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  • Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

    Hi All,
    Im new to Coffee Snobs and after reading around on here for a while I figured I might as well join up and get some advice on buying a new machine. We are unfortunate owners of 2 (!) crappy Sunbeam Intuitive automatic machines and have finally had enough of them hardly working.  

    Im hoping to spend approx $1500-2000 on a machine (thats a little flexible - we want a machine that will do what we need it to do).  I have been doing so much research that Im starting to get lost!  Dont want anything automatic.  Ive been looking at Bezzera B707 and BZ99s, Isomac Zaffiro and Tea but I could really use some input from people who know a lot more than I do.

    We make approx 4-8 double shot lattes in the morning (we take travel mugs and a thermos to work ) and then maybe 2-6 latte in the evening.  

    Many thanks in advance for your help and advice.

  • #2
    Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

    Hi Coffee-Rose

    With that many milk based coffees I would be looking at a HX machine...

    As for witch one I cant help you there but others here will be able to....

    Cheers Gra..

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

      Are you concerned about looks? Personally, Id stretch the budget to a slightly bigger HX (probably the VBM domobar super) or go for the Bezzera BZ07 - the BZ99s seem to be hard to find. I think if youre making 4-8 doubles in the morning, you want something with a larger boiler than 1.5L (Bezzera) or 1.2L (Isomac Tea). The Zaffiro with the 700ml boiler simply isnt going to cut it for 4-8 doubles in succession, so you might look to the Bezzera Domus Galatea if you like the look + feel of Bezzera (2L boiler), or the 2.7L boiler of the VBM Domobar Super - one of the best value for money HX machines and with awesome steaming power for going through the latte milk. There are a number of obvious alternatives, such as a 2nd hand giotto, which might also fit the bill.

      If youre in Sydney, youre welcome to PM me, drop by and have a play with either of my machines.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

        oops ps. suggested 2 lever machines as the BZ07 is push on/off and so is the BZ99 - between the heat exchangers it comes down to taste in cup, aesthetics, build quality (Ive suggested two solid ones) and small things like shape/feel of drip tray, method of filling up, steam taps/nozzles and cup rack.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

          Hi coffee-rose and welcome.

          It sounds like a heat-exchanger (HX) machine may suit your multiple latte making requirements best. I understand the Bezzeras you mention and the Tea are HXs, but the Zaffiro is a single boiler (non-HX) machine, which would make that type of usage a bit difficult. If youre located in the Sydney area, Di Bartoli (see Sponsors on over there <<&lt stock them.

          HX machines generally start from around the $2,000 mark, although I think Expobar Office machines might still be below. Most HX machines these days are in the $2500 to $3000 range, and there are a large range available from many site sponsors. Best thing to do, after youve had a look around here and gotten some feedback, is to talk to one or more sponsors and get to their shops / showrooms to try them out for yourself.

          One big point to raise - do you have a grinder? As you may be aware, the ability to grind your own (good quality, fresh roasted) beans with a good quality burr grinder is essential. You would need to set aside at least $500 for a decent grinder (this would get you a Rocky), up to about $800 (Mazzer Mini, Macap M4, etc) or, at a pinch, $300 (for a Lux / Iberital Challenge type grinder).

          Enjoy the search.

          Greg

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          • #6
            Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

            + 1 for what Greg said

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

              +2 For Gregs advice.

              Cheapest HX machines are:
              Nuova Simonelli Oscar ~$1300
              Expobar Office Semi-Auto ~$1600

              Anything with a stainless steel outer is $2000+

              As Greg mentioned, allow for a good grinder.

              Visiting a sponsor with a wide range such as Di Bartoli (Currently have the Vibiemme Domobar Super Lever on sale) or Jetblack Espresso (Isomac Tea on sale) is definitely the way to go. Lots to choose from in the $2200-3000 range there. It will probably be a lot easier to decide when you see and use them.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                I picked up a new BZ99 from Barazi in Brisbane in April this year.

