Upgrade process - Need Help

[julioale]

I'm in the process of buying a new machine. After reading many reviews and forums, I'm still undecided. Now my list is reduced to 4:

1. Anita, excellent option for $999.00

2. Fiorenzato Bricoletta $999.00 after rebate - Chris Tacy said: temperature management on the Bricoletta is a challenge

3. Wega Lyra v-pump - $1,149.00 ISO 9002, 9.8 consumers rated, it's No. 3 in Coffeegeek

4. Valentina Semiautomatic - $1, 349.00 Top quality component, Gicar, Sirai pressurestat. Dan kehn said... impressive temperature stability and toleration of minor faults in technique...

I live in Puerto Rico, the shipping of any of those machines with a mazzer mini is between the 200.000 and 300.00, and this limits my budget. That's why I need a well-built machine and easy to fix, cause return it to repair can be expensive. That why the Valentina is ahead.

My coffee intake is 50% macchiato and 50% cappuccino. I will like to know your opinions, especially about quality and reliability.

I'm counting with your experiences and reviews to make up my mind.

Thanks

Julio

[JonR10]

Hello Julio,

Looks like you have done some research - good for you!!

All of the machines you list are winners. I think that rotary pumps are much more reliable than vibe pumps (but also much more expensive IIRC). I think if you buy a vibe pump machine be sure to get a spare pump shipped with it (they are pretty inexpensive).

As for temp stability and forgiving of minor technique flaws, all of the above fit that bill. Unless I am mistaken, Chris Tacy's issues with temp management are from using a home HX machine compared to a commercial Double Boiler.

Now, I have a pet peeve about pressurestats. In my experience they are unreliable, but at least they are easy to replace. If you get any machine without a Sirai then have 2 spares pressurestats sent along with it. The Sirai pressurestat seems to be very reliable and super-heavy-duty. After three failed p-stats I finally got a Sirai and installed it into my Wega Lyra, now it seems rock-steady.

Good luck!

[HB]

Julio, I noticed your post of the same topic Upgrade Process, Need Help on CoffeeGeek. Many of our members frequent multiple coffee sites. Please avoid cross-posting your question, or mention the other site(s) to avoid repetitive responses. Thank you.

[julioale]

Ups, sorry

[2xlp]

where did you find the wega lyra?

i haven't seen anyone carry that for a while, and have thought about upgrading myself.

[julioale]

In the Espresso Part 2006 Catalog at 1,149.00 http://www.espressoparts.com/category/01.03/

Julio

[julioale]

Hello Julio,

Looks like you have done some research - good for you!!

All of the machines you list are winners. I think that rotary pumps are much more reliable than vibe pumps (but also much more expensive IIRC). I think if you buy a vibe pump machine be sure to get a spare pump shipped with it (they are pretty inexpensive).

As for temp stability and forgiving of minor technique flaws, all of the above fit that bill. Unless I am mistaken, Chris Tacy's issues with temp management are from using a home HX machine compared to a commercial Double Boiler.

Now, I have a pet peeve about pressurestats. In my experience they are unreliable, but at least they are easy to replace. If you get any machine without a Sirai then have 2 spares pressurestats sent along with it. The Sirai pressurestat seems to be very reliable and super-heavy-duty. After three failed p-stats I finally got a Sirai and installed it into my Wega Lyra, now it seems rock-steady.

Good luck!

Thanks Jon, it's few the information about the Wega, can you tell me your experience with it?

Happy Holidays


Julio

[Everman]

In the Espresso Part 2006 Catalog at 1,149.00 http://www.espressoparts.com/category/01.03/

Julio

I called espressoparts last week and they do have the vibe and rotary but not at that price, they're significantly more than 1,149. You should contact the vendors you list to confirm the prices.