Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #31
    Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

    Originally posted by 05303D3A0E123E37373434510 link=1260516383/29#29 date=1261517940
    Alrighty,

    We put it to the pressure test on a cart and couldnt fault it. A further 200 coffees later, I am happy that this machine is robust and we will be releasing it for mass consumption.


    Chris

    Ive just moved back from the UK and brought an Izzo Vivi (like the Alex but single boiler HX with a vibratory pump) back with me. The build quality, internally in particular, of these machines is very good. As Chris mentioned theyre heavy - the Vivi must be close to 30 kgs too. Mine is three years old and hasnt caused any problems, very reliable and stable machines.


    Comment


    • #32
      Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

      Some crappy mobile phone pix showing internal build...

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

        And I thought playing inside the Expobar was tight! Looks great though Chris.

        Comment


        • #34
          Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

          Originally posted by 777467677079150 link=1260516383/33#33 date=1262480334
          And I thought playing inside the Expobar was tight!  Looks great though Chris.
          Yes- It looks pretty tight in the pix Dean, but in the metal, its actually not as nasty as I had anticipated.

          If anything were to fail, the cover (all 5.7 kg+ of it  ) is removed with 2 simple 10mm hex bolts and it then just slides up and away. Access to the pump is no problem for adjustment and replacement of control module, PID, the SSRs, solenoid and the elements is really simple.

          A good level of thought has gone into the build and ventilated, removable access panels are also on the underside.

          Chris

          Comment


          • #35
            Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

            Originally posted by 4D787572465A767F7F7C7C190 link=1260516383/13#13 date=1260659685
            Would I have one on my home bench? At this stage of the testing process, probably yes. I suspect that the next logical step up from here would have to be a GS/3 or similar...
            Any advance on this thought?

            Is it possible to adjust the pump pressure on the Duetto and how difficult would this be?  From your experience have you found the pump able to continue the shot successfully whilst topping up the brew tank mid shot.?

            And Re: la spaziale Vivaldi II

            Originally posted by DISAFFECT link=1229310867/5#5 date=1259538775
            We are currently air freighting a potential candidate which should be even better to fill the gap in our range. If it passes muster, we hope to have a new offer...Stay tuned...
            Chris, Has any thing further eventuated with this machine?
            Even though you dont  now stock the Vivaldi, where on the chart would you place it against the Duetto? Not just in the extraction but also in mechanical excellence. ( Would that be an oxymoron?)

            Lots of questions........Lots of $ars.

            Otzi

            Comment


            • #36
              Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

              Hi Otzi,

              In response to your question/s, yes- I would be very happy to have one on my bench at home. I may well do that if somebody wanting a GS/3 paddle in Melbourne comes along. I feel as if we have put this machine through the wringer and it has performed faultlessly. Pricing is reasonable and it offers a combination of features most closely matched by the GS/3 at 2 x $$$ but with a saturated group in the GS/3. The tight space between the spout and drip tray of the Duetto is a slight minus though.

              The Alex Duetto is far more robust in construction than the GS/3 which is VERY fragile if not handled carefully. The GS/3 has a soft chassis. We have so far experienced one write off in transit and one very bent machine which operates but will never be perfect again. You would never want to move a GS/3 around, but you could do it with a duetto (if youre a body builder :).

              As for the Vivaldi II, I think its difficult to make a comparison as its not available in plumbed/tank configuration, has a proprietory group and temperature control is somewhat crude in comparison. I figure that the LaSpaz group is about as good as a PID controlled, dual boiler e-61 in maintaining temperature.

              So far, I have never heard the pump of the Izzo activate to fill either boiler mid-shot. Does that mean it wont? I am afraid I cant answer that yet. Pump pressure adjustment is a doddle. 2 x 10mm hex bolts remove the cover and then all that is required is a screwdriver. Our stock will all arrive set to our specifications- so in theory, bench testing will be simply a check for build and leaks rather than the more comprehensive calibration required in some machines.

              Both our evaluaton machines have now gone to good homes and we receive more stock in a couple of weeks. One is going to a CSer, one for our demo bench and there will be unallocated stock as well.

              Its early days for this machine and there is always some risk with early adoption. My preference is to keep machines in Sydney and Melbourne for the moment as warranty will be strictly return to base until we appoint a dealer network. We have plans for WA very soon as well.

              Im confident to place trust in the build and engineering of the Duetto. Izzo have reacted rapidly to address concerns with the prototype machines and that they deserve a real crack at the Australian market.

              I open machines and peer inside them every day and see dumb build pretty much every day. So far, I see no dumb build in the Duetto.

              Chris

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                Hi Chris, another question if I may. The Giotto rocket has by and large received good press for its ability to perform and it’s construction quality. I also see you have (or had?) a thermo mod for these machines.

