Seeking new E61 machine below $1000

[oly_puller]

Howdy all...
I'm thinking about a new machine - only because it's fun and I've been using a lever machine for 8 years. I was looking in the sub 1000 range and hoping for an E61. I love espresso but I also have to make latte's for my wife so steaming is important.
What I want most is something that I can dial in easily - meaning, I want temp and pressure control if possible! Is that too much to ask for? I'm also interested in something I can service if possible - the review I read on the Zaffiro sounded good - but the slow steaming sounded a little lame...
Thanks for the tips!

[HB]

There's a few popular choices. Checking HB's list of sponsors, we have these E61 heat exchangers below $1000: Quick Mill Anita, Expobar Lever, and Isomac Rituale. The Grimac Mia is slightly over a grand. Any of these grab you?

[oly_puller]

I do like all of those machines that you listed - I think the Lever is my favorite just from a window shopping perspective... Is there anything that stands out about any of the models you listed? I'm *really* interested in controlling temp... I want to be able to change it for different beans etc.

To the forum users out there who own any of these machines - do you brew espresso for espresso's sake and make lattes? If so - what's the process like- does it take 30 mins to warm up? How about switching from brew to steam? Also - is there anything that's just super cool feature wise about any of the listed machines?

Thanks for the help!
Pt

[HB]

I'm *really* interested in controlling temp... I want to be able to change it for different beans etc.

All the machines I listed are HX machines, so obtaining the desired temperature relies on your skill to judge the correct flush to cool the heat exchanger and warm the group. I broach the subject in Espresso Machines 101 and continue in Espresso Machines 201 (or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love HXs). If you want to reduce the reliance on your skills to manage temperature, an electronically-controlled boiler temperature is the next logical step. Unfortunately the usual suspects in this arena (Expobar Brewtus, La Spaziale S1, Reneka Techno) blow your budget. Modifying a single-boiler like a PID'd Rancilio Silvia or PID'd Isomac Amica would squeak in under your maximum, but you would still have the wait for steaming milk.

[JoeGlo]

I know HB already mentioned it, but the QuickMill Anita is a fantastic Machine! It hovers right around $1000.
The Quickmill Andreja is awesome as well but it is slightly more expensive and has plumbing options.

[snak]

Cimbali Livia 90. Simply the best. Period.

[snak]

and then he can't even REMEMBER the brand name of his own espresso maker! WOW! My old one was a Cimbali. The Livia 90 is PASQUINI! Bought mine from 1st-Line 5 years ago. Exactly $1000. I have a triple basket portafilter and I'll crank out 100+ shots/mo. Not ONE single problem with it. Great for small shops. Saw many in the bars in Italy. Mine's the full auto, not the semi. Obviously the semi will be somewhat cheaper. Handsome little bugger, too.

[krazycranes]

Astra Pro retails for $1500, can find on sale for $1k, or demo units for around $750-800. All stainless, NSF certified, 2.6 ltr ss boiler, us made, e61 style brew group. Definitely a little work horse, uses same components as true commercial big bros., easy to service, parts readily available. One drawback is not hot water wand, but steams a cup a water in 10-15 seconds, no biggie and my wife only drinks americanos and tea/hot chocolate.
Kevin

[malachi]

Right now, various sales would give you at least the following choices:

Bricoletta, Anita, Andreja Premium, Mia, Rituale, Lever