La Marzocco GS3 at a good price *and* from a reputable dealer, et. al.

[jakline]

Hi,

I was on the original waiting list in the U.S. for the GS3 (#49). I got the email stating who my local dealer was, but I was never contacted. I avoided contacting him as I was hoping the price would drop in the meantime.

Well, my Livia just blew up today and I'm not interested in repairing it. So it has suddenly become a high priority to get a GS3.

I haven't been on Home Barista in a while and was hoping for some help with the following questions:

1. Are the GS3s still shipping with the sloppily drilled holes to make the tray fit?

2. It seemed a lot of of people with the Mazzer Mini Electronic (which I have) and the GS3 were unsatisfied and upgraded their grinder. Anyone happy with the Mini E and the GS3?

3. Does the GS3 still ship with the kit to do direct connect (I'd like to do this eventually, but not right away)?

4. marzoccoman.com has the GS3 for $6K. Anyone dealt with them? Are they reputable?

5. Any other dealers with a good price and can be counted on for service? (I've already asked Jim Wright in another thread as he stated he knows a dealer selling for under $6K. I've also just emailed Chris (chriscoffee.com), to see if he is sticking to list price.)

6. What is recommended for water? Currently I'm using Crystal Geyser per Jim Schulman's Insanely Long Water FAQ. Is that good enough?

7. I'll likely switch from Illy beans to something else. I don't want to get into home roasting just yet, but I don't mind buying beans online and having them shipped once a week or so. Any recommendations from GS3 owners for a good bean to start with (will be shipped to Palo Alto, CA) and what temp. to use to start? (Note: I know this is a big subject. I'm not looking for the *best* beans, just a bean that works well for someone on a GS3.)

I know that's a lot of questions. Answers on any of them is appreciated.

Cheers,
John

[pdx]

7. I'll likely switch from Illy beans to something else. I don't want to get into home roasting just yet, but I don't mind buying beans online and having them shipped once a week or so. Any recommendations from GS3 owners for a good bean to start with (will be shipped to Palo Alto, CA) and what temp. to use to start?

Don't use Illy beans. Try http://www.eccocaffe.com (in Sonoma.) Their coffee is as good as anyone's, and once you have experience enough to be consistent you'll learn alot from their "experimental espresso" program. My usual blend is Stumptown Hairbender, but I subscribe to Ecco's experimental program for variety. The first blend was absolutely amazing.

[Beezer]

Sorry I can't help with your questions about the GS3. But you should definitely get the best beans you can for any serious machine. Illy won't cut it.

Ecco is very good. You could also try Barefoot Roasters in Santa Clara. Their Boss blend is very tasty. Coffee Klatch is also excellent, and they ship very quickly. I get my package about two days after ordering, and I'm over 200 miles from their store. My favorite blend of theirs is Belle Espresso.

[jakline]

Thanks Ben. I'll give Ecco a try once I get a machine ordered.

[jakline]

Thanks Bezzer.

[Jarno]

Hi, I got mine from Cafe Machines Co. out of FL, #249. I can say that it delivered just fine with good service. He kept me up to date with how my order was being processed -- from freight from Italy, arrival to Seattle, then UPS tracking #. I have no complaints. However it seems with these discounted prices, you won't get setup service. I was told to contact Seattle if I had any problems. It seems they act as a retail conduit. When my machine arrived, I went through the setup as the instructions said. Although the pumps activated to fill both boilers, the boilers wouldn't turn on. I called Franke, but I never got a return call. I opened the side panel myself and found that 2 wires weren't to either boiler. I figured they shook loose during transport. I reconnected the wires and things have been smooth since. So with regards to setup service, you're kind of on your own.

With regards to workmanship, the holes are more professionally done. I will say that the drain tray has 2 metal pegs (screws) that fit into the holes. They will scratch the paint job. Also, yes, the GS/3 does come with the appropriate plumbing and instructions to directly plumb the machine.

Good luck

[z0h]

2. It seemed a lot of of people with the Mazzer Mini Electronic (which I have) and the GS3 were unsatisfied and upgraded their grinder. Anyone happy with the Mini E and the GS3?

just curious, but what's the problem with the mini? the mini was the gold standard for a long time. has a different grinder taken that place?

[shadowfax]

just curious, but what's the problem with the mini? the mini was the gold standard for a long time. has a different grinder taken that place?

The Mini E has a lot of clumping issues, although it is better than a modified doserless mini (because of the larger burrs it sports), or most of the other doserless grinders in its class. The popular grinders for the finicky are Conicals and Hybrids, it seems, like the Cimbali Max Hybrid and the Mazzer Kony/Robur (monsters!). I kind of get the impression that the best grinders are the ones that grind coffee fast enough to break up the clumps that form...

[CafSuperCharged]

I kind of get the impression that the best grinders are the ones that grind coffee fast enough to break up the clumps that form...

