Hi all,
So I'm ready to buy a big boy espresso machine. I've had a bunch of other toys but most recently a Sunbeam EM6910 which I killed the group head collar on from overdosing... oops! I know I could replace it but I'm also tired of having machines that have issues and are at that "appliance" level where they don't last, so I've decided to step up to an Italian made Dual Boiler or HX machine. I would buy the Lelit PL60T new (which would take me a while to save for) but a La Spaziale Vivaldi S1 (v1) has come up locally pretty cheap.
I haven't been to look at it yet but I wanted to ask your opinion - what do I need to look out for with a second hand machine? Any obvious signs of abuse etc I know, but since it's got to be plumbed in and the seller hasn't installed it I can't easily give it a run to test it. I understand that it would be a risk buying it, but it's pretty affordable right now and would let me buy a nicer grinder (currently the good old Sunbeam) which would be a much better setup indeed. They said it had been serviced a year ago and hardly used since then (not installed) so I'm a bit worried for tubing etc sitting dormant in a garage for so long.
I just want to know IF I can gauge how long the machine might last for me - is it age or neglect that I should be worried about? Is a 10 year old espresso machine likely to go another 5-10 years with care (not sure how old this one is yet...)? Will a second-hand machine likely cost me a lot in parts/maintenance/consumables? I'm new to the "serious" world of espresso machines, so forgive my ignorance!
P.S. Also well aware that I will have a steep learning curve to making great coffee, considering the OD thing with the Sunbeam. I'm ready for that!
Thanks for your help and the hours of learning I've already had from Coffee Snobs!
Jon
So I'm ready to buy a big boy espresso machine. I've had a bunch of other toys but most recently a Sunbeam EM6910 which I killed the group head collar on from overdosing... oops! I know I could replace it but I'm also tired of having machines that have issues and are at that "appliance" level where they don't last, so I've decided to step up to an Italian made Dual Boiler or HX machine. I would buy the Lelit PL60T new (which would take me a while to save for) but a La Spaziale Vivaldi S1 (v1) has come up locally pretty cheap.
I haven't been to look at it yet but I wanted to ask your opinion - what do I need to look out for with a second hand machine? Any obvious signs of abuse etc I know, but since it's got to be plumbed in and the seller hasn't installed it I can't easily give it a run to test it. I understand that it would be a risk buying it, but it's pretty affordable right now and would let me buy a nicer grinder (currently the good old Sunbeam) which would be a much better setup indeed. They said it had been serviced a year ago and hardly used since then (not installed) so I'm a bit worried for tubing etc sitting dormant in a garage for so long.
I just want to know IF I can gauge how long the machine might last for me - is it age or neglect that I should be worried about? Is a 10 year old espresso machine likely to go another 5-10 years with care (not sure how old this one is yet...)? Will a second-hand machine likely cost me a lot in parts/maintenance/consumables? I'm new to the "serious" world of espresso machines, so forgive my ignorance!
P.S. Also well aware that I will have a steep learning curve to making great coffee, considering the OD thing with the Sunbeam. I'm ready for that!
Thanks for your help and the hours of learning I've already had from Coffee Snobs!

Jon

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