                It is a wonderful machine and i only do 2-4 double espresso a day and a hot chocolate for the better half.
                They are built like a tank an will deal with your coffe making requirements in  a blink. Happy hunting.
                cheers

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                  Thanks everyone for the response.  Youve all given me some great  direction to continue in my quest.  I know theres some great options in the $2500+ range but Im just not sure if I can stretch the budget that high as I do have to buy a grinder as well (I need to go and ask some questions in the Grinders section to find out the best grinder for my needs/budget also).  

                  At the moment Im leaning toward the Isomac Tea, I got some info from DiBartoli about the Tea and it seems to suit my needs.  Im not really concerned about looks or space, ultimately its the performance that matters.

                  While Id love to go and try out some of these machines - I live in rural Victoria - Melbournes about 3 hours away and I physically dont have the time or opportunity to go there.  The internet is my best friend when it comes to finding a machine and you guys are a great source of information.

                  Thanks again  

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                    Hi Rose,

                    Much of the Diadema range will also be within budget for you.

                    CosmoreX, Jetblack and Talk Coffee all sell Diadema.

                    When it comes to external finish, nothing comes close IMHO and the new Diadema HX machines (Extra and Regal 1.3L and 2.0L) are brilliant out of the box without retrofit tweaks or upgrades required to make other brands usable.

                    You will find much of the Diadema range within budget as there are special offers available this month.There are also good deals around on Vibiemme Domobar Super Lever with black sides....

                    Happy shopping...

                    2mcm

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                    • #11
                      Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                      Thanks 2mcm, I havent looked at Diadema yet but I will certainly check them out now. Cheers.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                        What can I say.... ;D

                        I second Chriss comments about the Diadema range and the current deals on offer certainly make an incredible opportunity to own a superlative machine... 8-)

                        Enjoy the experience

                        Mal.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                          How does the Isomac TEA stack up against the Diadema Junior Extra as I have just found the new Isomac TEA model for just under $2000! I realise the implications with a stainless steel boiler but how does the Isomac rate regarding the quality of components/build/shots compared to the Diademas? Im still not sure that a single boiler will cover "all" of my needs otherwise id definitely get a Perfetta now.

                          Im also curios about the distance below the group ie. being able to get a glass underneath comfortably?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                            Originally posted by 4A424B4A4D4A4A2F0 link=1249621346/12#12 date=1249813652
                            How does the Isomac TEA stack up against the Diadema Junior Extra as I have just found the new Isomac TEA model for just under $2000! I realise the implications with a stainless steel boiler but how does the Isomac rate regarding the quality of components/build/shots compared to the Diademas? Im still not sure that a single boiler will cover "all" of my needs otherwise id definitely get a Perfetta now.

                            Im also curios about the distance below the group ie. being able to get a glass underneath comfortably?
                            Hi emdebee,

                            I dont think thats really a valid comparison as youre comparing a $2k machine with a higher capacity and vastly better built and performing machine. A way more realistic comparison would be against a Mondiale or something similar.

                            FWIW, I dont think it (the Tea) stacks up against a Diadema Regal 1.3L which Id have in preference any day even if I needed to spend a few more $$$.....but of course, thats just my opinion

                            Nevertheless, a legion of Diadema owners here (including our mod, Mal) will tell you that the Extra and Regal are "right" straight out of the box. The tea still seems to need a fair amount of pre-sale work if its to do the job well.

                            Best bet is to look at them both, talk to a few people and then make your own decision.

                            Happy shopping...

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Having trouble deciding which machine to buy

                              Cheers 2mcm

                              Unfortunately I am not a fan of the styling of the Regal  , so I guess it is between the Perfetta and Junior Extra. My real criterion is the best quality/performance at the right price! Guess Ill be calling Talk Coffee tomorrow... see if I can get in there and have a looksee at some of the machines myself to get a better perspective on my impending/this week purchase.  ;D

                              I need good coffee when I write/produce music!

                              I need it now...  

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