Okay, now that's a cool setup. How old is the Peppina?

I don't know what year the Peppina is. It's older than the 'standard' Peppina, but younger than the Piccolina.

Wow, some very nice setups here.
This is my second setup which has served me well for almost 5 years.
I am now in the process of thinking of an upgrade and keeping this setup as a backup
By the way, hello to everyone as this is also my first post here

Welcome to the fold. Before you upgrade your machine, I would suggest a grinder upgrade. You would be surprised at the change it will make. Get yourself a large conical grinder or big flat burr grinder.

Welcome, John, to HB.

(Dave's right about the grinder, BTW.)

+1!!!
Theodore.

Thanks for the tip on the grinder.
I was looking at a new grinder and a new machine

Have not decided 100% on grinder, but have been thinking the mazzer robur or the or compact K10
Machine i have my heart set on the GS3

Will now try a new grinder first and see how i go

GS3 is a good machine, but you would not get the most from the machine without a grinder upgrade. You may be perfectly happy with your current machine after the new grinder. You could even splurge and get the Robur, keep the Giotto and be perfectly happy.

Nice thread. I'm also new to the membership, although I've read your forums before when I've needed info.

I've been at this espresso thing for over 15yrs, having started out with a Braun; something or other model then graduating to a Starbucks Barista and finally purchasing a Giotto Premium about 4 years ago.

I like to think of myself as a connoiseur having had espresso all over the world - only to be disappointed 99% of the time. Churchill once said something of how he "was a man of simple tastes, easily satisfied by the best". Unfortunatily when you want something done right - you usually have to do it yourself.

Aside from the vibration pump noise and three(3X) pressurestat issues - this Giottos one of the best tools out there.

This was a main floor laundry closet that was off my kitchen, I opened it up added matching cabinets/counters and made a bar out of it. The center upper cabinet contains enclosed bean for effect. The brass 'steamer' was given to me by an owner of a banquet hall - My father spend hours polishing it, then sealing it with clear diamond lacquer.

Giotto Premium/Anfim Grinder/Commercial Resin Bead Keg Type Softener Undercounter.

this is homemade, and works great. I made shots with this which were beyond belief. The grouphead is from a 1960's FAEMA E-61, the boiler is from a FAEMA COMPACT 1-group, the motor and rotarypump are from a REX-ROYAL automatic S-500, pump pressure is adjustable trough the little hole in the frontplate. the PID-regulator is from ERO-electronic and i use a K-thermocouple inside the boiler. The grouphead temperature readout i ordered in amerika at chris coffee. Grouphead temperature is adjustable on top of the machine via a termodrive screw ordered at spareparts faema italy and then modified. The mill is an old one i bought for 50 euros but has new grinding stones. ok it's not a fine looking one, but i can close the door Need a good espresso? Make your own machine !
greetings from dirk in belgium