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Advice on used Bezzera BZ99S

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  • Advice on used Bezzera BZ99S

    Hi all, this is my first post as I am just about to enter the CS world taking ownership soon of a proper coffee machine. I will be picking up a used Bezzera BZ99S from a private seller in the next few days. The machine has apparently been well looked after before, but has not been used for around 5 years; the seller states that he has checked functionality recently and it appears to be in full working order. Is there anything I should be concerned of, and what should I check specifically when I collect it to make sure that everything is in order? Thanks in advance.
    Last edited by Blackfish; 14 June 2018, 11:08 PM.

  • #2
    Morning Blackfish, welcome to Coffee Snobs.

    Bezzera have a good reputation, I'm not familiar with the BZ99S, I'm sure others will be able to help.

    Try doing a search for BZ99S, quite a bit of info comes up, search box is on the top right hand corner of the page.

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    • #3
      Can't comment on the BZ99 but I have a BZ02 which is close to 16 years old. Still doing a good job. Had a couple of 'breakdowns' but each time has been fully repairable by replacing a part or 2.

      I personally think Bezzera are one of the more reliable manufacturers of you're going for a used machine.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by arcachon View Post
        Can't comment on the BZ99 but I have a BZ02 which is close to 16 years old. Still doing a good job. Had a couple of 'breakdowns' but each time has been fully repairable by replacing a part or 2.

        I personally think Bezzera are one of the more reliable manufacturers of you're going for a used machine.
        Similar experience with my almost 10 year old Domus Galatea, very easy to use, reliable machine that produces exceptional espresso.

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        • #5
          Make sure it warms up.
          Make sure it doesnt leak when blind is in portafilter.
          Um....steams and hot waters ok.

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          • #6
            Hi BFish...I've had a BZ99, earlier year than your 'C'. And IMHO they are a Rock Solid, Easy to Own, Respond to your Inputs
            Manual Machine with parts available at just about 'every cnr milkbar / fish in chippo !
            When I acquired my own, it was the best single Coffee move I made, away from the Consumer machine I had.
            And experienced for the first time that a good Espresso Coffee can / does have its own inherent sweetness.
            Stooped using sugar in my cup within days.

            Things to Look for -
            - where about the group handle locks away. it ideally should lock at '6 o'clock'. don't seek to over tighten.
            these will have either a round cross section G/H Seal or the Traditional Commercial Square style.
            Either of those can use a spacer if required.

            - Shower screen is held in place by a flat blade screw. these can seize in. so heat up if necessary.

            - On the lower RHS front is where the brew path exhausts. Some drip trays cracked in the cnr from excess heat.
            They dont always leak even tho cracked.
            - Also the DC power circuit / safety circuit use 2 wires connected to the Water Tank. So too clean a water (RO/Distilled) wont
            allow the signal that sufficient water is in the tank.
            - These use an in the water tank water filter / conditioner. Replace / and or clean and recharge.

            Other than that if it has been sitting for 5years it may require a strip, soak clean and re-assy.

            You can search via Google (CS+your question) will get you a much better search result.

            Members - Brendogs, and BodyBoardingBum posted up substantial threads about their restorative BZ99 experiences.
            Worth a read.

            Too save you frustration on your path I recommend you use
            - known good quality beans freshly roasted and dated, such as Andy offers via the Beanbay.
            - Match up to a good quality grinder with micro metric adjustability. Understand the maximum dose (quantity and level ) for each of your filter baskets.
            - Use water filtered to Coffee std to ensure sediment does not further effect the boiler / internals.
            - Use a good quality flat base, square edged Tamper matched to your basket(s).

            GL and Best Wishes on your coffee journey.

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            • #7
              Thanks everyone for the replies. When I check for leaks with the blind filter on, will leaks be visible only from inside the casing or the outside as well? Apologies if it is a dumb question but I am still dumb on the matter of coffee machines.....

              I am also looking into buying a grinder, I have my eyes on the new Breville Smart Grinder Pro or used Compak K6 or K8 for similar prices, Bezzera bb005, Mazzer Super Jolly,fiorenzato, and Boema / Rossi 45 a little more expensive, or iberital, and Nemox Lux very cheap, which one should I go for?

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              • #8
                I was suggesting the blind filter as a leak test as it will make the machine run up to full pressure. It may leak from anywhere, excess inside leaks will end up under the machine obviously.
                I suggest removing the covers and having a look inside. Many buyers of used machines have been shocked by crud growing on outside of boilers.
                Its not a problem to fix, but it takes time if you have the skills or money if you dont.

                I think it shows a responsibility of the previous owner if the machines insides are clean as the outer. A serviced machine will be nice inside.
                Also a leaky cruddy machine is a good reason to lower the sale price.

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