Good or great espresso machines? Let the arguing begin!

[peter]

I take it that you are looking at this one?  Have you considered the possibility of an E61 group?

 

Still a SB/DU.  Strike one.

The PID is only controlling the boiler temp, leaving you guessing at the group temp.  Strike two.

[Pyment]

I read something that said the group is under the boiler. Much like the boiler set up in the Gaggia.

Besides, I kind of like buying something that isn't Italian and going against the grain.

I don't see the SB/DU as a big disadvantage. Why not foam the milk first since that takes the most time? It should retain heat pretty well.

[peter]

Because the temp for the steam boiler is waaaaay higher than brew temp, and it takes a while to come down.

Just come over some day, maybe a day other than Friday when we're cupping, so we can spend a couple hours together.

[Tex]

I read something that said the group is under the boiler. Much like the boiler set up in the Gaggia.

Besides, I kind of like buying something that isn't Italian and going against the grain.

I don't see the SB/DU as a big disadvantage. Why not foam the milk first since that takes the most time? It should retain heat pretty well.

I'd get a nice looking stand-alone steamer - either stove top or electric. I have one friend that uses a Krups steam toy for its steam capacity.

[Pyment]

I may just. If I move my current machine to the cabin and sell the Rocky, I may be able to purchase a pretty decent set up. If Dave has his PID done by then maybe I can invite myself over there.

Next week? Friday or Sat?

This may take all summer.

____

Tex do you know of a stand alone steamer that doesn't take too much space or $$?

[Tex]

I may just. If I move my current machine to the cabin and sell the Rocky, I may be able to purchase a pretty decent set up. If Dave has his PID done by then maybe I can invite myself over there.

Next week? Friday or Sat?

This may take all summer.

____

Tex do you know of a stand alone steamer that doesn't take too much space or $$?

I used one like this on my boat for years. Simple, cheap, and plenty of steam for personal use.

http://www.amazon.com/Stovetop-Cappuccino-Frother-Steamer/dp/B003GWTBVI

[Pyment]

Of course I could just wait for them to add a PID to the Ascaso Steel Duo.

http://www.1st-line.com/homemachines/steel_duos.html

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

[Tex]

Of course I could just wait for them to add a PID to the Ascaso Steel Duo.

http://www.1st-line.com/homemachines/steel_duos.html

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

Certifiable POS.

[mp]

Of course I could just wait for them to add a PID to the Ascaso Steel Duo.

http://www.1st-line.com/homemachines/steel_duos.html

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

Certifiable POS.

Bwaahahahahahahahahah!

 

[Tex]

Of course I could just wait for them to add a PID to the Ascaso Steel Duo.

http://www.1st-line.com/homemachines/steel_duos.html

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

Certifiable POS.

Bwaahahahahahahahahah!

 

These use a thermoblock for steam generation. I've had a half-dozen machines with this "feature" and they were all a certifiable POS!

And for that kind of money I'd want more than a 10 oz boiler.

[peter]

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

Are you asking about that particular machine?  If not, then I'd say no.

[Tex]

Is the group configuration such that the group temp is the boiler temp?

Are you asking about that particular machine?  If not, then I'd say no.

The Steel has a saturated group, so yes the boiler temp & group temp will be the same if the temps are permitted the time to stabilize. There's a lot to like about the Steel (I had an auto version to play with for a few weeks); 3-way valve, adjustable OPV, and a nice s/s chassis. But then I saw the price (~$1,100) and found the steamer, and couldn't get rid of it fast enough!

And just look at the mess they made of the interior?

[Pyment]

to the uninitiated, inside they all look like a Waffle House hash browns with everything.

What you are saying that the "Duo" isn't a DB substitute.

Is $799 too much for the Steel with PID?
 
Speaking of POS, is the Gaggia Baby Twin a POS due to design or repair problems?

There is something to be said about making sure it looks good as part of the decision. I kind of like the Isomac Hexagon for that.

[Tex]

to the uninitiated, inside they all look like a Waffle House hash browns with everything.

What you are saying that the "Duo" isn't a DB substitute.

Is $799 too much for the Steel with PID?
 
Speaking of POS, is the Gaggia Baby Twin a POS due to design or repair problems?

There is something to be said about making sure it looks good as part of the decision. I kind of like the Isomac Hexagon for that.

The Baby Twin doesn't steam well (too wet & too much pulsing) - a common fault of thermoblock steamers. It also has some issues with a bad taste from the steamer that eventually goes away (I've heard users complain about it for months after buying it). Thermoblocks also don't have the life expectancy of a pressurized boiler.

PIDing any boiler would be a good thing, that part of the machine looked promising. There is the issue of some funky plumbing that I'd have to look at for a longer time? Generally an adjustable OPV & PID will turn any boiler machine into a better espresso machine. Of course the better the machine is to start with the better the machine will be when finished. To me, that's either a Silvia or Gaggia Classic/Baby.

[staylor]

All this talk of a La San Marco has put me over the edge, thanks Warrior372, I think.