Endo wrote:The Dalla Corte Mini and the Mini-Vivaldi are similar in design.

Not where it matters.



I never considered the Vivaldi for a minute. I was looking for a machine that was less expensive and less trouble-prone than the GS/3, which is where my head had been for a year.

Endo:

The statement "The Dalla Corte Mini and the Mini-Vivaldi are similar in design" is absolutely incorrect. The groups are substantially different. The Vivaldi boiler is mounted to the side and the group hangs off of the boiler. The DC group is more than adequately shown in this thread. Having tested both groups for temperature stability I can tell you for sure that their behaviors and their reproducibility, particularly in walkup shots is substantially different, with the DC more reproducible than the Vivaldi.

-Greg

Maybe DC needs to take a good hard look at the Bruni Brunella for the Dalla Corte Mini a Leva. The boiler design is there. The temperature control is there. By pumping hot water, the temperature stability would be unparalleled in machines with steaming ability.
Also, the pump would only be used to fill the boilers and DC could ditch the opv.

JohnB. wrote:It certainly seems to be a very nice machine, just a bit overpriced for what it offers imo.

I really had my eye on the DC Mini last summer. Then when they came in the price had leapt ~30%. A quick browse of European sites showed no such price disparity between the Mini and the Vivaldi. Put me right off the Mini. I moved on, but for me to consider it, I'd need to hear specifics - preferably from an importer - why the current pricing is not a tad predatory.

JohnB. wrote:I wouldn't say obsessed but as Endo said it is natural to compare the two particularly when you look at the price point DC has chosen for the Mini in the U.S. It certainly seems to be a very nice machine, just a bit overpriced for what it offers imo.

cbrucecampbell wrote:I'd need to hear specifics - preferably from an importer - why the current pricing is not a tad predatory.

The question that occurs to me when hearing these statements is: "overpriced" or "predatory" as compared to what? Much the same discussions occurred when the GS3 came on the market. If you have a feature set that is distinctive (such as the temp control in the DC or the multiple options in the GS3) your price point may well reflect the unique options. If the user values those features they will pay extra. If they don't, they won't and the product will then be withdrawn or repriced.

Agreed! Great summary.

I was asking a specific question.

The Vivaldi and the Mini were the same price in Europe while 30% apart here. Why?

If the answer is just marketing, then fine. I'll vote with my wallet.

gscace wrote:The statement "The Dalla Corte Mini and the Mini-Vivaldi are similar in design" is absolutely incorrect. The groups are substantially different.
-Greg

The Mini-Vivaldi and Dalla Corte Mini are both dual boiler, vibe pump, pour-over machines that do not use the traditional E-61 head. Can you name any two other machines that are better suited for comparison?

You say you have brew temperature comparisons of both machines? I'd like to see the graphs overlaid. I'm curious to see what an extra $1000 buys in terms of temperature stability.