Search found 337 matches

by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 9:18 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

I was looking at the Swiss Coffee Products site. Do you know if they offer the same warranty? Thanks for the pump price and informing me about this wonderful Googlee thing. (I searched "Olympia Maximatic Pump" and didn't get anything since it's buried a swiss parts catalog). Still looking for some m...
by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 8:16 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

Bill, It does seem like the Maximatic is a fine piece of machinery (even if it makes espresso that is perhaps no better than some less expensive models). It might actually be one of the "smartest" purchases if you are looking for a machine that will hold its value 20 years from now. I also find myself
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by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 4:56 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

Exactly. I don't find this meaningless. Actually, rather profound. People don't buy for one specific reason. Most often, they just want "the best" (I would bet "best espresso machine" is the most popular search in this forum). What they find is often "most highly priced" which sadly goes with "most ...
by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 2:45 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

Ha. Good one. If you want to restrict comments to people who have tried that Maximatic, you should have just left the post locked for "moderator club" comments only
by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 2:32 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

Please speak for your own experience and not mine. I've tried most HX machines up to an including the Mirage and the lastest and greatest Nuova Simonelli Aurelia (and soon the WBC edition). I haven't found a HUGE difference in taste which would warrant a doubling in cost of one HX machine over anoth...
by Endo
July 14th, 2009, 10:23 am
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

It seems to be a simple machine with high quality, over-designed parts that probably delivers the same taste as any other HX. What you're paying for is the name Olympia and the "limited edition" status that goes along with it. If history is any indicator, it will have great re-sell in 30 years (unle...
by Endo
July 13th, 2009, 12:04 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 110
Views: 65200

Olympia Maximatic - Second Look

Looks like the "Swiss Watch" of espresso machines. Very interesting machine for the espresso hobbyist but I expect a cheaper HX "Timex" machine would do almost as good a job. Still, it's nice that the "collectors" and people who don't plan to ever upgrade have high quality choices like this. I loved...
by Endo
July 12th, 2009, 12:00 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 13
Views: 2710

Pasquini 4-hole steam tip from Chris' Coffee on Quickmill Anita

I own every wand and tip combination available for the Vivaldi (and many custom versions as well). Bottom line is: stock 4 hole 0.9mm and long S5 arm works best. Although I once briefly owned a Anita, I didn't try the Vivaldi tips on it. But I would bet anything a 3 hole 0.9mm tip on the longer
by Endo
July 12th, 2009, 11:22 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 50
Views: 11324

What is the purpose of a vacuum breaker valve

Ahhh. That makes sense now. I wonder how much extra cost is added to the prosumer machine just so it can get ETL approval? I'm starting to understand why a G3/3 costs $7500. Or another way to look at it... How much of the prosumer pricetag goes towards actual better taste and how much towards certif...
by Endo
July 11th, 2009, 9:08 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 1
Views: 608

Adjustable Bimetallic Thermostats

Sorry. Never mind. I just discovered the temperature on my steam boiler is not controlled using the thermostat. (It is only a hi-limit thermostat). My eyes must be getting bad. I missed the little red reset button