michlee53 wrote:I've spent an enormous amount of time over the past 6 months trying to decide which plumbable machine to purchase. My wife and I have managed to narrow our choice down to the Spaziale S1 vs. the La Cimbali Junior. I drink mostly espresso, but when I entertain, I'm making mostly cappuccinos and lattes. It's not uncommon for us to have 5-15 guests over for dinner at least once or twice a month, so I need a machine that can comfortably handle the volume.
Based on what I've read from this awesome site and after talking with a number of sales reps, it seems that we're splitting hairs regarding performance between the S1 and the Junior. Clearly the controversies between HX vs. double boilers stands. The big argument between my wife and I really revolves around... aesthetics. Is the $1200 price difference between the machines worth the difference in looks? I say "yes". My wife says, "I'm superficial" and that we should apply the price difference to a new grinder (can you say Mazzer Mini?).
I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts. Is the S1 better looking than I'm giving credit? Is there a plumbable machine that I'm completely over-looking at the <$3K price point that I should be considering (keep in mind, I'm superficial (
). I appreciate any advice that might ease the decision.
Someone has to speak up for the La Cimbali, so I will.
I have no personal experience with any of the other machines mentioned in this thread and will therefore not comment on them.
I've owned two Cimbali Juniors and still own them both, although the old vibe machine has been relegated to the position of "trusty spare machine." I have never found that either machine held me back in any way that my (feeble) barista skills could surpass. This is to say that for the average home barista, you will be unlikely ever be able to work faster in your drink preparation than the machine can deliver. The thing is rated for 60 shots per hour, so this is not surprising.
There has been lots of pontification about the advantages of one type of machine vs. another but precious little actual blind taste testing. The only blind taste test I am aware of between double boiler and HEX machines (of which the Cimbali Jr. is a representative) was the one conducted by Dan Kehn which one can find on this site, buried within his Cimbali Jr. review. The outcome of the test was a draw, which was not the result that Dan or other panelists thought was likely when they planned the test.
I am not going to tell you what machine to buy; there are many choices out there. My experience with my two Cimbalis is that they have been reliable workhorses producing excellent end product and that whatever has gone wrong with them (not much and not often) I could fix myself. I have learned how to coax great end product out of them and whatever learning curve there was is long since forgotten.
I personally think it is silly to think that you can buy a machine that will give its best results without effort. Whatever you buy, you are going to have to coax those god shots out of it and once you learn how it will become second nature.
Don't forget that whatever you buy you will not get the best results possible without your own efforts. The skill of the operator is the elephant in the room. Don't believe what you hear from anyone that tells you otherwise. Assuming a certain level of equipment, you are what distinguises the mediocre from the ok from the great shot, whatever it is that you buy. If you are looking for a reliable tank-like machine that will outlast you, the Cimbali might just be that.
ken
) it helps to do it on a machine you find usable. Then if you still have a choice, get the one that looks better.
)
