hello Snobs!
I'm in the process of buying a new machine and have narrowed it down to three options and would appreciate any advice on making a final decision.
One important factor - I live in the remote NT, so the ability to service and repair the machine myself is important (I'm reasonably handy, so should be able to handle most fairly simple stuff) as decent servicing requires sending interstate at huge expense. Regardless of that, I'm keen to avoid any major repair work for a year or two minimum, after lots of nursing a Sunbeam EM6019 and EM7000 along over the last ten years - and a house we're moving into with months of little and big tasks coming up!
Lelit Mara X ($2 200) - this is a new machine and from what I can see is fantastic!
Expobar Leva, 2012 ($1 000) - this is a secondhand machine on offer by private sale. I've looked at it and it seems in reasonable condition, but it has some wear marks on the collar (see pics) and hasn't been serviced for a few years (since the owner moved to NT). I forgot to ask, but I don't think the owner used any special water and Top End water is very limey.
Expobar Minore III, 2010 ($2000) - as far as I know a great machine and a double boiler to boot. It's been serviced and is on sale with JBE, so I'd guess it's in top condition.
Obviously saving a grand (Leva) is fairly attractive, but I don't want to be stuck with a lemon - with the cost of freight, getting a major service could easily eat up a significant portion of that saving. The Minore seems to me like the best machine, but again, I'm not sure what to expect in regards to durability of major items ... and maybe the Mara X is so good it trumps the Minore!
We drink 2 - 4 (mostly milk) coffees most days, but often have visitors around, so might make 10 or 20 some mornings. I have also thought of operating at small local events, like tennis mornings, to recoup some of the costs, so could make a few dozen or a hundred coffees in a morning.
I'm in the process of buying a new machine and have narrowed it down to three options and would appreciate any advice on making a final decision.
One important factor - I live in the remote NT, so the ability to service and repair the machine myself is important (I'm reasonably handy, so should be able to handle most fairly simple stuff) as decent servicing requires sending interstate at huge expense. Regardless of that, I'm keen to avoid any major repair work for a year or two minimum, after lots of nursing a Sunbeam EM6019 and EM7000 along over the last ten years - and a house we're moving into with months of little and big tasks coming up!
Lelit Mara X ($2 200) - this is a new machine and from what I can see is fantastic!
Expobar Leva, 2012 ($1 000) - this is a secondhand machine on offer by private sale. I've looked at it and it seems in reasonable condition, but it has some wear marks on the collar (see pics) and hasn't been serviced for a few years (since the owner moved to NT). I forgot to ask, but I don't think the owner used any special water and Top End water is very limey.
Expobar Minore III, 2010 ($2000) - as far as I know a great machine and a double boiler to boot. It's been serviced and is on sale with JBE, so I'd guess it's in top condition.
Obviously saving a grand (Leva) is fairly attractive, but I don't want to be stuck with a lemon - with the cost of freight, getting a major service could easily eat up a significant portion of that saving. The Minore seems to me like the best machine, but again, I'm not sure what to expect in regards to durability of major items ... and maybe the Mara X is so good it trumps the Minore!
We drink 2 - 4 (mostly milk) coffees most days, but often have visitors around, so might make 10 or 20 some mornings. I have also thought of operating at small local events, like tennis mornings, to recoup some of the costs, so could make a few dozen or a hundred coffees in a morning.



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