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$2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

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  • $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

    Heres an interesting one. Lets say (hypothetically of course!) you had $2000 - $2500 to spend on a new coffee machine. What would you go for?

    In addition... all things being equal... could your average punter recognise the difference between a shot from a Silvia and one from a $2000 + machine?

    Id love to know your thoughts.

  • #2
    Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

    JD,

    I just became the proud owner of a Diadema Junior I was facing a similar choice, upgrading from a Krups Novo :-[

    Three days on and I am producing reasonable espresso and my average shot on the Diadema is on par with the best I ever pulled from the Krups!

    Steaming milk? Ill keep you informed as Im still coming to grips with a 20sec window to attempt microfoam as opposed to the old 2 minute routine >

    Just my 2 cents worth as a recent convert from a basic machine to something much more special

    James

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    • #3
      Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

      Im getting married in June and my Mother in law has very generously offerred to buy my wife and I an espresso machine in the above mentioned price bracket. The finalists for me were the Diadema Junior and the Giotto Premium. I like the idea of the Expobar Brewtus but not yet available in Australia and if it was, I dare say it would be more like $3000.
      The Diadema Junior is pretty much locked in atm.
      I dont think the average punter could tell the difference between a shot on the Silvia and a shot pulled on the Diadema or Giotto. A CoffeeSnob maybe, average punter no
      After having given up in the past, Ive recently taken up steaming milk in an attempt to pour some latte art. One thing is for sure, I wont miss the pour espresso, heat up, steam routine of a non HX machine.

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      • #4
        Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

        I personally went for the Giotto (it was that or the La Scala Butterfly for me) and have been really happy after the first 6 weeks. Was using a Silvia prior to this and am really happy with the upgrade. The Giotto is a lot easier and more convenient to use. The steaming ability is amazing, the only thing being that you need to be pretty good with your technique as it is so quick.
        Id have to agree with what I was told, that it really comes down to personal preference at this price range. Go with a machine which has a good reputation, has good customer support and most importantly (in my opinion) you love!
        Good luck, Im sure youll be really happy ;D when you get the machine.

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        • #5
          Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

          Was anybody else put off by the fixed steam wand on the La Scala?
          Probably not a deal breaker to most people, but not having the luxury of using any of the machines in person, I was guessing the steam arm may have become an issue. Things like giving the wand a quick flush, Id want to have the wand over the drip tray and then swivel it out to steam. Other than that the La Scala has excellent specifications.
          Might just be me... :-/

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          • #6
            Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

            Sharkboy,

            I second your thoughts....I was VERY interested in the La Scala but ultimately didnt want a Lever machine - the fixed steam arm on this and another machine I looked at - I think it was the San Remo ??? - was definately an issue to me personally. I spent 2 years placing a cloth/jug under my fixed Krups steam wand and for the type of money that a HX machine commands, I was not going to suffer the same inconvenience 8)

            James

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            • #7
              Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

              The weird thing was I actually emailed someone at the La Scala factory somewhere in Italy and the reason given for the stationary steam arm was due to safety concerns...? Even my Gaggias steam wand swivels. Just seems odd.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                I have found the swivel steam wand to be really convinient.  But at this price range, availability of spare parts, support and looks will be the deciding factors.

                Just out of interest, AJzCafe, why did you not go for a lever machine?

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                • #9
                  Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                  Hey all,

                  I drink more milk-based coffee than espresso and I the other 2 machines I have owned, Russell Hobbs and Krups :-[ both required me to flick a switch to brew and then again to stop.

                  Not really a comprehensive answer, but I wanted that same convenience from my new machine - I did want some control as oppsed to a fully auto control panel, but I didnt think much more of pulling the lever than a novelty in itself. No disrespect intended!

                  James

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                  • #10
                    Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                    Perhaps I might have misunderstood. There is a lever version of the Diadema, which when u flick it down, activates the preinfusion, and then makes the shot.

                    The BFC junior that I have, is just a rocker switch with the solenoid valve. I flick it and it pumps.

