Is a comparison of single-group dual-boiler machines on the docket?

Regards
T

I don't know, these kinds of comparisons can get pretty contentious. I understand that, upon learning that Vivaldis were assembled by orphan slaves in Darfur and cause cancer in laboratory mice, JohnB melted his down into Dalla Corte tampers.

Or that could just be a rumor....

Yea, I was definitely thinking about our previous "discussion" when I saw this thread! As to that "rumor" I figure it gives the orphans a good way to pass the day & I don't let our mice anywhere near my Vivaldi. As long as they avoid my traps they should be safe.

review: Dalla Corte Mini ~ La Spaziale Vivaldi head-to-head? NOT

Until a head-to-head comes along, here are some impressions from someone who has pulled a lot of shots on both these fine machines. No shot-quality comparisons here. If either machine has an edge, I think it will be found to be slight.

I used the Viv for a couple of years and the DC Mini for 5 weeks.

Visual: The La Spaziale Vivaldi II gives the impression of a work-a-day, un-adorned professional machine. In a commercial environment it would be barely visible behind the cash register and snacks and not intended impress or necessarily be seen. It's very satisfying look. The DC looks more like a high-end consumer kitchen appliance reminiscent of the impression created years ago (but more common now) by the robust Kitchen-Aid mixers. Both the LaSpaz and the DC are serious-looking machines, and both suit my tastes more than the prevailing (and spectacular) "look-at-me" E-61 machines (my last was an Isomac Tea) which are, in many respects, more beautiful. Both machines look very different on the counter than they do in photos, so if you are ordering "sight unseen" you will be surprised.

Footprint. For a home user, LaSpaziale is among the largest high-quality machines, and DC the smallest (non E61.) Small size was an important reason for my choice of the DC (instead of the tank Vivaldi Mini) because I no longer have the unlimited counter space that I used to have. Also, I could no longer plumb in—which I loved. Working with the DC feels a little cramped, but I'm getting used to it (and in my temporary housing everything feels cramped.) I've had to get used to adjusting the steam wand to keep from hitting it when swinging the pf into place. OTOH, the Viv had its own steam arm issues, and shot streams and pressure dials (for those who look) are more easily observed on the DC. I eventually raised the LaSpaz on a platform, and I recommend that for improved ergonomics and extra space. I'm unlikely to do that with the DC which is easy enough to slide forward and back while being solid enough to stay put while inserting the pf.

Build and mechanics: Overall, the nod goes to the smaller, all-stainless steel body of the DC. The larger planes of the LaSpaz created some alignment issues. I won't comment on the internals; both seem tidy and rational, and others more qualified than I can comment on the reputedly greater temp stability of the DC. If the machine has been sitting for a while I give it a brief flush----more out of habit than anything else.
On close inspection and handling, both the LaSpaz and DC water trays are breathtakingly cheesy. But they look OK and one gets use to them. The DC's tray is smaller, as you'd expect, but doesn't fill up as fast. The DC tray grill seems better constructed and fitted. Perhaps because it's smaller, mine is not tweaked and doesn't rock like like my LaSpaz did. The call here goes to the DC tray because it doesn't have all those annoying ridges inside the tray, and is easier to clean with a cloth or sponge. I preferred the quieter and deeper LaSpaz rotary. Filling the DC reservoir is a much smoother process than my only other tank experience, the Isomac Tea.

Producing shots: Good shots on both machines. Duh! I've had bar shots from 9th Street's Stumptown, a shop serving a Counter Culture blend, Gimme, and Oren. In each case Ive brought their roasts home, and I've done just as well with those coffees on the DC----about two-thirds of the time. That's a spectacular ratio, IMO! (I've not hit that hazelnut hint from one Gimme shot, but Gimme also missed it the other three times). So the DC is pretty good. I never did this intense shop-to-home comparison with the Viv II.

The DC gives great feedback through your hand as you are tightening the pf, and as you drift toward overdosing, it lets you know. For me, it's a useful characteristic. Temp control advantage goes to the DC, primarily because I'm largely a non-numeric, smidge hotter- or cooler-, kind of guy. The analog knob (if that's what it is) suits me, and I'm much more inclined to raise or lower the temp if I'm persuaded by the taste. There's some added value to the DC's pre-infusion, although I never upgraded my LaSpaz to include pre-infusion.

I now have out-of-the-tap, soft-enough water. I can get by with a Brita to eliminate chlorine / chemical essences. Previously, I've used canister softening systems for both tank and plumbed-in machines. That's a PITA, but I preferred it to bottled. If I could, I'd opt for plumb-in (and would have kept the La Spaz). When I had the La Spaz I had two choices to warm a cold espresso cup: an Insta-Hot dispenser off the sink, or the machine. Now I have neither. Requires some new routines.

Value: If you have space, want a double boiler, want to upgrade (or just switch) from an E61, and budget is critical, I'd advise the LaSpaz or LaSpaz Mini. If you are relatively new to espresso, the LaSpaz Forum and vendors are likely to give you better support than the new-to-consumer-market DC. All that said, the Dalla Corte Mini suits me perfectly.