Hi all,
While checking out craigslist I ran across a cappuccino listing for $750. Clicked on it and was for the following items: 1) cappuccino machine - rancilio s27, 2) grinder is a rancilio 'rocky' (doser stepped), and 3) bunn A-10 series coffeemaker (setup for plumbed in).

I visited with the guy, handed over the $750 after he gave the history and care, and went on my way.

Units look in good condition and I'm anxious to try them out. S27 has a build date of 02/00. Did they make Rocky's back in 2000? Looks like I will have to setup the S27 in the garage and run a line from the water softener loop.

Was this a good deal? Is it a good machine? I purchased an Andreja Premium and Macap M4 doser stepless back in February; can you compare the Rancilio and Quickmill?

Thanks!
Darren

Depending on the state of the machine, I'd still say you've got yourself a heck of a good deal. I briefly owned pour-over Rancilio Epoca St-1 which is basically the same machine as s26/s27 just with a newer flashier exterior. Nevertheless I prefer the more traditional look of S26/27.

It's a beast, did you get the plumb-in or tanked version? It's a great HX machine, short flush (4-5 sec), fast recovery time, short pre-infusion (almost non-existant). That said, I found the 2 litre tank paired with 4 litre boiler on my Epoca a weird match, to be honest.

cheers.

Welcome to HB. I'd have to say it was a great deal! With any luck the guy used soft water. Otherwise you'll have to descale it (not a big deal). You are probably going to have to replace some of the rubber gaskets. Is the group head gasket (where the portafilter goes) soft, medium or like a rock?

Post some pictures too!!

Mark

Any interest in selling the Andreja? If so, I'm interested.

Hey HB-ers!
Sorry that I didn't include a picture earlier....it's attached now.

I've done a little disassembly and cleanup:
Rocky: removed burrs and assembly(s), cleaned with toothpick, water, and a bit of Cafiza (probably a bad idea). Also cleaned hopper....dang, grounds get everywhere!

Rancilio S27: took top off to look inside and it looks very clean. I'm a bit hesitant to try and remove the boiler, although that is the best way to look for scale buildup. Any alternatives? Also general cleaning of steam tip, removal and cleaning of screen (eek!), and other parts using Cafiza.

Couple of questions/requests:
How long does it take to warmup to basic operating temp, and then to "optimal" temp?

As the S27 is a plumbed unit, it is ok to have it draw water from a bucket until I decide to keep or sell it?

Any other help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Darren

Follow up's to previous questions:

mhoy: The group head gasket is stiff as a rock/hard plastic. It's definitely time. I purchased an additional group gasket with my Andreja Premium (e61), shouldn't it work fine? Think it's the 8 mm. The bottomless portafilter that I bought from Chris Coffee is a bored out Rancilio portafilter.

Suggestions for descaling a plumbed unit?

bablola: Yes, it's the plumbed in unit. I have the line in a jug-o-water right now drawing from that. I also have the steel knockbox under the drain hole. If I keep it, I'll plumb it in, but definitely up to the wife

Thanks for the replies, tips, etc!

Darren

Yeah, you got a realllllllyyyyyyy gooooooddd deal. That looks really nice. If the S27 has an E61 group head it should fit. (I know nothing about them).

I also use a Rancilio bottomless portafilter, boy will that show flaws in technique.

Mark

There is a thread on Coffee Geek dedicated to Rancilio S Series that may be of interest to you.
http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/...so/machines/328907

Mark

Yes, using a bottomless has been "educational" The coffee journey will be a forever journey...

Tomorrow I'll grind beans on the Macap M4 and compare that to the Rocky. I'll bet it's time for new burrs on the Rocky. I did notice quite a bit of clumping. I use the yogurt cup and toothpick stirring method for grinds distribution.

Programming the buttons to dispense a certain amount may be a bit of a chore until I can get the rocky dialed in. I'll probably keep the rocky and sell either the Andreja or S27, leaving me with a caffeinated and decaf grinder.

Any recommendations for descaling? Citric acid, but where to get it?

Citric acid is the way to go. I got mine at a brew supply store. I tried a couple of pharmacies, a high end grocery store and a couple of other grocery stores to no avail. If you end up drinking some, no big deal, it's a major ingredient in Tang.

Mark