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Newbie - advice on machine upgrade for home

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  • #16
    Originally posted by PhilWebb View Post
    As far as HX machines go, I just prefer boilers as they are not made of Alluminium as HX blocks seem to be. Also I think the heating of the boilers is simpler. Not that I have pulled any machines apart to confirm this.
    Are you perhaps confusing HX machines and thermoblock machines? I'm not aware of any HX machines off hand using Aluminium HX/Boiler setups, I'm sure they exist but IME most of them are brass/copper or stainless steel.

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    • #17
      Newbie - advice on machine upgrade for home

      Oops yes I think I maybe [emoji15] embarrassed look
      But a double boiler will allow me to turn off the steam boiler if required.

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      • #18
        Not all double boiler machines will allow you to switch off the steam boiler. My Expobar Minore II is a double-boiler but does not have a dedicated switch for this purpose, so be aware of the model you are looking into.

        Brett.

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        • #19
          What machine are you running at the moment? Is the ability to turn off the steam boiler the main reason that you would prefer a DB over a HX? Do you often have times where you only need the brew boiler and not the steam boiler? What is the type of drink you mainly prepare, espresso shots or milk drinks? If you're doing mainly shots, a DB or HX may not be necessary and you can get away with a temperature stable single boiler machine. If you do prepare a lot of milk based coffees, then you're not going to want or need the steam boiler off for long periods of time.
          Sorry for the Spanish inquisition but the more info you can give us, the easier it will be for the correct advice to be given.
          All the best,
          Steve.

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          • #20
            Newbie - advice on machine upgrade for home

            Hi Brett, yep aware of this. Currently looking at Rocket R58, Izzo duetto 3 and vmb super double boiler 2

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            • #21
              Hi Steve
              No problem with the questions.
              My current machine is a Silvia single boiler. She has been a great machine over the years but time to upgrade. We generally do a combination of both milk and non milk drinks.
              This is not necessarily a must have feature but can't hurt if it's there. I know there is a lot of debate over HX (not to get confused with TB [emoji53] embarrassed look again) and DB heating systems as to consistency etc. but I like the idea of having 2 separate boilers with separate heating elements it seems to make sense to me. Obviously they must have any issues well sorted otherwise no one would buy them.
              I have shortlisted 3 machines that appeal to me.
              R58
              Izzo duetto 3
              Vmd super double boiler

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              • #22
                All good Phil,
                I've copied and slightly modified another post of mine which I think fits well here as well.

                I'll preface my post by saying that I have no experience with any of these machines, but they're all very capable, high quality machines.
                If you have definitely settled on one of these, I would highly recommend that you have a play with them, even better if you can do it side by side.
                At this upper end of the spendy spectrum, you'll find the differences in certain functions, ergonomics and functionality to be minor at best. Having said that, a minor difference can be the difference between 'loving' and 'putting up with' a machine.
                You might find that a switch action on one machine really irks you, or the way the lever operates may be different on each machine. These tiny things can be deal breakers and unless you've tried each one, you'll never really know how irksome a certain function of a machine is until after you've spent your hard earned and it's sitting on your bench.
                Sorry I couldn't offer you any advice on the machines you've mentioned, but hopefully this can help in some small way.

                Good luck with your decision Phil, I know you'll enjoy the outcome either way.
                Steve.

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                • #23
                  Many thanks Steve,
                  Unfortunately being on Tassie I am restricted to hands on with a lot of machines.

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                  • #24
                    Newbie - advice on machine upgrade for home

                    I would like to thank everyone who has given advice, I have just ordered my New Rocket R58. Now can't wait for it to arrive.
                    A very special thanks to Chris from Talk Coffee for all his help and advice.

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                    • #25
                      Congratulations Phil,
                      you couldn't go wrong with any of those machines you had on your short list, all top notch units.
                      I take it from your post that you ordered your machine from Chris at Talk Coffee? If so, you can't go wrong there either, Chris gives great advice and his service is top notch too.
                      All the best,
                      Steve.

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                      • #26
                        Newbie - advice on machine upgrade for home

                        Thanks Steve, it almost came down to a coin toss. Problem now days is there is so much information available when trying to select a product, the choice is not always easy.

                        It's almost a matter of near enough is good enough. Otherwise it will just end up doing everyone's head in.

                        The choice was a no brainer as to where to purchase from, very helpful and a very well respected member of this forum community.
                        Next time I am on the Big Island it will be good to call in and have a face to face.

                        Thanks again
                        Phil

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                        • #27
                          Originally posted by PhilWebb View Post
                          Next time I am on the Big Island it will be good to call in and have a face to face.

                          Thanks again
                          Phil
                          Face to face is the best!

                          Thanks for your support Phil. We don't take it for granted.

                          I hope your new machine gives you much pleasure. I'm looking at it all wrapped up on its skid awaiting the courier on Monday. Won't be long now.

                          Chris

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