Time for new machine - need opinions

[myang84]

I am in the market for a new coffee machine and have narrowed my options to the two machines below:

1. Vibiemme Domobar Junior
2. Rocket Giotto Premium Plus V3

I will be using the machines at home and make probably 2-4 coffees a day. There is a price difference of around $500 - $600 between these 2 machines. Would appreciate any comments on these and what advantages are there of getting the paying the extra getting the rocket.

Also welcome any other suggestions around this price point.

[kopigeek]

I am in the market for a new coffee machine and have narrowed my options to the two machines below:<br>
<br>
1. Vibiemme Domobar Junior<br>
2. Rocket Giotto Premium Plus V3<br>
<br>
I will be using the machines at home and make probably 2-4 coffees a day. There is a price difference of around $500 - $600 between these 2 machines. Would appreciate any comments on these and what advantages are there of getting the paying the extra getting the rocket.<br>
<br>
Also welcome any other suggestions around this price point.

<br>
<br>

Welcome myang

Rocket - slightly larger boiler than the VBM Jnr, fancier packaging and PID (instead of a p-stat - much of a muchness on a HX machine)<br>
VBM - can do what rocket does (it's what in the cup that matters)<br>

If you haven't got a grinder I would suggest you put the price difference towards a burr grinder

[DaveD]

Hi Myang,

Welcome to Coffee snobs! I think Kopigeek is absolutely right, but there is the consideration of aesthetics. Especially when you're paying $2000+ for a machine looks will count. Personally I much prefer the look of the Rocket and would buy that over the vbm jr, but it definitely doesn't mean it makes better coffee.

Cheers, Dave

[DesigningByCoffee]

Him myang
Can I recommend the diadema range as well (junior, reale, unicorn) - similar price range and I chose from a similar shortlist after seeing the reale in the flesh for booth looks and build quality (chassis like a tank ��) and after 6 years I have not been disappointed.
Cheers Matt

[Dimal]

Can I recommend the diadema range as well (junior, reale, unicorn)

I think that should read - Unico Splendor...

Either way, totally agree with Matt. If you haven't had a chance to check out other makes in the upper echelon of espresso machines, you'd be doing yourself a disservice. Definitely worth visiting a couple of reputable specialist retailers, such as any from the CS list of Site Sponsors, and get some hands-on test drive experience...

Aesthetics are important too of course and in the top level of machines such as the ones mentioned above, that can be the final deciding factor since the internals of most of them are very similar.

Mal.

[DesigningByCoffee]

I think that should read - Unico Splendor...

Ha haa!
Where did Unicorn come from!!! Gotta love auto-coreect…

Though coming to think of it - unicorn - mythical creature … feels like an 'ultimate coffee machine" debate coming along…

[astormsau]

I just purchased a VBM Jnr and so far loving it. The biggest break through so far has been ditching the stock double basket and going for a Rancilio Precision 18g basket.

I stepped up/sideways from a Breville dual boiler due to space issues in my new kitchen

Drew

[barri]

Myang84, I happen to own both. I bought the VBM Jnr 4 years ago and the Rocket last December, so I'll try to give you a different perspective. They both make great coffees and built like tanks, so no difference there. Reliability, no difference. As for aesthetics, I'd describe the rocket as "classy" and the vbm as "sexy". If space is a problem then the VBM has a smaller footprint and might be a better choice. The Rocket has a much smaller drip tray and requires emptying more often. I empty the drip tray every day on the rocket but every second day on the vbm. I love the fact that the rocket has no hoses going into the water tank. That means its easier to fill and clean but this isn't a deal breaker. The rocket has a larger boiler and water tank but once again these aren't deal breakers. Where the major difference is, in my view, is the steaming. It is far easier on the rocket and more forgiving. I can steam for a cappuccino without holding the jug just resting on the drip tray and I don't have the same number of failures that I get on the VBM, in fact I can't remember the last time I failed on the rocket. That's not to say that you can't steam properly on the vbm its just that you have to be more careful with your technique. Is this a deal breaker? For me, yes but I'm sure others will disagree. Is it worth $600 extra then I'd say probably not but had I had my time all over again I would have bought the Rocket first then maybe a dual boiler eg R58 or profitec 700 second

There are 2 "musts" here. One, get a great grinder. The best you can afford. I've paired the macap m4d with the rocket and in my view is one of the best home grinders you can get and the compak k3 touch is paired with the vbm. One of the best bang for buck grinders out there. The other "must" is visit a site sponsor and have a look at both of these in the flesh. If you're in Melbourne visit Chris at coffee talk and he'll not only show you the difference but watch them in action. I know there are other good reputable dealers on this site its just that Chris has been my supplier.

Bottom line is that you'll be delighted which ever you get.

PS I forgot to mention the PID on the rocket. I've used it once to set the right pressure but once set you'll never touch it again. Once again not a deal breaker
PPS Welcome to coffeesnobs

[Nicho]

If your wanting other options have you looked at the ECM range? The Mechanika is easily within budget, if you have a look around the upgraded rotary pump model may squeeze into your budget (~$2800), couldn't be happier with ours. The ECM models are pretty similar footprint to the Giotto.

If space is an issue it is likely the VBM Jnr or Lelit Mara would be better options.

[myang84]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. I finally had a chance to look at the machines in person. The Giotto is a bit too big for my kitchen bench and the VBM Bomobar Jnr didn't look as good in real life. I ended getting a Lelit Mara which is a great looking machine with a small foot print that is also a HX machine.

The machine is very well built and the first few espressos are pretty good. Still getting use to the machine.

[Dimal]

Great stuff mate...

I'm sure you will really enjoy the coffee from your new setup, and of course, the process itself is a lot of fun too...

Happy brewing,
Mal.