Hello,

I'm looking at getting a Vibiemme machine - but am a bit confused by the different models, particularly when comparing across different online sites (and in different countries, as I might buy in the US or might by in Germany or NL).

1stincoffee has:
http://www.1stincoffee.com/vibiemme.asp
HX Machines:
Vibiemme Domobar Junior HX
Vibiemme Domobar Super
Vibiemme Domobar Super Electronic
- So the Junior is just a smaller version of the "Super" - and the "Electronic" simply means the 4 programmable buttons across the top machine-face (I think)...whereas the HX Manual one is using a lever to manually control how long the water goes through the coffee.

DB Machine:
Vibiemme DoubleDomo
- This is the double boiler version of the Vibiemme and I think (?) has PID (looking at the controls across the top/center)

Coffee Warehouse Netherlands (another forum reader pointed this out as a good EU resource, ps use Google chrome and it will translate for you):
http://www.koffiewarenhuis.nl/producten ... /Vibiemme/
Vibiemme Domobar (black or stainless steel)
- This looks like a single boiler version
Vibiemme Junior Domobar
- Smaller version w/ double boiler (DB)
Vibiemme Domobar Super Elettronica
- Heat exchanger (HX) + programmable buttons
Vibiemme Domobar Super w/ rotary pump
- This looks like HX - but no idea what "Rotary pump" means (in comparison to US shops)
Vibiemme Domobar Super Elettronica PID
- This looks like a DB w/ PID installed, but PID location is different than the 1stincoffee one. Looks like programmable buttons across the top & PID lower left of front face (?)
Vibiemme Domobar Super PID rotary pump
- Now it looks like PID controls top/center and perhaps (?) "rotary pump" means manual (lever control)

I mainly care about buying the "right" one amongst all the choices online by either looking carefully at the picture or description - as different online stores seem to describe slightly differently.

Some additional questions
1) HX machines - don't have PID, is that correct?
2) Manual/lever - I haven't used (always used programmable button) - one just pulls up/open until the shot is done (time or viewing the coffee, yes, complex - but just simplifying for sake of the question)
3) Junior vs Super - primarily a size issue, yes? Other than smaller reservoir/boiler, etc - any big downsides to the Junior?

Thanks for any help knowing what to look for on the different models so I end up with the one that I'm trying to choose!

-James

I had a jr for a little over a year and enjoyed my time with the machine. For only making drinks for a few people at a time and steaming milk eight ounces and under its a good choice. However, due to its smaller size I don't believe it would have enough umph if you wanted to make a larger size latte.

Main question is how are you going to use the machine? Ie your typical usage.

So the Jr has a smaller (and single?) boiler?
But there seems to be a HX junior version - in which case seems like it should handle a couple lattes w/out problem.

I'm not doing loads of coffee a day - but don't want to try to save a couple hundred bucks and then "miss out" on features that the "super" has which make the shot pull nicer.

The Super is an awesome machine that would serve the needs of the majority of home enthusiasts. I had the manual (non-electronic) model. I now have the double boiler (VBM DD) and can say that it is superior in performance, particularly in terms of consistency. Of course, all these machines benefit when used with a high-end grinder.

VBM makes many machines but most are variations on a single model as you have noticed i.e. the same machine in vibe pump, rotary pump, electronic and vibe, electronic and rotary, etc... All of the heat exchanger machines work on a pressurestat, the doubledomo (double boiler) uses a PID on the brew boiler and a pressurestat on the steam boiler as I recall. Rotery pump machines are designed to be plumbed in to water mains but you can run them off a water tank. They are all good machines. I have had a Domobar Super for years and never had any issue with it. Keep in mind the place of purchase will be your place of service so purchasing one form over seas could be a nightmare for service. You also have to consider the voltage, most machines outside of the US will be set up for 220 where the US versions will all be 110v.

Does anyone know if the HX is specific only to the US?

I understand the differences between Super and Jr (thanks previous responses) - and have found some nice info on the difference between HX and DB http://www.1st-line.com/cofffact/hx-vs-db.htm

I even see the machines both sold at 1st line
http://www.1st-line.com/machines/comm_m ... iordb.html
http://www.1st-line.com/store/pc/Vibiem ... 3p3560.htm

What I can not seem to figure out is if the HX is sold in Europe.
Right now I'm looking in Amsterdam - and have found 3 (good) stores, but none of them sell the HX.
http://www.specialtycoffee.nl/shop/cate ... /vibiemme/
http://www.hetkcc.nl/
http://www.simonlevelt.nl/koffie/espres ... at/gaggia/

I've read several threads now on the HX v DB - and I can't seem to find a consensus on if one is clearly better, for some reason or another, than the other.

So if anyone knows

1) Is HX sold in Europe (Amsterdam)
2) Is HX better than DB, or "just different"

Thank you,
-j