Since there is a lot of interest on the VBM double boiler with the PID control here some info :
The basic components are the same as the VBM Domobar Super

- Brew Boiler 1414 ml 100x180 diameter with 3 mm thickness rather then 2,5mm like most of the other boiler
( this avoid the need of a external thermo protection to keep temp stability)

- Steam Boiler 905x180mm thickness 2,5

- Tubing to and from the brew boiler 12mm ( same size as commercial machines)

- PID and electronics made by Gicar and custom made display for VBM



- Heating Elements
For European Market
Steam boiler 1200w
800w
for US market
Steam 1000w
Brew 600w
the Heating Element are custom made for VBM shorter then standard to minimize the caloric dispersion
in planned also a beef up version with a total amperage of 18A for the future

Although VBM has already some testing unit out in the field of Europe
The first units are going to be sold in europe by the middle of january
for the US we are expecting them by March or so

further details such a precise delivery time and pricing will be release by the importer (Jim at 1st-line) when the time will allow and from us US distributors
Sincerely
Stefano Cremonesi

Thanks, Stefano, for the updated info . . . much appreciated!

This sounds like it might be a perfect unit to upgrade from my 5 year old Isomac Tea.

Finally, a unit that seems to have everything I've been wanting including excellent components and build quality, dual boiler, rotary pump, full swivel steam arms, good quality steam/water VALVES, pid, and 58MM portafilter size.

Very exciting!

Anyone want to guess the price of this machine? How about you Mr. Kehn? You seemed to know the price of the GS3 before anyone else

Charlie Chan wrote:Anyone want to guess the price of this machine? How about you Mr. Kehn?

I have no insider knowledge, but based on the market competitors (e.g., Expobar Brewtus $1699, La Spaziale Vivalid Mini $1895) and the Vibiemme Domobar Super price ($1615 on sale), I would guess around $2000 retail with a few "early adopter" units selling for approximately the same price as the Vivaldi II.

Thanks.

I suppose someone is going to step in where the GS/3 was going to fill a need. If they're smart, they will.

What I'd like to see is the option to not plumb. And steam valves that aren't rotary.

However, those all require magnitudes of mechanical and electronic complexity.

Nice machine.

According to Jim at 1st-line, all three machines will be manual (levetta) machines -- no push-button semi's or volumetric auto's.

Gregg K wrote:What I'd like to see is the option to not plumb.

Jim at 1st-Line said that both a vibe pourover and rotary plumb model are slated (link).

1st-line wrote:There will be three Vibiemme Domobar Super models slated for 2008...

A) Vibe pump PID-controlled dual boiler tank model Vibiemme now slated for early spring introduction
B) Rotary vane pump heat exchange boiler with direct water connect Vibiemme now slated for early spring introduction
C) Rotary vane pump PID-controlled dual boiler with direct water connect Vibiemme slated for the latter part of 2008

Gregg K wrote:And steam valves that aren't rotary.

I agree that lever style steam valves would be pretty trick.

jesawdy wrote:I agree that lever style steam valves would be pretty trick.

NOT!

cafeIKE wrote:NOT!

Why not? You don't like the full on/full off? I know it's a matter of preference, but I liked the Elektra A3's toggle steam control:

[gvideo]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-495625159680580491[/gvideo]

I also liked the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia's up/down steam toggle, though it would take a bit getting used to if you're a long-time knob turner. According to a repair technician I spoke with, the toggle type steam valves last longer.