Cheri, in the FWIW department, Dave is quite right about temperature stability. I've found that my Elektra "Sixties" T1 actually comes up to temperature in about 30-45 minutes, but I've found it stable after about an hour. I have mine on a timer that switches it on at 5:00 am, at least an hour (hopefully) before I get up, and off at 9:00; on again at 6:00 pm, and off again at 10:00.

That said, my T1 is a 1-group machine with a 6.0L boiler and runs on 110v/20A power. Your Belle Epoque ART Q1C is a 3-group machine, has a 12.5L boiler, and runs on 220v/30A power. You probably should consider leaving it on 24/7, or giving it at least 1.5-2 hours to warm up thoroughly.

Cheers,
Jason

P.S. When are you inviting us over to drool with envy???

Anytime you're making your way to California....LOL... We could spin some blues vinyl and get an espresso buzz...


Oh and thanks for the tip Jason!

By the way the one I posted is an elektra as well ( macap motor assembled in elektra factory etc etc)

HEY!!!! Whatever happened to photos of the Belle? I started reading this thread from the start...with GREAT ANTICIPATION...only to have my hopes dashed to smithereens!!! Cheri...PLEEZE!!! I BEG OF YOU!!!! Put up some photos of your beeuudeeful machine so we can all drool fondly!!!