One of the reasons I chose the Duetto over other similar machines is that it can eventually can be plumbed in when I'm in a more permanent living situation. Right now, it's just not feasible to be drilling holes or running water lines across the room. I see the lever to switch to plumbed pretty much every day when I dump the drip tray right before filling the reservoir with a funnel

There are other issues with large commercial single group levers, of course. Under-cupboard clearance and the large footprint can be a problem. The Bezzera 1st-line sells is over 19" tall, not including the lever base and lever itself (which could stick out, I suppose). There's also the electrical requirements, though the 120V Bezzera single group is supposedly only 1400W. The equivalent Rancilio model is speced at 3000W for the lower voltage model, which is about 27A. Why would this be preferable over a regular 240V line? Presumably either would have to be run specially.

The Lusso is still looking pretty nice for my original idea of an interesting little lever machine to play around with and possibly keep at work. I recently got a line on a reasonably-priced used unit, which unfortunately seems to have the fit problems with both wands and the manometer you mentioned. It's a little off-putting to think it would arrive that way if I bought it new, because it really isn't a cheap machine, and it makes it look pretty bad. I'm not sure how much work is involved in fixing it, especially since they arms are chromed.

The machine I was offered is reasonably cheap compared to new. Unfortunately, it exhibits basically all the typical Lusso build problems I've read about (wands not lining up with holes, steam wand is bent at a completely different angle from the water wand, etc.), as well as a scratched up drip tray, missing low water level sensor,and some diy modification that left holes in the front where the model sticker used to be. I'm still considering it, because I seriously doubt I would buy a Lusso new after reading so many complaints about their quality control. I just want a cheap machine I can have fun with and possibly even keep at work.

That new Bezzera lever machine is pretty tempting, but Caffe Tech's quote was significantly higher than the end price after importing from 1st-line, which is in turn a lot higher than the basic $2000 price, after 22% tax/duty and freight shipping. Not the sort of machine you buy just to mess around on the side.

I know the Lusso wands are often not centred on the holes, but the steam wand is bent at an angle, while the hot water wand is bent straight down. This isn't normal, is it? The low water level circuit isn't just non-existent; it was installed, then someone removed it, and moved the badge down to cover the hole where the light used to be, leaving the drill holes in the middle exposed. The drip tray is also scratched up a lot.

It's still a nice machine, but I wonder if an old Cremina would be more fun to own...

KnowGood wrote:Caffe Tech wouldn't even give me a price. I emailed first about the Ellisse AL and then the B2006AL. Gave me a price on the Ellisse ($4600) but never responded back when I asked about the B2006AL.

Sent you a PM.