Commercial Espresso Machine for Home

[MakanmataRob]

Moving to a place with a larger kitchen, with room for a proper espresso machine. I have had an ECM Giotto for several years, that I am getting tired of constantly servicing, and figure that this is a good opportunity to step up to something better and more robust.

I am currently considering three machines, and would like to know if anybody has any thoughts on the comparative merits of any of them, or other machines in the same class that I should be considering. These are the single group versions of:

ECM Veneziano

Nuovo Simonelli Mac 2000

La Spaziale Vivaldi S1.

Thanks in advance.

[phaelon56]

I'm surprised the the Giotto needed regular "servicing" but if you're looking for a step up you seem to be headed in the right direction. I think the dual boiler feature of the La Spaziale seems very appealign and better yet, it's being sold by Chris at Chris Coffee. Despite appearances, I'm no shill for Chris but he provides such outstanding serbvice after the sale that I feel obliged to recommend him as the vendor of choice for any high end espresso gear.

In addition to the La Spaziale, he has a new model of Isomac that isomac developed specifically for the US market in accordance with input from Chris (he is the US importer of isomac and due to his volume his input carries serious weight with them). Can't recall the name of the new model but it's got a rotatry punp, is sold as a fuly plumbable unit, utilizes commercial grade dual manometer gauges, a commercial grade Sirai pressurestat and has fully swiveling steam and water wands. It's not lisate don his web site yet but if you call him and mention that I referred you he'll be able to provide all the details.

[MakanmataRob]

Thanks for the advice on the Isomac. I will check it out.

My one misgiving about the La Spaziale is that the group is not E61, and seems a bit smaller than standard. Is it?

[phaelon56]

I can't be sure but it appears the the portafilyter on the S1 is the standard 58mm size. I would assume that E61 grouphead is not as crucial as it is on single boiler machines. On the high end consumer level, the Pasquini Livias do not have E61 and if I recall correctly, in the comemrcial world there are many machiens that do not, including La Marzzocco's. The dual boiler scenario and the amount of thermal mass in the had assembly are probably enough to ensure both temperature accuracy and stability.

The new Isomac has a few advantages as I see it.

1) smaller footprint

2) dual gauge - the S1 has gauge only for boiler pressure

3) E61 head - I just love the way it looks and it's such a well proven design for maintiaing temp stability - why mess with anything else

4) Raw sex appeal. I have seen pics of the new isomac and trust me - it makes even the the Giotto look like a dowdy spinster - it really is an amazing looking machine

If it wasn't for the fact that I just bought a house and have my finances committed to some projects, I'd be doing an upgrade right now.