I would be greatful or even some better deals out there now? Keep me posted.

Thank you,
Gene

If a Silvano + Vario (~$1500) is in your budget why don't you just get the La Nuova Era Cuadra for $995 at 1st-line.com? Personally I'd rather have the E61 HX machine than a SBDU + thermoblock.

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/comm_m...achine.htm

Very Nice..how does this machine compare to the Rocket Espresso Cellini Premium Plus http://www.wholelattelove.com/RocketEsp...i_prem.cfm ...in terms of durability and how long it's been out on the market. Has anyone here bought the La Nuova Era Cuadra ? How does it perform?

The Rocket is nicer since it has some upgrades. For example, it has a Sirai pressurestat rather than the less durable Mater pressurestat on the Cuadra. It also has an all stainless steel frame and shell, whereas the Cuadra has a plastic shell. But then again, the Cuadra is $700 less, which is significant.

For the money, it's hard to imagine a much better deal than the Cuadra. I haven't used one, but it should perform very similarly to other e-61 HX machines, which is to say very well indeed.

There's a long thread on Coffeegeek about the Cuadra, including comments by several people who bought one when they became available in the US. I believe they've been available for a while in the rest of the world, so it's not exactly a new machine.

http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machines/554699

eantunes0204 wrote:Very Nice..how does this machine compare to the Rocket Espresso Cellini Premium Plus http://www.wholelattelove.com/RocketEsp...i_prem.cfm ...in terms of durability and how long it's been out on the market. Has anyone here bought the La Nuova Era Cuadra ? How does it perform?

Also keep in mind this is not the permanent price. It's the introductory price for their first 100 units. Honestly I'd give them a call and see how many are left as it seems they've been quite popular on HB and CG forums. The machine has been sold in the US before as the La Pavoni Cuadra, so it's not exactly a new unit. It's also been sold overseas for quite some time as well.

So i bit the bullet and bought a La Nuova Era Cuadra Espresso Machine from 1st-Line + the Baratza Vario Grinder from ebay (reputable seller). ..I'm super excited to kick start 2012 with my new toy!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Congratulations on the new setup! It should be very nice. Let us know how you like it.

Merry Christmas!