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  • Vibiemme vs Rocket

    Hi all,

    I'm teetering on the edge of moving up to the big leagues (for me) here. I'm considering either a Rocket Espresso Appartmento or a Vibiemme Domobar Junior and I was wondering if anyone has a view on which would be the better buy. They both look like quality machines but I've no experience at this level so I'd appreciate your advice.

    Many thanks

  • #2
    I haven't had any experience with either, but when i was originally looking to move up to a better machine like you I went for a Expobar Minore. This said i feel that either the Rocket or the Vibiemme, you cant go wrong with. I feel it will come down to what you want to use it for (although i think both of these will serve the same purpose), also price. I haven't looked to see what cost more but as i mentioned i dont think you can go wrong.

    There is always the looks and appearance of the machine most of us consider, i was looking at the Vibiemme while looking at the Expobar as many including myself felt the Expobar is good in appearance but lacks behind some of the other machine, The Vibiemme being one. Mind you my Expobar never missed a beat for the 5-6 years i owned it and went for it as at the time it was a price consideration for me.

    Just my two cents.

    Chris

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    • #3
      Thanks Chris, that's great advice. I'm tending towards the Vibiemme but just need some reassurance before shelling out over $2k!

      Cheers

      Warwick

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      • #4
        No Probs, i can understand what you are saying. It took me a long to looking and researching and the bottom line for me was exactly that, handing over the $$$ wondering if it was justified. It turned out for me it was as it was a great machine and lasted longer than any machine i had previous.

        Good luck with finding the machine you want, I have to say ive always liked the look of the Vibiemme also.

        Cheers,

        Chris

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        • #5
          Hi Maarp


          Another consideration is the new Izzo Vivi. Its a direct competitor with the Appartmento

          https://www.casaespresso.com.au/izzo-vivi-pid.html

          I know Chris is an Izzo fan!

          cheers

          Antony
          www.casaespresso.com.au

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          • #6
            I second this, although i have the larger new Izzo, this Vivi looks almost identical bar the size. I purchased from Antony also who is great to deal with and will lead you down the right path.

            Chris

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            • #7
              Hmmmm, now I have more choices!

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Maarp View Post
                Hmmmm, now I have more choices!
                Plenty to like about the new Vivi.

                Shot timer, cool touch steam wands, removable cup tray, magnetic drip tray etc

                Feel free to call or PM if we can help

                Regards

                Antony
                (03) 9530 8992
                www.casaespresso.com.au

                Comment


                • #9
                  Maarp, I happen to own both (don't ask why!!) a VBM Jnr and a Rocket V3 PID which has a few more features then the Apartmento and the decision to buy one of them is difficult. So I'll give you a few pros and cons.

                  1. The drip tray on the Rocket is too small. Have to empty it too often and there is some spillage/splashing over the front side when backflusing
                  2. It is more difficult to fill the tank on the Jnr due to the hoses which can get in the way. The rocket doesn't have those hoses
                  3. It easier to foam milk on the Rocket. It has a more forgiving steam output. I find the Jnr too fast
                  4. The Jnr doesn't have an on light. I've sometimes left it on all night. The rocket has a bright green on light
                  5. The rocket looks classier but that is subjective
                  6. They both make great shots. No difference there
                  7. Longevity is good for both
                  8. Rocket had a great manual and DVD. Not the Vibiemme
                  9. Rocket comes with a more usable tamper and is better packaged
                  10. Rocket has a great reputation given the large number they sell.

                  So basically there is little difference other than price and aesthetics. Those differences are not deal breaking.
                  So what would I choose now if I had to buy one of them? The Rocket, because of its more controllable steaming and its better look.
                  Is it worth the extra? Probably not. It really is a personal choice which is made more difficult by some excellent rival brands like ECM, Profitec
                  Also don't skimp on the grinder. That's probably a more important decision.
                  Last edited by barri; 13 March 2018, 08:40 PM.

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                  • #10
                    That is really helpful Barri. I was just about to pull the trigger on the VBM but I'll go over your thoughts a few times first. It's not a huge price difference after all. Do you have any thoughts on the grinder?

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Maarp View Post
                      Do you have any thoughts on the grinder?

                      That's a budget and features question. Do you need electronic dosing? Conical burs? Number of cups per day? Doser or doserless? If you can stretch it closer to a $1000 then you have great choices like the Macap M4d, Mazzer mini, Quamar 50E etc etc. Have a good read of the grinders posts.

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                      • #12
                        Thanks again Barri. On reflection I need to consider the initial cost of the machine now as well as weighing up the Rocket vs the Vivi. You have been incredibly helpful and I really appreciate it.

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                        • #13
                          When you start talking about a pointy end espresso machine and grinder, you need to think about package deals to possibly save a few $s. If someone makes a coffee from each of the machines mentioned so far using the same coffee beans and grinder then you blind taste each coffee, you won't probably notice any difference ie all these machines can make brilliant coffee. It then comes down to looks, size and functionality.

                          Are you in the position to check out these machines in person at a shop which sells a good range of equipment (eg one of our site sponsors)? If so do it as you will be able to get a better look including a demo. The vendor should be able to recommend a good package deal based on your needs and preferences. Take your time and don't rush into buying something you might regret later. As barri said, don't scrimp on the grinder as this is a very important part of the coffee making process.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Maarp View Post
                            That is really helpful Barri. I was just about to pull the trigger on the VBM but I'll go over your thoughts a few times first. It's not a huge price difference after all. Do you have any thoughts on the grinder?
                            When looking at a grinder doserless models are the preference . Mazzer, Quamar, Macap and Eureka all have good models to consider.
                            A basic guide is to allow a third of your budget on the grinder.

                            Cheers

                            Antony
                            Www.casaespresso.com.au

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I've owned VBM junior for some time now and have been pretty happy with it. The reasons I'd choose it over Giotto are;

                              1. Compact size. Giotto is tad too big for my kitchen.
                              2. Deeper drip tray.
                              3. Sirai pressure stat vs mater on Giotto.
                              4. The hoses in the tank are actually a plus for me, as it allows me to plug in the water softener.
                              5. Cheaper.

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