The Bricoletta machines seem to be getting great reviews and I am now considering selling my Silvia and upgrading. However, every review I read talks about the plumb in model with rotary pump and not the pour over vibe machine. I was just wondering if anyone has used both machines and can tell me how they compare? Is the vibe machine capable of producing a shot as nice as the rotary machine with the same amount of effort? Also would it be a big deal to ad a rotary pump to a vibe machine in the future? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

RancilioRancilio wrote:Is the vibe machine capable of producing a shot as nice as the rotary machine with the same amount of effort?

Both should be equally capable of producing good espresso.

Also would it be a big deal to ad a rotary pump to a vibe machine in the future?

It wouldn't be a terribly complex job to add an outboarded rotary pump, but you would have to work it out yourself, no "kit" to do so. To fit it in the case, you would have to remove the pourover tank to make the room. To get a new pump/motor that would fit internally would be ~$250+.

If you have desires of having a rotary pump or plumbed machine, what is stopping you from going there now?

Ken did some work using to Cimbali machines, identical in every setting except one was a vibe the other was a rotary. After a lot of blind tasting, there was no difference between the two pumps.

Now, as to convenience, I doubt I will ever go back to a vibe pump. Having it plumbed in and out is wonderful. The pumps are easy to adjust, last forever, do not suffer from the pressure drop during a shot when the heating element engages and are whisper quiet. Plus you never have to mess with pulling the cup warmer off to fill the reservoir every day. Most rotary machines are also smaller than their pour over siblings as well. Since they do not need an internal water tank, the case can be several inches smaller. Not all are that way, but I have seen a few (like the Vibiemme Domobar Super).

+1 on fully plumbed, rotary pump espresso machines. I'll never (willingly) go back to a pourover vibe pump model.

However, I would not recommend buying a vibe pump machine with the intention of eventually converting it over to a rotary pump. If plumbing is the problem, you can run a rotary pump machine with a water jug and a flojet, or get an Izzo Alex.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm just having trouble figuring out what I really want. Espresso quality is my primary concern since I probably drink two milk drinks a month. Right now I am stuck between the Quickmill Alexia and the Bricoletta vibe model because my kitchen isn't setup to accommodate direct plumbing. So I guess the question now is, can the Bricoletta vibe produce a better shot than the Alexia? They will be price pretty similar if I were to order the alexia without the PID controller. Any input appreciated.

I know, you've heard it before, BUT... what's your grinder?

As an owner of a Volante (sister to a Bric) who upgraded from years of a Silvia I would say both machines are going to produce a great shot. I still remember the amazement when I pulled my 1 st shot on my Volante - albeit a rotary. I only know the Alexia by reputation but there are a lot of satisfied and well respected users. If you were interested in the Alexia with a PID and knowing your preference for Espresso over Capps & Lattes then my 2 pennies would say go for the single boiler with a PID. That's the only thing I wish I had on my set-up is better temp control but it really is more of a minor matter to me. Other than that the Fiorenzato's are very well built and beautiful machines. Mine always catches everyone's attention the second they walk into the room.

I purchased a Mazzer Mini a couple of months ago which was a huge improvement.

RancilioRancilio wrote:So I guess the question now is, can the Bricoletta vibe produce a better shot than the Alexia? They will be price pretty similar if I were to order the alexia without the PID controller. Any input appreciated.

When operated correctly, the E61 prosumer espresso machines, in general, produce very similar results. Or at least the difference is so small, it could be attributed to preference. That said, the PID'd Alexia beats any HX espresso machine that I've used on ease of brew temperature control. Getting the brew temperature right is a big contributor to the realized espresso shot quality, especially for those new to making espresso at home.