Search found 118 matches

by bongani
March 13th, 2024, 1:09 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 9
Views: 266

"Mini Veigal" restoration. What's the name behind it?

Hi Luis, congratulations on your find and safe journeys ahead. Restoring an obscure appliance with a limited part supply and knowledge base must be intimidating. While you were bringing your machine back to life, did you take lots of pictures and made lots of notes? It would be lovely to have those ...
by bongani
March 12th, 2024, 10:47 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 5
Views: 230

La Marzocco vs la Spaziale - maintenance and failures

I have noticed, for a while now, that the number of Marzocco queries is rather high. I have a Spaziale Vivaldi and so far the only consumable I have replaced in the over 10 years that I've owned it - over six shots daily - has been the group gasket. The high number of Marzocco queries begs a question
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by bongani
March 1st, 2024, 12:31 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 2
Views: 58

UNIC Mira Question: ESE Pod to Standard Group

Congratulations. That's a proper high end machine you've come across. Shoot ChrisCoffe an email or call them to clarify or assist. They carry Unic machines and may help in your quest. Good luck
by bongani
February 3rd, 2024, 1:39 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 2
Views: 125

Nuova Simonelli Appia 1: how long will it last?

That's a workhorse you got there. Considering that it's a commercial machine which has not seen much action - I don't know how much coffee you make daily - the machine can carry you indefinitely. Also, most machines being released to market nowadays are adopting technologies pioneered on your machin...
by bongani
January 24th, 2024, 8:18 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 24
Views: 1616

How much to spend on espresso machine?

The Micra is one heck of a machine, but I personally would also look at the Vivaldi. Yes, the 53mm group may be a speed hump, but once you purchase the goodies that accompany it you'd be set. It's not too heavy on electricity either, as you can switch off the steam boiler and only turn it on when the
by bongani
December 15th, 2023, 11:47 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 12
Views: 866

Next Level Espresso Machine in Germany

Looking at your target amount, I would also look at the preowned market. Check your locale for espresso machine dealers and technicians, they may have machines ranked higher than what you may have if bought new. Also, being local, it is one less headache should you need technical support. Espresso m...
by bongani
December 10th, 2023, 6:55 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 15
Views: 419

For Mazzer Major which Daniel Wong kit

I think that has been done before, using a kit from espressoparts or some related vendor. Perhaps if you google what you want to do you will be directed to a relevant site - home-barista.com will be top of the listing. Good luck
by bongani
December 6th, 2023, 1:35 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 59
Views: 5145

New Coffee Bar Design Ideas

If you still can, make the counter top a little more wider. You can always upgrade and replace your equipment with the assurance that you have enough workspace should the time come
by bongani
December 5th, 2023, 11:41 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 11
Views: 1121

Super high end single group espresso machine?

Look at the Synesso Hydra and Mavam Mach2. Both are solid performers and I suspect meet your Super High-End spec. Also, whilst not as stratospheric in price as the two, the GS3 punches in the same category and leaves you with money to get a top notch grinder - and maybe a decent capacity shop roaster
by bongani
November 27th, 2023, 12:14 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 40
Views: 2226

My, oh my! Which roaster should I buy?

I agree with your sentiment. Any of the two roasters in your shortlist are solid performers. Also, they have a community of regular updates for modifying and introducing new beans and profiles. Whilst agreeing with the skillet on your stove and poppers, you don't have the flexibility afforded by you...