Where next from Moka Pot?

[Donttalk2meb4my1coffee]

Yes, I have been using the Vivi for some time now and I love it! As this is my first proper machine, it also made a huge difference that I took a Barrista course to learn the basics (much better than YouTube).

The only annoying thing is that the grill on the splash box (not sure that’s the right term) is flimsy, looks cheap and is hard to remove when cleaning (and hence scratches the polished steel). It’s also annoying to refill the water tank daily (although I believe the Vivi already has a bigger tank than others).

I am also still using my Breville grinder, but not sure for how much longer :-D

[steiny555]

I assume you've had the Vivi for a few months now Donttalk2meb4my1coffee, any reports and assessment on it? Also did you get a grinder to go with in the end?

Am considering one myself, seems like a great 'bang for buck' machine that's maybe a step or two above the low-mid $2000 mark competition.

[Donttalk2meb4my1coffee]

Ok, I just ordered the Izzo Vivi from one of the sponsors.

May the brewing journey begin

Many thanks to everyone for all your great advise!

[Caffeinator]

Site sponsor Jetblack Espresso is an appointed reseller of Izzo and they're in Frenchs Forest.

[338]

I was going to suggest to purchase from either AB or Casa Espresso, whichever was closer and am sure they will both supply at the same price. You are halfway so makes no difference

[Donttalk2meb4my1coffee]

338 I am Sydney based

[338]

What state are you in?

[Donttalk2meb4my1coffee]

I think I am almost sold on the Izzo Vivi
Not sure how my wife reacts if I break the news and that I might need a new grinder soon as well *lol*

[tompoland]

Yes Blues1143 that was me https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/equ...est-refinement

The big changes to the original Flair 58 were made in October 2021 with the introduction of the plunger valve which meant there was no need to disassemble and reassemble the group head for each shot. That version is currently available from site sponsor AB.

The latest change is a smaller refinement with the power cable now being in only 2 parts instead of 3, eliminating the need to connect them in a particular sequence. This newest version is being released in the USA June/July but AB have not been advised of an Australian release date. If they follow the same release date pattern as last time then we may be looking at stock arriving early in the third quarter. That's my guess.

I'm not in a rush so will probably hold out for the latest and greatest. In the meantime I've put my Flair Signature Pro 2 up for sale here on CS.

On a side note, I wish Flair would denote the version number with a 1.2 or 1.3 or similar because at the moment the model name for all versions is simply "Flair 58" so it's a bit tricky to initially figure out which version is on offer for sale. Ah well, first world problem, as they say.

[Blues1143]

tompoland I think you mentioned waiting for the next version of the flair 58, do you know if big improvements are coming? I am interested in adding a manual lever.

[tompoland]

Thought about what I would do if I was starting out again and I had your budget of 2,000 and I needed both a grinder and an espresso machine. I would get a Flair 58 and a Niche Zero.

Bear in mind I only drink espresso (no milk) and medium to medium/dark roasts.

If steaming was important then I would swap out the Flair for a Breville Dual Boiler.

But the Vivi is way sexier 😍 and very good quality ... so if the budget was say 3,500 then the Flair and BDB would be dropped for the Vivi.

And off we go down the rabbit hole....

[ovonate]

Yeah these look great. If I wasn't so sucked into the Cremina pit I would probably be downsizing to one of these.

[Caffeinator]

Wise words...

[DaveD]

To be honest, this would be my first ‘real’ coffee machine and I don’t want to spend more than low $2ks in case I don’t get hooked and end up using my Moka Pot again

I would recommend buying a better machine such as the Vivi. If you do change your mind because you're not hooked, there is a greater likelihood that you will get a better recovery if you sell the machine on.

[tompoland]

Site sponsor @casaeapresso just announced an EOYFS I would recommend you message Antony and see if you can get a deal on the Izzo Vivi.