Good or great espresso machines? Let the arguing begin!

[Tex]

Reneka - not sure of the model.

Supposedly never used. I almost believe it.

I've never used or worked on a Reneka Viva E. It is French made, so it's got one strike against it to start with. Here's a short thread: http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machines/336913 that might help?

If it was me, I'd give it a try for $500.

[peter]

The price it too low, like it might be a scammer.  If it's legit, you could use it for some time and probably sell it for more than you paid for it.

But they won't work with a Grindmaster or Rossi.   

[Tex]

The price it too low, like it might be a scammer.  If it's legit, you could use it for some time and probably sell it for more than you paid for it.

But they won't work with a Grindmaster or Rossi.   

No, but I bet this great French grinder would work!

[Pyment]

I wonder if that Reneka is just too big for my space.

There is a Nuova Simonelli Mac in Chicago for $350: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1787937934.html

[BoldJava]

Is

I wonder if that Reneka is just too big for my space.

There is a Nuova Simonelli Mac in Chicago for $350: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1787937934.html

Is there any stone left unturned?

B|Java

[Tex]

I wonder if that Reneka is just too big for my space.

There is a Nuova Simonelli Mac in Chicago for $350: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1787937934.html

Now that machine I can discuss. I had one and loved it; in fact if I didn't think the Bunn ES-1A is one of the best commercial machines for home use, I'd still have my Mac Digit!

It is BIG & HEAVY, and it does have it's flaws (you can scorch your fingers if you hold the hot water lever while pulling a container of water), but if you can't pull a kick-ass shot with this machine it's your fault, not the machines!

[Pyment]

Is

I wonder if that Reneka is just too big for my space.

There is a Nuova Simonelli Mac in Chicago for $350: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1787937934.html

Is there any stone left unturned?

B|Java

I am pretty thorough.

[peter]

I wonder if that Reneka is just too big for my space.

There is a Nuova Simonelli Mac in Chicago for $350: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bfs/1787937934.html

How big is your space?  The Reneka can't look much bigger than the Mac Digit, and at $500 it's the bargain of a lifetime; make room for the Reneka.

[Pyment]

You are right, but the Reneka is bigger. Deal of a lifetime may be an exaggeration. If It came around once, something similar probably will happen again.

And B/Jovial, there are some pretty good espresso machines listed at Sears of all places.

[mp]

You are right, but the Reneka is bigger. Deal of a lifetime may be an exaggeration. If It came around once, something similar probably will happen again.

And B/Jovial, there are some pretty good espresso machines listed at Sears of all places.

Oh really ... what do they carry?

 

[Pyment]

Sears has a Marketplace similar to Amazon's (I think). So, places list their stuff like this on it:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SP100A1076S173245018P?prdNo=3

Still it was surprising to find a La Marzocco Gs/3 1 Group Auto Espresso Machine listed there.

Also, I suspect that a complaint to Sears about one of their vendors might carry some weight if you weren't getting anywhere with the vendor.

[Pyment]

 A little extra research is leading me to conclude that mp may have made a good suggestion by bringing up Vibiemme.

I am informed they use the heaviest of the E-61 groups. They have the restrictor on the HX thermosyphon to minimize the tendency to overheat. There is the option of getting a double boiler unit (though I am not convinced it is needed).  There are no plans for a PID for the Junior units.

There is a passive pre-infusion on the lever manual units as detailed in the Q and A from 1st Line:

    Q. The Manual version has a a three-position lever (off, passive pre-infusion, brew).  This sounds like it gives me more control, but it does make me totally responsible for timing and stopping the brew.  Is that correct?


A. This is 100% correct.

     
    Q. The Automatic version has buttons that can be configured to different brew timing (or far-right button can act 'like' a manual switch [push once to start, push again to stop).  Does the automatic do any 'passive pre-infusion', or does just click on/off, skipping the 'middle' step that the manual lever provides?


A. Yes, but

a) Not everyone uses the preinfusion of the lever, and
b) the machine kind of has a built-in preinfusion - it takes about 4-7 seconds for the vibe pump to get up to full pressure, so this is kind of a built-in preinfusion.

     
    Q. I like the idea of controlling the pre-infusion (Manual) [and the lever looks sexy too !!!], but the programmability feature is also enticing [Automatic] and could be useful if I want to simplify use for a family member or friend.


A. Exactly. In addition, the electronic model could have one button programmed as a flush of the grouphead.
 

Have to think about this.

[peter]

Have to think about this.

Think about it as you're driving over.   

[BoldJava]

Have to think about this.

Think about it as you're driving over.  

Kill 3 birds with one stone

1)  Meet Schotzie and imbide her browned nectar
2)  See the wonders of a Macap
3)  Experience the social dimension of the Cabal, all over again

"...Visconsawn this Summer."  Chamber of Commerce

B|Java

[mp]

Have to think about this.

Think about it as you're driving over.   

Looking forward to Pyment's decision on his new espresso machine.