Machine upgrade ..decisions!

[trentslaw]

I did exactly the same thing with very similar choices of machine,

I chose the ECM because I liked the rotary valves, small footprint, visual presentation, and German / Italian heritage.

I have no regrets whatsoever

YMMV

Yep absolutely. After further looking I think I've narrowed it down to Meachanika V Slim or the older, Technika IV (normal version, not profi). Would anyone recommend one over the other? Dont really need small footprint but the slim has the same boiler size (slightly less water tank) but has a SS boiler and some updated features being a newer generation. From the specs I cant see anything that shows the Technika IV as providing any additional benefit over the Mechanika slim?

[flashpixx]

I did exactly the same thing with very similar choices of machine,

I chose the ECM because I liked the rotary valves, small footprint, visual presentation, and German / Italian heritage.

I have no regrets whatsoever

YMMV

Hi all,

I currently have a Rancilio Silvia v3 and Rocky v3 Doserless grinder. For now I will be keeping the grinder but looking to upgrade (looking to spend around the 2.5k mark).

From reviews and availability, I'm weighing up the following 3 machines (ordered in preference) but keen to get some people suggestions/thoughts/pro's and cons etc. Any info is appreciated

1. ECM Mechanika V Slim
2. Rocket Appartamento
3. Expobar Minore IV

Cheers!

[roosterben]

Really interesting stuff from both Expobar and Vibiemme. Hopefully ECM and Rocket and other brands are forced to follow suit and explore profiling pumps/machines, they probably have it in the works already.

Looks like the dual boiler has pressure profiling and PID adjustable from the LCD screen, makes you wonder about longevity but would really neat being able to have them so easily tweakable. I assume there would be dual PIDs so one for the steam boiler as well. Features like these would have some of the decent features (although a much smaller screen) in a classic E61 format. If they happen to support bluetooth to talk to PCs and bluetooth devices like scales that would be super cool.

[Caffeinator]

Quite a big revamp right across the VBM range. Will be interesting to see if the previous longevity and servicing issues have been resolved for the Junior Hx model.

I'm quite interested to see how the Single Boiler Domobar PID model shapes up and if we'll see it here to challenge the ECM Classika PID.

The new Super mentions Pressure Profiles in it's Spec Sheet.

https://www.vbmespresso.com/en/home-barista/

Agreed on all fronts. 3 models of super. The basic analogue version is a rotary pump HX- an effective upgrade on the previous HX super. Upgrade from there and you're in what was previously 2B territory in that you're talking dual boiler. The new form factor of these versions adds capacitive touchpad and pressure profiling. No mention of actual pump type though in the specs of top end models. May be gear pump or perhaps they have come to their own solution? I'm watching with interest.

[CafeLotta]

VBM have a new Domobar Junior model coming and if it's better inside, it's worth shortlisting.

Quite a big revamp right across the VBM range. Will be interesting to see if the previous longevity and servicing issues have been resolved for the Junior Hx model.

I'm quite interested to see how the Single Boiler Domobar PID model shapes up and if we'll see it here to challenge the ECM Classika PID.

The new Super mentions Pressure Profiles in it's Spec Sheet.

https://www.vbmespresso.com/en/home-barista/

[Caffeinator]

I'd hold off on Expobar. The just released Crem One models are far better and will be at similar price points. VBM have a new Domobar Junior model coming and if it's better inside, it's worth shortlisting.

[trentslaw]

Thanks mate, was not aware of that model! footprint is not an issue, just seemed to be the smaller ones that I had come across that I liked features/function wise. Is that rebadged ECM a straight up Mechanika version (non slim) or is it a completely different machine from their normal line up? its in the price bracket and keeps the ECM quality I was looking for.

[RyeBean]

Are you needing small footprint? I went looking at the ECM and Rocket machines about a year ago, and ended up buying a rebadged full footprint rebadged ECM from DiBartoli (DiBartoli Lumina). Upgraded from a Silvia v1 and the difference is amazing - it would want to be for the $$ though!

I preferred the controls on the larger machine - levers rather than rotary controls for steam/water on the ECM and Rocket. YMMV

[trentslaw]

Hi all,

I currently have a Rancilio Silvia v3 and Rocky v3 Doserless grinder. For now I will be keeping the grinder but looking to upgrade (looking to spend around the 2.5k mark).

From reviews and availability, I'm weighing up the following 3 machines (ordered in preference) but keen to get some people suggestions/thoughts/pro's and cons etc. Any info is appreciated

1. ECM Mechanika V Slim
2. Rocket Appartamento
3. Expobar Minore IV

Cheers!