And because speed translates into heating up the grind, this effect can be prevented to some extent by increasing grinding surface, which increases a.o. burr diameter, which a.o. increases torque, which increases motor power requirements, which increases size.

Regards
Peter

[djmonkeyhater]

If you ever decide that the broken Livia is taking up too much space in the garage....i'd be happy to call tag it!

[shadowfax]

And because speed translates into heating up the grind, this effect can be prevented to some extent by increasing grinding surface, which increases a.o. burr diameter, which a.o. increases torque, which increases motor power requirements, which increases size.

Regards
Peter

True. I never think of that, because I am so low volume I believe it's fairly irrelevant to me.

[darrylr]

I've been to Marzoccoman's (aka Espresso Machine Contractors) in Seattle. I haven't bought anything from them at this point but they demo'd a machine for me. They look to me to be a legitimate business; I found them to be very helpful.

Another company in Seattle I've dealt with is Visions Espresso. I've done a lot of business with them for several years. From direct experience on both sales and support I can say they are first rate.

Darryl

[narc]

Thanks to chriscoffee's HB Birthday gift I recently upgraded to a Macap MX. Unlike the old MazzerMini and the relatively new Macap M5, no need for WDT. If I owned a LM GS3 I would seriously considering a hybrid or conical. Maybe Chris will still give you the Birthday discount on a MX if you purchase a GS3. Over the past 8 years of dealing with chriscoffee the staff has provided excellent post purchase service. Something to really consider as part the price you pay for any product.

[portamento]

Wow, have you only used Illy up to this point? Simply going from Illy to fresh micro-roasted is a bigger upgrade than Livia to GS3! So you have some changes to look forward to besides just the machine.

[lud]

1. Are the GS3s still shipping with the sloppily drilled holes to make the tray fit?

With the new transparent water reservoir, (My GS/3 originally came with the black tray and was subsequently replaced free of charge once the new one was available) the "refill tank" message disappears once the reservoir is properly seated. The tray could rest on the metal supports without having to seat the lugs into the drilled holes although my guess is that it may vibrate somewhat if not properly seated.


In terms of a grinder, I don't have experience with the Mini E (although at one point, I was seriously considering purchasing one). However, based on the comments I read from the Titan Grinder Project (titan-grinder-project-t4126.html), it sounds as if the Mazzer SJ generated some great scores compared to the big conicals, and its within the price point of the Mini E. Not having researched a lot of other grinder brands

I picked up a used Kony for a song and wouldn't trade it for the world....well, maybe the LM "S" grinder (if they are still calling it that) if it ever comes out. The former owner of my grinder must have modded it with some rubber lip thing (although having completely disassembled my grinder before, that piece looks stock) where the grinds exit because I thwack pretty darn hard and the grinds drop straight and clean into the portafilter.

Have fun with the new machine, and by all means, get some fresh beans. Living here in Ontario, I used to have to order stuff from the west coast and ship it cross country and cross border. You have it easy. Now that we have a few more fine establishments here bringing in Intelli and 49th Parallel, it's been a godsend. With work piling on, my roaster has been sitting idle for months.

[Neuron]

3. Does the GS3 still ship with the kit to do direct connect (I'd like to do this eventually, but not right away)?

4. marzoccoman.com has the GS3 for $6K. Anyone dealt with them? Are they reputable?

I purchased a GS/3 through Marzoccoman.com and they did an excellent job shipping the unit and following up with me. The machine did arrive later than they originally promised, but it seemed to be due to factors beyond their control. I did the setup myself. The unit did ship with the direct plumbing parts.

[jakline]

Thanks to all who replied to my questions. Since I got my Mini E at chriscoffee and was happy with that transaction, I gave Chris a call. We worked out a deal we were both happy with and the GS3 is on its way.

I think I'll order a scace or scace2 portafilter now. Is the scace2 unnecessary on the GS3 because one can already obtain/set the pressure from the machine itself? If so, I'll get I'll just get the scace model.

Cheers,
John

[HB]

I think I'll order a scace or scace2 portafilter now. Is the scace2 unnecessary on the GS3 because one can already obtain/set the pressure from the machine itself? If so, I'll get I'll just get the scace model.

The GS3 has been tested, evaluated, and scrutinized many times, including well-documented Scace thermofilter results. Why do you need one? It will not tell you anything your tastebuds don't already know.

[jakline]

The GS3 has been tested, evaluated, and scrutinized many times, including well-documented Scace thermofilter results. Why do you need one? It will not tell you anything your tastebuds don't already know.

OK, I guess I'll skip the Scace. Thanks for the advice.

[cinergi]

The GS3 has been tested, evaluated, and scrutinized many times, including well-documented Scace thermofilter results. Why do you need one? It will not tell you anything your tastebuds don't already know.

Dan doing his part to help out the sales of his sponsors and contributors