Quick Mill Anita -Selection Question

[st_stephen]

I have been reading here for a while and I think I have settled on the Quick Mill Anita as the machine for my price point.

Are there any other machines I should consider that either have the same abilities at lower cost, or better abilities at the same cost?

I'll be doing equal amounts of coffe and milk drinks, and making drinks for 6-8 is a requirement (dinners).

edit: would you buy this machine used?

Thanks for any advice,
Stephen

[mybs]

When I was purchasing my Anita, the only other contender I considered was the Bezzera BZ02S sold by 1st-line. It's reputed to possess the same internal components as a Pasquini Livia at almost half the price. At $750, it was certainly worth considering, but there are certainly some tradeoffs such as the lack of a brew pressure gauge, E61-style group, and all that nice, shiny chrome. I'm sure that it would definitely get the same work done, but I decided to go with the Anita instead due to the great reputation of its sister units, the Andreja Premium and the Vetrano. Other machines in the same price range to consider would be the Expobar line and the Fiorenzato Bricoletta.

Buying this machine used would depend largely on the asking price of the seller, the age of the machine, and its previous maintenance schedule. Remember that buying the machine new includes the price of shipping as well as a one year warranty. There's also likely to be a discount if you buy the machine as part of a combo with a grinder as well.

[HB]

Are there any other machines I should consider that either have the same abilities at lower cost, or better abilities at the same cost?

If you're referring simply to capacity, a price performer is the Expobar Pulser for $800. But it doesn't have the styling, construction, and features of the Anita (e.g., the Expobar's steam arm "stalk" and smaller driptray, to name a couple differences). The Anita is a strong value performer, i.e., good feature selection at a sub-$1000 price.

As for buying used, sure, if it was in good condition and the price is right. As a rough rule of thumb, espresso machines sell for ~60 percent of its current retail cost. Popular models (e.g., Rancilio Silvia) and difficult finds (e.g., Olympia Cremina) hold their value better.

[heyduke]

I believe if you buy the Anita from Chris Coffee the shipping is included. I just bought my Anita about a month ago and so far no trouble. It also makes great espresso drinks.

[doleeo]

Price VS. Performance, I found the Anita to be the best. I love having the dual gauges because I can quickly monitor my brew pressure and change it easily. I actually bought a return unit from Chris' direct. When I received it, it looked brand new.

One thing i'd be aware of buying this machine used would be scale in the boiler and hx. Its kind of difficult to descale a heat exchange machine.

[st_stephen]

Thanks for the advice! I had considered some of those other machines, but somehow always favored the Anita. I'll probably see about trying to get a package with a grinder.

thanks!
Stephen

[jesawdy]

As Doleeo mentioned, you should contact Mary at Chris's Coffee and inquire about returns.... They may have a returned unit that would be an upgrade close to the Anita price point, or the Anita for even less. When they know you are looking, Mary has been good about contacting me via email to see if I am still looking as well.

I would not have any reservation buying a returned or demo unit from Chris.

[HunkaBurninLove]

another happy customer who bought my Anita from chriscoffee.

based my decision upon seller's reputation/customer service.

It's served me well (except the time I touched the steam wand....ouch )

[miKe mcKoffee]

As Doleeo mentioned, you should contact Mary at Chris's Coffee and inquire about returns.... They may have a returned unit that would be and upgrade close to the Anita price point, or the Anita for even less. When they know you are looking, Mary has been good about contacting me via email to see if I am still looking as well.

I would not have any reservation buying a returned or demo unit from Chris.

Excellent advice. I know one person recently got a Vetrano from Chris for about the same price as a new Anita, full warranty. Supposedly had a minor dent, you really have to search hard to find it. And I also bought a bent frame Bricoletta from Chris for hundreds off. Again not a single person has been able to find the 1/4" out of true frame defect without being told. Service wise I highly recommend Chris' Coffee responsive fair play.