Rancilio S-24?

[Richard Kilgore]

I have been talking to someone about a used Rancillio S-24 and P-80 grinder (?). I know it is a discontinued model, and this one is supposedly about three years old. He says they paid about $3,000 for the whole set up, but that seems high since the S-24 retailed for about $1,700 I think.

I would appreciate any info on anyone's experience with the S-24 and the P-80 grinder. (I don't need a grinder, but he may not sell separately.) Anything to watch out for in a used machine? Any idea what these are worth today?

Does anyone work on these if there is a problem? Can you get parts?

Also, what would be in the market now that has taken the place of the S-24?

[Richard Kilgore]

Does anyone know anything at all about these Rancilio S-24 machines?

[Beto]

  Richard Kilgore said:

Does anyone know anything at all about these Rancilio S-24 machines?

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I don't know anything about that particular machine, but you should make sure that the boiler isn't calcified. Most commercial machines are plumbed in and have in-line filters, with a pour-over, it is important that the users add properly treated water. Calcified machines need to be overhauled, which can mean big bucks if you pay for a technician to do it.

I don't know anything about that grinder, but Rancilio does make decent ones; I have a Rocky that I really like.

The best thing to do is give bothe machines a good test drive.

[russ parsons]

hey richard, have you tried alt.coffee? that's where the wild things are. seriously, some incredibly knowledgeable coffee freaks and they are extremely generous with their knowledge.

i have miss silvia, but of course have no info on others of her line.

[MGLloyd]

Coffeegeek Rancilio S-series reviews

Richard, the above link will take you to some Coffeegeek reviews of the Rancilio S-24 and S-27 machines. They are pretty much industrial-strength units suitable for high volume use. Probably overkill for a home environment if that is what you are thinking about.

[russ parsons]

one thing i've learned about espresso geeks (and i am one)--there is NO such thing as overkill.

[Marco_Polo]

I've got the Rancilio S26, plumbed-in and with an in-line filter. Best damn thing I've ever bought (except for my bicycles). It's a beast, makes espresso and cappucino as good as in the best Italian bar. Yes, it's a pro machine and rather hunky on the countertop, but we love it and couldn't live without it. I have a guy who comes and services it every 18 months or so. The copper boiler did calcify pretty badly, even with the in-line filter (think we didn't change that often enough), but he put in some frighteningly powerful acid that cleaned it out good as new. Cost for a service was about fifty quid (plus a couple of bottles of wine - he was working evenings in his spare time). Go for it. Thoroughly recommended. As for grinders, I'm still using a toy, a Gaggia that we had to match our old, now defunct Baby Gaggia machine. However, it is effective and if it ain't broke, don't change it.

[MGLloyd]

  russ parsons said:

one thing i've learned about espresso geeks (and i am one)--there is NO such thing as overkill.

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Being the proud owner of a Rocky and a Pasquini Livia 90, I agree with you philosophically.

[russ parsons]

  MGLloyd said:

Being the proud owner of a Rocky and a Pasquini Livia 90, I agree with you philosophically.

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i did a story on the family behind pasquini and ever since then i have lusted after livia. i just had to change the gasket on miss silvia and i was half-hoping she wouldn't pull through (o fickle heart!).

[phaelon56]

In a commercial enviroonment I'd choose a brand other than Rancilio but for a home espresso bar that S-24 could be a great choice if the price is right. I think the retail on the S-24 was likely a bit over $2,000 for the plumbed in version (they had a pour-over model as well) but $3,000 with a grinder? he pais too much.

If you can snag the machine alone for $1,000 or so I'd grab it.

Things to look for /questions to ask on a used espresso machine:

- was it used with filtered water?

- if the area where it was in use is known for hard water was the water also softened?

- was it cleaned regularly with Purocaffe or Cafiza?

- when it was taken out of service was it stored in a place where it was subjected to freezing temperatures and if so was it full drained before it was stored?

Also - examine the outer appearance. People who take good care of the innards of their commercial machines are also usually attentive to the exterior.