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Retro Snob needs help

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  • Retro Snob needs help

    I have been banging away with a ponte vecchio lusso and good quality hand grinder for about 10 years. I can make a passable coffee with these tools but I’m ready to upgrade.

    I like the look of the ascaso dream pid or maybe kitchenaide or SMEG or even another handsome box with lovely pipes… just not a plastic thing - even if it does make good coffee.

    I’m after something I can dial in with some perseverance, but will then provide some convenience once I’m in the ball park with a rich chocolatey bean that’s not too bitter.

    budget of about 1K - happy with near new used.

    any ideas?

    PS- the Ponte Vecchio is a great little machine. I’m just ready to try something else.

  • #2
    Lusso or Export?
    You should have no problems selling either once you have found a replacement.
    I don't know if you will find anything as good for anywhere near your budget.
    You might be better off spending the $$ on a good conical grinder.
    The Niche zero would fit the bill if you like the aesthetics.

    Comment


    • yochiya
      yochiya commented
      Editing a comment
      100% agree

  • #3
    If you're after improved coffee quality I'd keep your Ponte Vecchio and upgrade your grinder. A Mahlkonig X-54 would be a great grinder to pair with this machine. Hey Cafe H1 and Niche Zero are other options, although for $1000 the Niche would be 2nd hand. It will also give you a more pleasant overall user experience, which should improve the convenience factor. However if you're done with the lever and just want the simple convenience of an electric pump machine I would count out a couple you've mentioned straight away. The KitchenAid and Smeg might look pretty, but they are poor quality and I think you'll be disappointed. For around the $1000 mark the Gaggia Classic is probably your best bet as you should be able to pick it up for about $750 which leaves $250 for a reasonable electric grinder. If convenience is key then you'll want to move away from the hand grinder as well. $250 will get you a reasonable 2nd hand grinder here on Coffee Snobs, or maybe something like a new Breville Smart Grinder Pro or Sunbeam Cafe Series if they're on sale. Neither are amazing grinders (I actually rate the Sunbeam higher), but they are reasonable entry level electric grinders that will get you going.

    Comment


    • #4
      Thinking Lelit Mara series. I hear you about the grinder… thinking oxo with scales.

      Comment


      • #5
        With the creep in prices u might get a good price for your lever machine if u sell it and that would give u more budget for a new machine. The problem is you might not be able to get back in to affordable lever machines again. Bezzera stregas are almost $4000 now and they were considered the worst of the modern levers (compared to profitec and izzo)

        Comment


        • #6
          Furtehr to tofu's post Casa Espresso has a great deal on the Izzo levers, ending tomorrow, if you are thinking of a commercial lever. Also some nice deals on HX and DB machines but the levers are $1k off. Too good to go past if you were thinking of one - https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/new...651#post918651

          Comment


          • amberale
            amberale commented
            Editing a comment
            Their original budget was $1,000.
            I hope this was an ambit claim for the benefit of their significant other.

            Plus, will you folks stop pushing up their hopes of a good price on the PV!
            I'm hoping to get it for $500.

        • #7
          amberale Haha, well said

          I had been looking over a year for a used PV Lusso to come up for sale in AU. I figured them to be an ideal 'entry' spring lever; just right for my liking.

          Got tired of waiting and was lucky enough to be able to buy a used Strega. Enjoying it immensely!

          secretsenor I'd echo LeroyC 's advice: keep the PV (assuming it's the Lusso) and get yourself a super grinder.

          Comment


          • #8
            OK. I think I’ve come back to my senses… I’m going to get a better grinder and see how that pans out. I might look at a heavier spring… does anyone do upgrade kits?

            Comment


            • amberale
              amberale commented
              Editing a comment
              I am not sure where you are but it is probably time to get your PV a good service.
              I'd be doing a bit of research to find out what can be done to pimp her while you are at it.
              Lots like this on the interweb.

              https://coffeeforum.org.au/discussio...hio-lusso-mods
              Last edited by amberale; 1 July 2022, 01:15 PM.
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