                    We are not talking about those manual lever operated machines are we? 8)

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                    • #11
                      Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                      Would personally go for the Elektra Microcasa, level pull hx machine, think you can get it on ebay at this price range.

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                      • #12
                        Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                        I bought the Diadema Junior lever in Jan ang couldnt be happier. It was probably extravagant for a first machine but I was after something that I would enjoy using, was easy to operate and that I wouldnt want or need to upgrade any time soon.

                        I have found it to be a joy to use and easy to get very good results from both in regards to esspresso and milk.

                        My one word of advice - find a good dealer that will let you have a demo of the machines before you make up your mind - a truly invaluable exercise.

                        Cheers,

                        Rob.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                          Regarding the Elektra HX machine, this is a non-lever machine. The elecktra microcasa is a manual lever machine like the Pavoni lever machines but with a spring in the group. In Australia both machines are absurdly overpriced. The Elektra semiautomatica HX machines retails for over $AUS3,000, whereas in the USA it sells for around $US1200. The microcasa lever sells for around $AUS2000 here, and around $US800 over there. So, in short, Elektra are not really worth it unless you are willing to pay a huge premium for style.

                          It seem a lots of people here like the Diadema  Junior machine. I must say they look great on the net and they have good reviews (in the USA they sell under La Valentina), plus the likes of Fresh Coffee sells them, and Pinot used to sell them. Id love to know where to see one in the flesh and get it demonstated. In particular Id like to know how they compare with the Giotto premium, which I have seen, and can say it looks great. Plus it has rave reviews.

                          The other set of machines that are in this class, but nobody here seems to talk about are the Isomacs. Ive seen these too, and they also look pretty flash, though their reviews arent quite up there with the Giotto and Diadema/La Valentina. One can get a Isomac Millenium, or Tea for around the $2,200 mark in Sydney.

                          Oh yeah, and if one has lots of room in the kitchen, one can get a commerical machine for around the $2,000 mark. For example, Mocapan have the Rancilio epoca on sale at an amazing $1.995. This machine is the full quid, much more machine than Giotto in every respect. There are also lots of other commerical machines, of similar quality for the same money. But they are big, and probably too much in every respect for the home user. But they are great machines and much better value than Giotto, Diadema, Isomacs etc. I for one, though, dont have the space, plus prefer the aesthetics of the chrome boxes, and thats probably what I will end up with when I make up my mind which to get (plus get permission from my partner to trade up from a perfectly useable Pavoni).

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                          • #14
                            Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                            The closest thing to a reason for not getting the Giotto Ive come up with, and it is a small one, was a recommendation from a guy that repairs commercial and domestic espresso machines. He mentioned that he had seen several Giotto Premiums that had a minor problem with the water level sensor in the reservoir. I cant remember the exact details but something about the sensor slightly seizing due to a build up of limescale(?). Anyway it wasnt a big problem but when splitting hairs any reason will do

                            Please Giotto owners out there dont get angry at my comments Just passing on information that might prove useful... or not?

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                            • #15
                              Re: $2000 - $2500... what would you choose?

                              I dont know about down there, but over here in the US you can pick up a used 2-group commercial HX machine for well under $1,000. If you have the space and want a top quality machine you might look at going the used route. Personally Id go for one of the semi-automatic types with as little electronics on it as possible. Theres little on them to break and if something does break its an easy and relatively cheap repair. I bought a Cimbali M28 2-group and did a *complete rebuild on it for about $50US. Given what these machines are designed to do I figure itll last me the rest of my life and quite possibly my kids life as well with an occassional gasket/washer being replaced.

                              As soon as you get into the newer automatics electronics are added to the machine and this seems to be their weak point. Given the high temp and humidity conditions in these machines its no surpirse that circuit boards go out on them on a fairly regular basis. And given that theyre propriatary its also no surprise that they want big bucks for a replacement part. Theres no circuit boards in the older style manual/semi-automatic machines. The most complex electronic component in them are switches and relays.

                              For a third of the price youre looking at you could have a totally rebuilt top-of-the-line 2-group commercial HX machine that will last you the rest of your life.

                              Java "Something to consider" phile
                              Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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