Good or great espresso machines? Let the arguing begin!

[Tex]

New Astoria Rapallo without the bling.

http://www.espressoparts.com/ASTORIA_RAPALLO_AL2

Victoria Arduino Athena 2 group.

http://www.espressoparts.com/NS_ATHENA_2LEVA_CO

Like the copper, it comes in chrome if that is your preference.

Rancilio's lever:

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Rancilio-Classe-6-LE-Lever-Control-Commercial-Espr-p/scg14030-16.htm

Seattle has a 5% off code now.

Gaggia's Achille

http://www.essentialespresso.com/Gaggia/achille.cfm?

There 20% off Gaggia code is GASAVE20

Another Gaggia

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001KOA6E/ref=asc_df_B0001KOA6E1140922?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0001KOA6E&linkCode=asn

another Astoria

http://store.baristatools.com/asdialmaleop2.html

Scratch the Gaggia Achille - unsolvable problems. Good idea until marketing took charge of the project!

[Pyment]

I think this one has  great "wife please' factor!

Yeah ... saw that ... just don't let her see the hole in your wallet after its home.

 

If you look at the list I posted, THIS is a steal!

[mp]

I think this one has  great "wife please' factor!

Yeah ... saw that ... just don't let her see the hole in your wallet after its home.

 

If you look at the list I posted, THIS is a steal!

At $3900?

 

[mp]

New Astoria Rapallo without the bling.

http://www.espressoparts.com/ASTORIA_RAPALLO_AL2

Victoria Arduino Athena 2 group.

http://www.espressoparts.com/NS_ATHENA_2LEVA_CO

Like the copper, it comes in chrome if that is your preference.

Rancilio's lever:

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Rancilio-Classe-6-LE-Lever-Control-Commercial-Espr-p/scg14030-16.htm

Seattle has a 5% off code now.

Gaggia's Achille

http://www.essentialespresso.com/Gaggia/achille.cfm?

There 20% off Gaggia code is GASAVE20

Another Gaggia

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001KOA6E/ref=asc_df_B0001KOA6E1140922?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0001KOA6E&linkCode=asn

another Astoria

http://store.baristatools.com/asdialmaleop2.html

Scratch the Gaggia Achille - unsolvable problems. Good idea until marketing took charge of the project!

Marketing department screwed up?

 

[Tex]

New Astoria Rapallo without the bling.

http://www.espressoparts.com/ASTORIA_RAPALLO_AL2

Victoria Arduino Athena 2 group.

http://www.espressoparts.com/NS_ATHENA_2LEVA_CO

Like the copper, it comes in chrome if that is your preference.

Rancilio's lever:

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Rancilio-Classe-6-LE-Lever-Control-Commercial-Espr-p/scg14030-16.htm

Seattle has a 5% off code now.

Gaggia's Achille

http://www.essentialespresso.com/Gaggia/achille.cfm?

There 20% off Gaggia code is GASAVE20

Another Gaggia

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001KOA6E/ref=asc_df_B0001KOA6E1140922?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0001KOA6E&linkCode=asn

another Astoria

http://store.baristatools.com/asdialmaleop2.html

Scratch the Gaggia Achille - unsolvable problems. Good idea until marketing took charge of the project!

Marketing department screwed up?

 

The way I heard it, to get it down to the targeted price the marketing folks overrode the engineers. Result: Leaks everywhere and parts longevity issues. This would've been a killer machine; pretty, in a retro way, to look at, good temp control, and a real 58mm portafilter - plus the Gaggia name!

[mp]

New Astoria Rapallo without the bling.

http://www.espressoparts.com/ASTORIA_RAPALLO_AL2

Victoria Arduino Athena 2 group.

http://www.espressoparts.com/NS_ATHENA_2LEVA_CO

Like the copper, it comes in chrome if that is your preference.

