Opinions of buying a new model espresso machine

#1: Post by **DavidBB** » March 9th, 2008, 11:31 am

I am going to buy the new Vibiemme PID double boiler machine. I was just curious as to how many people here have bought a new model from a well know company before giving it a year to see if there are any bugs or problems.

#2: Post by **RapidCoffee** » March 9th, 2008, 1:59 pm

Early adopter of the QuickMill Vetrano here (Chris Coffee). No problems worth mentioning.

#3: Post by **DavidMLewis** » March 9th, 2008, 5:15 pm

DavidBB wrote:I am going to buy the new Vibiemme PID double boiler machine. I was just curious as to how many people here have bought a new model from a well know company before giving it a year to see if there are any bugs or problems.

I've been an engineer for more than 35 years. I never buy version 1.0 of anything unless I have absolutely no choice. How long to wait sort of depends on how many of something are in the field, but if it were me I'd wait at least six months for something like an espresso machine you're going to have to ship back or repair yourself if there turns out to be a problem.

Best,
David

#4: Post by HB » March 9th, 2008, 6:23 pm

The Vibiemme double boiler is built upon the already well known HX model, which reduces the likelihood of early teething pain. While I generally share David's concerns about being an early adopter, in this case I would not be worried because of (a) the good track record of the base model it's built upon, and (b) the close involvement of 1st-line and Stefano's Espresso Care.

#5: Post by **RapidCoffee** » March 9th, 2008, 8:19 pm

Similar reasoning for the Vetrano (QuickMill Andreja and Chris Coffee).

#6: Post by **cafeIKE** » March 13th, 2008, 3:49 am

DavidMLewis wrote:I've been an engineer for more than 35 years. I never buy version 1.0 of anything unless I have absolutely no choice. How long to wait sort of depends on how many of something are in the field, but if it were me I'd wait at least six months for something like an espresso machine you're going to have to ship back or repair yourself if there turns out to be a problem.

Ditto on the engineer bit.

An espresso machine is a very simple device built with uncomplicated components with very long track records. Under the sheet metal, there's not a lot between them in terms of basic design. Quality of assembly, materials and workmanship are another story.

There is no guarantee that waiting will preclude problems. Case on point: I have one of the first US Vibiemme Domobar Supers, which has been flawless. Several much later adopters had problems because the OPV had the wrong spring installed by the supplier.

What is important is to buy from a company and dealer that have a reputation for quality products plus the integrity to stand behind them. Case on point: A friend purchased a used Vibiemme that had the wrong OPV spring. Stefano at EspressoCare talked with the owner to diagnose the issue and arranged for the correct spring to be sent FREE from the importer, even though he hadn't made the original sale. You can take commitment like that to the bank

Anyone who remembers DOS 4.0->4.4 or DOS 6.0->6.22 or ie4 will agree that a version increment is no guarantee of performance.

Retail = BETA Test

#7: Post by **cannonfodder** » March 13th, 2008, 9:33 am

As long as it comes from a good vendor that will stand behind the sale, I would have no problem. VBM is far from a new company. Remember Faema (the E61 folks)? VBM was formed by Faema employees after the company went belly up years ago. They have been in the business for many years but are only now breaking into the US market. Good supplier and a manufacturer with a long track record, I would have no issue. If anything goes wrong, I know it would be addressed quickly.

Remember, the VBM double boiler has been out in Europe for several months so chances are, you are getting 1.1+ production run.

#8: Post by **Randy G.** » March 13th, 2008, 12:37 pm

cafeIKE wrote:....There is no guarantee that waiting will preclude problems. Case on point: I have one of the first US Vibiemme Domobar Supers, which has been flawless. Several much later adopters had problems because the OPV had the wrong spring installed by the supplier.

I was one of the later adopters who received one of the machines with the incorrect springs. I did receive quick service from Jim at 1st-line and it was a very easy fix.

There have been a few new designed machines recently (like the GS3) that have redesigned the machine from the ground up, and in that particular case the decision not to buy v.1 has proven to have been a very good decision from the numerous reports of problems. But as mentioned, the dual boiler VBM is merely an assemblage of proven parts and technology, and with good dealer support as can be had from Stefano and Jim, I would not hesitate to get a first generation.