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  • Bill
    replied
    Re: Faema E98 single group

    Originally posted by 6B505146607E5353484D5658574B3F0 link=1232449957/0#0 date=1232449957
    Have seen the Faema E98 for sale on this site and cant find much in the way of reviews about the current model of this machine.   Does anyone have any comments or experience regarding its usability and reliability.  

    Other machines I am considering are the Minore 3, Domobar super lever and Bz99s (some good deals going on this one at the minute).  
    At that level they all seem to be good machines and the choice almost comes down to which one looks the best.   I also want a machine that my wife wont be scared to use due to complicated flushing procedures etc.  In that regard I was wondering about the Minore 3.
    Realise I have a lot to learn but looking forward th the journey.
    Any comments appreciated.


    Tony  
    As Yoma has said, look for reviews on the La Cimbali Junior and youll find plenty of info.

    I have the same machine. The only issue I have had with it was that I found the steam tip difficult to work with - hard to get good microfoam with. I found the holes in the steam tip to be too large, but maybe I just wasnt using the right teqnique. Anyway, I have since replaced the steam arm and tip with a La Spaziale one (not as straight forward a job as it first appeared - details here: http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1228561653) and now I get fantastic microfoam.

    BUT, if I was looking for a new machine, I think Id have to look really hard at the Minore 3. I dont know what its like to use, but I really like the idea of a PID controlled twin-boiler machine - easy to adjust brew temperature, shoudnt need to worry too much about flushing routines, etc.


    Originally posted by 3F292B27460 link=1232449957/2#2 date=1232491623
    That E98 is a rebadged La Cimbali Junior S1.  From the picture, looks like it has Faema style exterior panels instead of the stainless steel Cimbali exterior (ageless styling imho).  Also looks like it has a manual boiler refill.  The latest model S1 has an automatic refill.  I expect it would have a vibe pump which makes it easier to use than the bigger "plumbable" E98 auto (and Junior auto), which have rotary pumps.
    That would be correct. My machine looks identical to the machine thats for sale. Mine has manual boiler fill, with in-built water tank and vibe pump. Internally its identical to the Cimbali, and I mean identical - the internal parts all have "La Cimbali" marked on them. La Cimbali is owed by Faema anyway (or is it Faema thats owed by La Cimbali? - I forget), so most likely they are both made in the same factory.

    regards,
    Bill

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  • yoma
    replied
    Re: Faema E98 single group

    Originally posted by 774C4D5A7C624F4F54514A444B57230 link=1232449957/0#0 date=1232449957
    Have seen the Faema E98 for sale on this site and cant find much in the way of reviews about the current model of this machine.   Does anyone have any comments or experience regarding its usability and reliability.
    Hi Tony,

    That E98 is a rebadged La Cimbali Junior S1. From the picture, looks like it has Faema style exterior panels instead of the stainless steel Cimbali exterior (ageless styling imho). Also looks like it has a manual boiler refill. The latest model S1 has an automatic refill. I expect it would have a vibe pump which makes it easier to use than the bigger "plumbable" E98 auto (and Junior auto), which have rotary pumps.

    You should be able to find reviews of the Cimbali S1 on the net. In particular Ken Fox has posted comprehensive comparisons of the Junior.

    I bought my Cimbali S1 in 2001 which I recently sold. Actually it looks about the same vintage as the E98 youre looking at. I also had an E98 auto (rotary). No problems at all with either machine. If you make sure you dont let the boiler run dry (too often/long) - be vigilant with the manual refill, then you run the risk of the machine out lasting you with no excuse to ever upgrade.

    The vibe based E98 manual (S1 Junior) is reasonably easy to use. You should get about the same level of shot consistency as an e61. It does a great job with a wide variety of coffees and works well with larger and triple size baskets too.

    Its a very stable, classic HX design with sturdy build. It has a large cup warmer area and heavy footprint - so it doesnt go "wander about" with lots of use.

    HTH


    Leave a comment:


  • Dimal
    replied
    Re: Faema E98 single group

    Welcome Tony....... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

    All of the machines you have listed in your post are very capable machines and I think the best way for you to work out which one is going to suit you the best, is to make an arrangement with one or more specialist coffee machinery retailers (such as the ones listed on the L/H side of the page) and get a hands-on feel for as many of those in your list as you can. Most reputable vendors will have demo machines available for prospective purchasers to try before buying....

    You dont mention whether you already own a good quality Grinder or not but if not, then this must be at the top of your shopping list... A well engineered and competently manufactured grinder is even more important than the type of espresso machine you use; it doesnt matter how good your machine is, it wont be able to perform adequately without such a grinder and the use of freshly roasted, high quality beans only ground immediately before pulling your espresso shot(s). Such high quality Grinders should also be available for you to try out at the afore-mentioned vendors premises.

    All the best mate and have fun...

    Cheers,
    Mal.

    Leave a comment:


  • Tony_Allwright
    started a topic Faema E98 single group

    Faema E98 single group

    I decided to embark down the road of the home BaristerBarista. Am looking for a good machine that will last for many years without me wanting to upgrade it.  
    Have seen the Faema E98 for sale on this site and cant find much in the way of reviews about the current model of this machine.   Does anyone have any comments or experience regarding its usability and reliability.  

    Other machines I am considering are the Minore 3, Domobar super lever and Bz99s (some good deals going on this one at the minute).  
    At that level they all seem to be good machines and the choice almost comes down to which one looks the best.   I also want a machine that my wife wont be scared to use due to complicated flushing procedures etc.  In that regard I was wondering about the Minore 3.
    Realise I have a lot to learn but looking forward th the journey.
    Any comments appreciated.


    Tony  
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