HX machine and grinder package circa $2K - advice?

[dimmy]

Great to know there are great options from sponsors in all states. Will be paying our local a visit this week and doing a bit more research. Thank all for the input.

Did you end up deciding what to get?

[therev]

Yep, me too.

But being in Canberra has naturally led me to buy the heavy stuff at Cosmorex (as well as a general desire to support a local business that I would like to still be around in 5 years time). Great service and advice from both.

What Diadema do you have Barry? I should pop in to check out what sounds like a sweet setup!

[therev]

Great to know there are great options from sponsors in all states. Will be paying our local a visit this week and doing a bit more research. Thank all for the input.

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

I'm both actually...

Have been very well looked after by both Chris and Attilio over the years, and am very grateful for the experience...

Mal.

Yep, me too.

But being in Canberra has naturally led me to buy the heavy stuff at Cosmorex (as well as a general desire to support a local business that I would like to still be around in 5 years time). Great service and advice from both.

[Dimal]

Mal's actually a happy Talk Coffee customer

I'm both actually...

Have been very well looked after by both Chris and Attilio over the years, and am very grateful for the experience...

Mal.

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

It's going to be hard for others to replicate your personal trade-off for new v 2nd hand. Personally, as it is your first HX, I'd be tempted to go the Jnr Levetta or the Domobar Jnr. The people at Cosmorex are very good to deal with, know their stuff, and you get a warranty (my Diadema, k3 and M2M were all purchased there). I doubt that you'll taste a huge difference by stepping up to the Rocket (for instance), particularly if you drink a significant proportion of milk-based drinks. Up to you though, therev.

[therev]

Thanks folks - really appreciating the input re grinders and machine ideas.

So most would recommend a 2nd hand "premium" machine over a new entry-level HX? What would the main benefits be of the Rocket Giotto/VBM Domobar Super vs a more basic new machine?
Looks like the options within striking distance are:
- near new Lelit Mara (a bit over budget)
- new BFC Junior Levetta (a bit over budget)
- new VBM Domobar Junior (a bit over budget)
- 2nd hand VBM Domobar Super (a bit under budget)
- 2nd hand Rocket Giotto PP (a bit under budget)

What would people go for?

[TC]

I was under the impression the M2M was on par with my Rocky and that the K3 was the next step up.

No way is the K3P a step up over the M2M. It's on par and I'd rate both as superior to an unmodified Rocky. Both are faster.

I agree that you should try your Rocky with whatever you choose next.

[Steve82]

Hi therev,

You may want to check out the 2nd hand options from one of the site sponsor Second Hand Coffee Machines

Agreed, scroll all the way to the bottom and those 2 machines fit OP perfectly, keep the change from your 2K, persevere with the rocky for a while and save up for different grinder.

[oliviaarlianto]

Hi therev,

You may want to check out the 2nd hand options from one of the site sponsor http://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/s...nes/#gsc.tab=0

[therev]

Thanks Barry and Dave for the input re grinders. I was under the impression the M2M was on par with my Rocky and that the K3 was the next step up. Any other input folks re grinders?
Starting to think maybe to stretch the budget to just a machine and soldier on with Rocky until I can find more $$ down the line for a bigger jump in grinder quality.

I did look at that package for sale - looks nice, but I'm a little hesitant about 2nd hand, with the potential need to get things dialed-in properly (vs a new machine set up well by a technician) and costs associated with this and likely need for servicing sooner. Thoughts?

[TC]

Hi therev.

I really like the VBM Domobar Junior in the circa $2k bracket: Vibiemme Domobar Junior | Talk Coffee

Chris

[therev]

It sure does seem that way Chris - it was a shock to see things go up that much so quickly, but I understand the very real price pressures.

What are your thoughts on the cheaper HX machines - are there particular things to focus on in choosing, or things that play a big part in longievity/total cost of ownership?
Of course style is a big deal for people, and some machines are certainly more popular, but I'm probably faced with a $1500-2000 option or else waiting quite a long time, as for us it's less a matter of saving a few bucks extra and more about having some cash available at the moment.

[TC]

It's just the price rise that has thrown me...

G'day therev,

Mal's actually a happy Talk Coffee customer

Sadly, I think we're all going to have to be prepared for the inevitability of price rises on everything purchased in Euro and $USD.

We're just about to land the next batch of Alex Duetto and the landed price hit to us over our last import was over 15%. The margins just don't exist in espresso gear to absorb these price increases and my advice to those contemplating waiting for lower prices is that the wait may be a really long one.

Now is the time to move on stock which was landed in happier (read less expensive) times.

Chris

[therev]

Thanks Dimal - I noticed you were a happy Cosmorex customer! I have popped in and they have been very helpful. It's just the price rise that has thrown me so I'm trying to see what other options I should consider. It's a big jump from Silvia to HX territory, and the $1500 deal got us thinking seriously about it. We've since been pretty much talked out of that machine, but am left a bit stranded now as there seems to be daylight between that machine and the next step up in most ranges at well over $2000. Just trying to reorient and figure out whether to wait 6mths and try to save or hope for a better deal!
On a side note, they even had your DB PID for about $2500, but it is $1000 more now as well! If only I'd realised what I was looking at!