Let me start off by saying thanks to everyone for all the help, HB is a great site and resource!
I finally bought the direct connect Bricc with a MACAP4 grinder from 1st line and I've had it about a week now. The espresso gods were with me as I had been researching for about 2 months and in that time the Vetrano came out and the HB Wish List was created. My analysis paralysis paid off! I looked at both the Vetrano and the direct connect Bricc and ultimately went with the Bricc because of Chris Tacy review regarding the quality of espresso and the looks of the machine itself. During my research I spoke to Mary at Chriscoffee and Jim at 1st line both were very nice and helpful although I was extremely impressed with the service I received at 1st-line. While researching I would frequently email Jim, sometimes at 7:00 a.m. and would typically receive a response in about 20 minutes. After I set the machine up I had a question and called at 3:00 p.m. on a Saturday spoke with Jim then he preceded to give me his cell phone number in case I had any other questions after they closed. As if that weren't enough while checking my email Sunday morning Jim shot me an email to see how the machine was working and if I liked it. The answer was a resounding yes!
The machine was packaged extremely well, double boxed Styrofoam popcorn, bubble wrap etc. not a scratch on it. It was at my house in 2 days. It took me about a half hour to get it out of the box and another half hour to hook up the machine to a water source. I split my refrigerator line to run into the Bricc. This is a serious machine as the line into the Bricc is 3/8 inch. Jim supplied me with some 3/8 inch to ¼ inch converters I just had to buy some flexible piping. I have little experience plumbing (not to mention I hate compression valves) and everything was very easy, even managed to get a filter onto the water source.
Having previously had a super automatic my espresso skills are lacking to say the least. In about 3 days I was able to make better espresso than my local coffee house (which sadly was on par with my super automatic) thanks to all of the tips and resources available on HB. I've been reading non stop and practicing like crazy. My espresso consumption has sky rocketed. Gave Intelligentsia Black Cat a try, it reminds me of Guinness! Mmmmmm.
After all is said and done I had many of the same questions regarding the machines as a lot of the other people. The 20 amp circuit breaker was not an issue for me. The un-insulated boiler does not seem to be an issue so far as the boiler relatively quiet. I was floored by my wife's comment about the machine, she said "it's actually really nice looking, I was expecting a big metal box". She doesn't drink much coffee and can't stand things on the counter but has agreed to have it fully plumbed on our center island (we'll be remodeling early next year). By the way the grinder works well and looks great. It's a good match with the Bricc. I considered getting a stepless based on some feedback but for my skill level right now the grinder is more capable than I am. In total I spent $1,400 and couldn't be more satisfied! Any tips other Bricc owners have would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks again.
