Hi folks
Finally the time is right for an upgrade from my faithful Silvia/Rocky combo to a HX machine, hopefully with new grinder as well. As with all upgrade projects it starts small and grows, and I'm at a point where I'd love some input.
Initially the option came up when I saw an entry-level Diadema/BFC for $1500 new, which was very tempting. It's the "Junior semi-auto" I believe, with the big red buttons. My wife quickly vetoed it on style grounds, and I've been told it would be worth stretching to a lever machine in the same range. A few weeks ago a local supplier had the "Junior Levetta" and a basic grinder for the magic price of $2000. Unfortunately, I only realised how good that deal was this week when tax returns finally came back and made it all look possible - but now the package is sold out and new stock prices have suffered due to the exchange rate. A similar setup now seems to be at least 30% more expensive.
To be honest, the budget is pretty stretched at $2K or just over, and there's not much chance of it going up anytime soon. I'd love some input on a few key questions:
- what are the real negatives of the cheaper, "electronic" Diadema vs the lever models? (I've heard the steam/water valves are the non-crush type, but also that the lever setup is more reliable?)
- are there any other options to consider around this price-point? Either package deals going atm or just good value machines worth considering around $2K?
I'm steering away from the bigger, bulkier and often more expensive machines that do seem very popular (many in the $2500 -$3500 range), like the Profitecs, Rockets, ECMs etc. I understand that you get what you pay for in these machines, but can't justify the extra $700-1000 that you often pay for these, and we are looking for a more compact unit.
The Diadema/BFC range seems great, especially at old prices, but things sadly seem to be slipping away in terms of my budget. I'm struggling with the idea of paying over $2K for a machine on its own when the package I saw was less than that.
Grateful for any advice/input.
Finally the time is right for an upgrade from my faithful Silvia/Rocky combo to a HX machine, hopefully with new grinder as well. As with all upgrade projects it starts small and grows, and I'm at a point where I'd love some input.
Initially the option came up when I saw an entry-level Diadema/BFC for $1500 new, which was very tempting. It's the "Junior semi-auto" I believe, with the big red buttons. My wife quickly vetoed it on style grounds, and I've been told it would be worth stretching to a lever machine in the same range. A few weeks ago a local supplier had the "Junior Levetta" and a basic grinder for the magic price of $2000. Unfortunately, I only realised how good that deal was this week when tax returns finally came back and made it all look possible - but now the package is sold out and new stock prices have suffered due to the exchange rate. A similar setup now seems to be at least 30% more expensive.
To be honest, the budget is pretty stretched at $2K or just over, and there's not much chance of it going up anytime soon. I'd love some input on a few key questions:
- what are the real negatives of the cheaper, "electronic" Diadema vs the lever models? (I've heard the steam/water valves are the non-crush type, but also that the lever setup is more reliable?)
- are there any other options to consider around this price-point? Either package deals going atm or just good value machines worth considering around $2K?
I'm steering away from the bigger, bulkier and often more expensive machines that do seem very popular (many in the $2500 -$3500 range), like the Profitecs, Rockets, ECMs etc. I understand that you get what you pay for in these machines, but can't justify the extra $700-1000 that you often pay for these, and we are looking for a more compact unit.
The Diadema/BFC range seems great, especially at old prices, but things sadly seem to be slipping away in terms of my budget. I'm struggling with the idea of paying over $2K for a machine on its own when the package I saw was less than that.
Grateful for any advice/input.




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