Rancilio's lever:

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Rancilio-Classe-6-LE-Lever-Control-Commercial-Espr-p/scg14030-16.htm

Seattle has a 5% off code now.

Gaggia's Achille

http://www.essentialespresso.com/Gaggia/achille.cfm?

There 20% off Gaggia code is GASAVE20

Another Gaggia

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001KOA6E/ref=asc_df_B0001KOA6E1140922?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B0001KOA6E&linkCode=asn

another Astoria

http://store.baristatools.com/asdialmaleop2.html

Scratch the Gaggia Achille - unsolvable problems. Good idea until marketing took charge of the project!

Marketing department screwed up?

 

The way I heard it, to get it down to the targeted price the marketing folks overrode the engineers. Result: Leaks everywhere and parts longevity issues. This would've been a killer machine; pretty, in a retro way, to look at, good temp control, and a real 58mm portafilter - plus the Gaggia name!

It has a really good review on HomeBarista.

 

[Tex]

It has a really good review on HomeBarista.

 

How much did they pay for their test machine? 

[juker]

Tex is spot-on on Achille. Ingenious design. Pulls amazing shot BUT by the time one masters it – it gets to the end of its lifespan. It is not hard to take care of leaks, but then plastic cylinder develops cracks and bye-bye Achille. Mine didn’t last a year…

[mp]

It has a really good review on HomeBarista.

 

How much did they pay for their test machine? 

http://www.home-barista.com/gaggia-achille-buyers-guide.html

They did an evaluation of it ... my guess ... they had it on loan.

 

[mp]

Ok you lever heads ... this should be candy for your eyes:

http://sorrentinacoffee.myshopify.com/collections/rare-vintage-coffee-machines-and-equiptment

Enjoy!

 

[Tex]

Tex is spot-on on Achille. Ingenious design. Pulls amazing shot BUT by the time one masters it – it gets to the end of its lifespan. It is not hard to take care of leaks, but then plastic cylinder develops cracks and bye-bye Achille. Mine didn’t last a year…

I was totally pissed when it became obvious they'd cut too many corners in making the Achille. I was SO looking forward to trying one but after I tore it apart and saw what they'd done - 

[mp]

Tex is spot-on on Achille. Ingenious design. Pulls amazing shot BUT by the time one masters it – it gets to the end of its lifespan. It is not hard to take care of leaks, but then plastic cylinder develops cracks and bye-bye Achille. Mine didn’t last a year…

I was totally pissed when it became obvious they'd cut too many corners in making the Achille. I was SO looking forward to trying one but after I tore it apart and saw what they'd done - 

Whoa ... take it easy there Robert ... have you considered one of these?

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/ponte_vecchio/ponte_vecchio_lusso_2group.htm

 

[Tex]

Tex is spot-on on Achille. Ingenious design. Pulls amazing shot BUT by the time one masters it – it gets to the end of its lifespan. It is not hard to take care of leaks, but then plastic cylinder develops cracks and bye-bye Achille. Mine didn’t last a year…

I was totally pissed when it became obvious they'd cut too many corners in making the Achille. I was SO looking forward to trying one but after I tore it apart and saw what they'd done -  

Whoa ... take it easy there Robert ... have you considered one of these?

http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/ponte_vecchio/ponte_vecchio_lusso_2group.htm

 

I rebuilt a Gensaco Lux 1-group a few years ago, and didn't think much of the build quality. Maybe with a Ponte Vecchio label they've improved their workmanship?

edited: IIRC, they have small portafilters and the group temp management was as bad as a La Pavoni - totally hit or miss.

[Warrior372]

Ponte Vecchio was formally SAMA not Gensaco. I believe Gensaco and Riviera have had ties though.

[Pyment]

I think this one has  great "wife please' factor!

Yeah ... saw that ... just don't let her see the hole in your wallet after its home.

 

If you look at the list I posted, THIS is a steal!

At $3900?

 

Ok, well maybe not a bargain, but still a mighty nice piece of equipment.