DE1+ vs Bianca vs Pro 700?

[eiscoffee]

Some of the Decent users are fairly evangelical about them, possibly if you put your location in your profile you might get some offers to look at one.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have updated my profile accordingly.

[338]

Some of the Decent users are fairly evangelical about them, possibly if you put your location in your profile you might get some offers to look at one.

[eiscoffee]

So my BDB died and I am looking at what to replace it with. I have been through several coffee appliances and more recently have been developing more of an interest in coffee so I wanted to make this upgrade one to really take it up a level. I would be looking to make 2-4 mostly milk based drinks per day up to 8 drinks when entertaining.

The 3 machines I keep coming back to are: Decent DE1+, Lelit Bianca, Profitec Pro 700

The DE1+ really intrigues me and plays to my inner geek. But the inability to brew and steam simultaneously feels like a step backwards. It's less time proven than other machines but the transparency that John provides regarding its development puts me at ease with that to a certain extent. This machine has the biggest uncertainty about it, especially because I don't know where I can see one in person.

The Bianca seems to hold its ground fairly well. I like the flow control paddle and that it appears to be part of the design from the start and I can see myself using it to experiment with. It may not have the reputation of some other machines but I'm confident it would have a good lifespan.

The Pro 700 gets really good reviews all round and its steaming power is often referenced. I would want to add the flow control device to it if I can find out where to source it in Australia. It doesn't cost much more than the Bianca atm but the flow control feels like an after-thought and it might be a lot more than needed.

I'm interested to hear opinions and recommendations, especially from anyone who was faced with a similar choice.