For who are wondering if the LM Shot Brewer is available, a European distributor, based in Vienna/ Austria has listed it on his website: € 2,990. I can confirm that it is available, at least in Europe.

AndyS wrote:The GS/3 uses a HX in the steam boiler to preheat inlet water for the brew boiler. Seems like simply eliminating the steam boiler is going to change the thermal performance of a shot-pulling machine -- at least for multiple shots in a relatively short time frame.

To get similar results I image could HX the brew boiler with a beefier HX through the brew boiler!

miKe mcKoffee wrote:To get similar results I image could HX the brew boiler with a beefier HX through the brew boiler!

No, that wouldn't work very well.

The original two-boiler design uses the steam boiler to preheat brew water before it enters the brew boiler. Preheated water entering the brew boiler doesn't disrupt the boiler's temperature stability nearly as much as ambient temperature water would.

In effect, temperature stability in the steam boiler is sacrificed (where it isn't critical) to allow better temp stability in the brew boiler (where it is critical). A "beefier" HX in the brew boiler would be disruptive temperature-wise.

These are out there to be had, I believe one was given away at the Berkeley out of the box event.

These are out there to be had, I believe one was given away at the Berkeley out of the box event.

From what I remember they raffled one off. $5/ticket I think.

Does anyone know any more information on this machine and whether it is available for purchase? I just went to 4 Barrel and the barista working at the La Marzocco Shot Brewer said he thinks it is. But, I couldn't find any vendors currently selling it on the web. So is it still a prototype only?

I like my PID Alexia ok, but I am finding the texture of those shots to be too dense for me, with a gelatinous mouthfeel. I almost prefer the textures I get off of my PID Silvia. I would love a machine where I don't have only one pressure profile, one kind of texture. Would love a GS3, but cannot afford one, and in the last 4 years have only made one milk drink (maybe two). I wouldn't be missing the ability to steam because I really just drink espresso. The Shot Brewer seems really intriguing.

I spoke with La Marzocco a couple months ago and the unit is already available in the US. Authorized LM dealers should be able to get pricing if they do not already have it.

From my conversations, it isn't much less than a GS/3. If you think about it, you still have most of the costs there; the pump, group, electronics, case, and support.

Thanks, Jeff!

I think I will hunt down a La Marzocco dealer in the Bay Area and inquire about current pricing. Guess I have to open a savings account for either this or a GS3. =-) I recently went from nearly selling everything coffee-related in my life to now trying to figure out how to someday obtain a saturated group with the ability to control pressure. Damn it, espresso, I tried to get rid of you but you sneaked back in my life!

baristalab wrote:From what I remember they raffled one off. $5/ticket I think.

I boughs like a 100 bucks worth of tickets trying to win this thing. It all went to a good cause though, so its ok. It's a shame too, cause the girl who won it doesn't even use it!

It's a shame too, cause the girl who won it doesn't even use it!

Maybe you should contact her and see if she wants to sell it to you. She might appreciate having the cash more than a machine she doesn't use, and you could probably get a good deal on the machine.