8 seconds is the maximum programmable p/i duration on the S1V2. Both machines can be run on 15a but the S1 gives you a larger steam boiler & the benefits of a plumb in vs a pourover. Are you tapping off the RO tank because your water is too hard?

MDL wrote:On the VII pre-infusion is based upon line pressure for a period before the pump is activated. You adjust the pre-infusion by both line pressure and duration before the pump starts.

Mark, thanks for the explanation!
Paul,
thus, for using RO for Vivaldi II with preinfusion you'd need to install a RO system with pump, there are such but they're more expensive.

JohnB. wrote:Are you tapping off the RO tank because your water is too hard?

Hi John, I was going to do this because I'd never have to worry about deposit build-up and de-scaling and woudn't have to spend any extra money on water treatment as some do. We have no problems with taste using our RO for tea, coffee and water drinks.

The unit would be going on an island that has both RO water and standard pressure tap water and I just figured that the RO would be "better". As usual, pros and cons. Now I'm back to the mini vs. non-mini again after originally thinking non-mini.

Mini:

• Wouldn't have to drill granite countertop
• Wouldn't have to run 20A line
• Wouldn't have to buy any water treatment/pressure equipment
• Can use existing RO water so won't have to worry about de-scaling and deposits
• Cheaper, especially factoring in first 3 points

Non-Mini:

• Don't need to manually add water
• Pre-infusion makes better espresso

Am I missing anything? I don't think the bigger boiler would be a factor for the 2 of us. Unless the pre-infusion is a huge factor I'm swaying back towards the mini.

RoninTech wrote:Pre-infusion makes better espresso.

Preinfusion just makes another option, you can turn it off as well (on the non-mini; because if you go with the preinfusion chamber you either have it mounted or not). It makes a difference but not necesserily 'better' espresso.

It is your call on the line pressure p/i but as I said before either machine can be run in 15a or 20a mode so that is not just a Mini feature. If you don't mind living with a pour over & don't care about the larger steam boiler or line pressure p/i then the Mini is probably a better choice for you. I owned an S1V2 for 2 years & would never chose the Mini over it but thats me.

We just ordered a Mini II and Baratza Vario from CC, along with some accessories. The Mini II was the best fit for our plumbing/water requirements. Can't wait!!

Congrats on the great combo. That's a surefire recipe for some good espresso!

Did you get any accessories with it(p/i chamber, timer, chopped pf etc..)?

RoninTech wrote:We just ordered a Mini II and Baratza Vario from CC, along with some accessories. The Mini II was the best fit for our plumbing/water requirements. Can't wait!!

Congratulations!!!

jammin wrote:Did you get any accessories with it(p/i chamber, timer, chopped pf etc..)?

I second that, specially naked portafilter.
And don't forget to visit http://s1cafe.com, forums dedicated to all La Spaziale Vivaldi machines.

Thanks all. Couldn't have made the decision without sites like this and the other usual suspects (CG and s1cafe). To go with the machine and grinder we ordered:

Cafelat Pillar 53 mm Tamper
20 oz Pro Barista Steaming Pitcher
Cafelat Tubbi Knock Box
Bottomless Portafilter

It all arrived 2 days later!