                Apart from the obvious HX and associated surfing, could I dare to ask your opinion between these two dissimilar machines. The Giotto professional (with rotary) and your new Duetto. Again I am more interested in their mechanical comparisons with an eye to longevity.

                Otzi

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                  Originally posted by 657E70630A0 link=1260516383/36#36 date=1262704297
                  Hi Chris, another question if I may. The Giotto rocket has by and large received good press for its ability to perform and it’s construction quality. I also see you have (or had?) a thermo mod for these machines.

                  Apart from the obvious HX and associated surfing, could I dare to ask your opinion between these two dissimilar machines. The Giotto professional (with rotary) and your new Duetto. Again I am more interested in their mechanical comparisons with an eye to longevity.

                  Otzi
                  Hi Otzi,

                  I think were probably attempting to compare apples and pears

                  Giotto Pro:[*]HX[*]Rotary pump- no tank option. Must be plumbed[*]Powdercoat chassis[*]Simple construction

                  Duetto:[*]Dual boiler, PID + 2 x SSR[*]Rotary pump- tank (small) or plumbed out of the box[*]Stainless chassis[*]Much more complex

                  The build quality of both machines is thoughtful and terrific, though I think the Duetto has the edge on internal build. There has been lots of thought to layout and protection of the control board, PID and SSRs.

                  However, the Duetto is a far more complex machine, electrically and hydraulically and I think you have to factor in possible failure of parts of the electronic side of things, just as those with volumetric touch pads and PID machines assume that replacement will be required at some future point.

                  I think that a more realistic comparison is with the GS/3 which is also electrictronically more complax than Giotto. Its a case of grandpas axe v technologically complex. Choose the one which makes you more comfortable

                  Chris

                  ps- The thermo mod is no longer required on the Giotto PP as its terrific out of the box. It makes a big difference to a Giotto Premium

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                    Originally posted by 5E6B66615549656C6C6F6F0A0 link=1260516383/37#37 date=1262723147
                    The build quality of both machines is thoughtful and terrific, though I think the Duetto has the edge on internal build. There has been lots of thought to layout and protection of the control board, PID and SSRs.
                    Thanks this is what I was hoping and answers the question for me.

                    How many shots would be required say to keep the .8Lt. tank fresh tasting? Say one shot with a bit of surfing twice a day. Be more than that of course but I am trying to gage an idea? -- thanks

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                      Originally posted by 766D6370190 link=1260516383/38#38 date=1262785455
                      Say one shot with a bit of surfing twice a day
                      A surf twice a day will do lots for your well being but I wouldnt take your machine into a marine environment  ;D

                      The reason you buy a PID machine is so that there is no temp surfing- just rinsing...

                      Nevertheless, you should be using your machine- especially the hot water function and Id be taking a few hundred mls out of each boiler on a daily basis as a minimum...

                      Had a 2 1/2 yo Giotto in for service last month and the hot water wand had never, ever been used...

                      What came out of it looked like lime cordial and there was also a whole heap of carbon- from replacement brita cartridges which hadnt been been pre-flushed  

                      Chris

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                        Originally posted by 0035383F0B173B32323131540 link=1260516383/39#39 date=1262818891
                        Nevertheless, you should be using your machine- especially the hot water function and Id be taking a few hundred mls out of each boiler on a daily basis as a minimum...
                        I use the hot water wand to give my milk jug a final rinse. Just enough so that I can give it a swirl all around the jug.
                        I have 3 coffees a day so the water gets turned over easily from the Expobars 3 litre tank.
                        If your tank is 0.8 then 1 coffee a day and a small hot water bleed as above should be enough.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                          The hot water tap serves a great purpose.... heating up short black glasses ;D and... thats about it!

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                            Originally posted by 5D6D7678776B7A6D4C767B7A1F0 link=1260516383/41#41 date=1262821196
                            The hot water tap serves a great purpose.... heating up short black glasses  ;D and... thats about it!
                            My wife grabs hot water for the morning cup of tea from the tap on my Bezera. ;D

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                              Originally posted by 5D6D7678776B7A6D4C767B7A1F0 link=1260516383/41#41 date=1262821196
                              The hot water tap serves a great purpose.... heating up short black glasses  ;D and... thats about it!
                              I always have a couple of shot glasses on the warming tray but when I use the double walled stainless steel cups the hot water wand comes in handy for heating the inside of the cup quickly before pulling the shot.

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Re: Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

                                I have an other question.  Is the duetto dispersion screen same as the hard to remove ones in other E-61 heads? Are there any non damaging tricks and or modifications?  Also can a bottomless group handle be got along with a triple basket?

                                Its a long shot but are these machines available with right hand steamers. Our tight confines make this a relevant and desirable question/option.  
                                Well if you dont ask.  [smiley=undecided.gif]

                                Thanks

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X