Bob_McBob wrote:
How are you making out with that Kyocera hand grinder, Lyndon? I kind of like the idea of keeping a Lusso at work for espresso during the day, or using at at night so I don't make lot of noise with the Duetto, but I don't particularly want to shell out for a Virtuoso. It seems like a good companion for a lever machine, though I can see myself getting frustrated with the grinding time.

I wasn't too sure at first, but after playing with it and finally getting a routine down that works for me, I don't think I would have it any other way when using with something like my LaPav. Staying on topic with this thread, if I were to get a Lusso 2 Gruppi, since over heating wouldn't be a problem, I would upgrade the grinder immediately. I usually grind during heat up, and since I'm not entertaining this works just fine.

KnowGood,

Just wondering why you want a two-gruppi—is it so you can get more volume ?—just curious.

SwingT wrote:I do a somewhat firm nutating tamp for the Vivaldi - The Vivaldi has a bolt head hanging down below the dispersion screens, said bolt holds the screens in. Because of this, am using a convex bumper tamper. Which does fit more loosely than I would have ordered but seems to work fine.

Normal tamp for Vivaldi works very good, no nutation nor anything is needed (however one can do always anything ).
I use flat tamper for singles and convex for doubles (both espro's).

Just an idiosyncratic thought on "quality of build" and the Lusso. I have heard some sight glasses were not centered in the cut-out window. But on my machine, a Lusso, I think this is intentional—the sight glass is not centered and in fact is hardly visible when viewed head-on. But it is perfectly centered and clearly visible when viewed from the operator's position while operating the lever, right handed.

grong wrote:KnowGood,

Just wondering why you want a two-gruppi—is it so you can get more volume ?—just curious.

I guess for two reasons:

a) people come over all the time and want espressos and cappuccinos and I have to have them either wait or not have one at all

and

b) more a want than need. Sure I could get away with the single gruppi but it would look more menacing on the counter as a due!

I guess for two reasons:

a) people...

and

b) ...

That's two good reasons! Sounds awesome to me.

ziobeege_72 wrote:
So in sum, I think PVL would indeed be an excellent complimentary purchase. A part of me also says that getting a vintage Caravel or Peppina would also give you a completely different espresso experience, and that you continue to use your Duetto for any requiring steaming, considering that you will still have it on in the background. For me at least, it is the espresso that holds the real interest and fun....
[snipped for brevity]

Good luck

What a nice post in response to the OP!
I might add, as a Cremina owner, and former Anita owner that while i miss the on all day, instant gratification of my Anita, I find that I would only purchase a pump machine as a companion to my lever if it was a NO HOLDS BARRED, uber machine..y'all know to which machines I refer.
Of course, the big issue, other than quality is multiple shots/steaming for guests and such. There, having any good HX/DB machine is necessary.
Not having used or owned a Commercial lever, I comment on whether that would be a sort of "best of both worlds" type thing.
Maybe Doug could weigh in on that.

There, having any good HX/DB machine is necessary.

I think the Lusso is totally up to a small party, as long as there is enough water in the boiler—and the steaming is spectacular.

I have a nice pump machine, and the espresso I make on the Lusso is better, and easier, too.

IMAWriter wrote:...I find that I would only purchase a pump machine as a companion to my lever if it was a NO HOLDS BARRED, uber machine..y'all know to which machines I refer.

Rob, actually I think the perfect pump-companion for your Cremina is a Maximatic. Really, if you think about it, it's true. Same family, different experience, and between the two, you're ready for a house-full.

I did something close to that by complementing my Lusso with an Olympia Caffarex... Max's (slightly) bigger brother. What I like about this set-up is that if I want something other than the ristretto-type shot that Lusso gives me, I'm set with a very-capable pump machine.