Square Case Riviera Value & Information wanted

[john_K]

Can anyone supply me with information on the Riviera machine in the attached image?

Parts availability? Value of machine? Any info would help.

[peacecup]

I have never seen one with the square case - is that the boiler or an external case around the boiler? Is that a new production machine, or an older used one? The group has a different shape than most I've seen.

Bill is one member who used a Riviera for a while so he may be able to help. They're spring levers like the Ponte Vecchio, but with a 49 mm group (vs the PV 45 mm). I really like my Ponte Vecchio spring lever, which produces excellent espresso (although limited to 1-1.5 oz doubles). I have never compared it to a manual lever like the Cremina, but others may have. I also really like the case over the boiler to protect hands during operation.

PC

[bill]

John,
Like Peacecup I've never seen a Riviera like this one. If you look at the Lever Machine Gallery you'll see the one I had on page one. The steam wand and base look similar but that's about all. Actually, Peacecup, the Riviera group is a 45 mm just like on your Export. I had my Riviera serviced at Thomas Cara in San Francisco since they used to be an importer. Sorry I can't be of more help, but it looks like an interesting machine. Good luck!
Bill

[jamoke]

Hmmm-
I have a newer version of the Riviera, a 2006 Gensaco Capucio King (made, I think, by Zacconi, the Riviera's manufacturer). It has a 49mm basket and spring lever.
John's square machine, due to the group's height (or lack thereof), is probably a direct-pull lever, since it doesn,t appear to have enough headroom for a spring. Of course I could be mistaken for the far-from-first time. Like Peacecup and Bill, I've never seen a square one before: looks "collectable."

[timo888]

John's square machine, due to the group's height (or lack thereof), is probably a direct-pull lever, since it doesn,t appear to have enough headroom for a spring. Of course I could be mistaken for the far-from-first time.

I think it is a spring-lever. The top of the group bell is flat and the lever is standing at attention. It looks as though there is no room in the group for a spring because of foreshortening caused by the angle from which the picture was taken. But ditto for me on the could-be-wrong.

If ready availability of replacement parts weighs heavily in the decision, it is a risky purchase.

Regards
Timo

[Cathi]

Interesting look. I like it.

I think Timo is spot on about replacement parts. Could quickly turn your "find" to a "bind."

[peacecup]

jamoke said:

have a newer version of the Riviera, a 2006 Gensaco Capucio King (made, I think, by Zacconi, the Riviera's manufacturer). It has a 49mm basket and spring lever.

Interesting - I was thinking of your Gensaco when I said it was 49 mm. Bill's Riviera had a 45-mm group. Now that you have both the 49 and 45-mm Sama would you mind comparing the basket capacities? Do you find the Sama in some way better than the Gensaco?

PC

[jamoke]

Peacecup wrote:

Interesting - I was thinking of your Gensaco when I said it was 49 mm. Bill's Riviera had a 45-mm group. Now that you have both the 49 and 45-mm Sama would you mind comparing the basket capacities? Do you find the Sama in some way better than the Gensaco?

I don't have a scale to measure capacity accurately, but the Sama basket is a mm or two deeper than the Gensaco, and the Gensaco basket tapers in a bit at the bottom, while the Sama's is straight. So coffee capacity seems pretty close.
So far I prefer the Sama because I found it easier to pull at least pretty drinkable shots with it, but I'm not sure why. Also, it fits my style better; the "King" is a head turner, but the Export has that solid gets-the-jobe-done look, and, since it's brown, who will notice if I don't wipe the boiler case after each use? Just as long as I clean the important parts, like the group head and steam wand.