@tal my view briefly: (and agreeing with Jake’s reply)
first - will the evo 2 make BETTER coffee than the Evo 1 . NO
does that mean it isn’t an upgrade? NO a big upgrade in workflow and practicality. less Faff. No clean up. But taste in the cup is the same used properly.
I will go broadly in the order Jake did
Cuprajake stronger chassis - better braced so less flex
different pump
Bottom Chassis design is much improved. No flex. Having said that once the Evo 1 settles it stays at a certain position. looks odd viewed from the side. No detriment to usability.
Pump is line voltage rotary. My (probably unpopular opinion) pump is a little too aggressive for the evo2. not suggesting all will follow me but its much better without the pump and hits pressure more precisely without over shooting.
Cuprajake different pressure sensors
vent feature/auto stop
this is the big one. 2 digital pressure sensors giving digital control and readout of “pre infusion and auto dump” Evo1 has a electro mechanical control for pre infusion which works well. occasionally the sensor diaphragm can burst and require a (low cost) replacement. Set up correctly it can match the evo 2 but more hassle to change target pressure if you believe you need to change it. cant remember the last time i adjusted it. great when its a new toy to play with
for me the biggest new feature is the solenoid vent / dump / auto stop feature with adjustable shot end by pressure or time. i only use pressure.
one point for @dfk41 IF you run it with the “dosing system” / menu set to manual shot end then its basically an evo 1 but with 2 options even here. 1 solenoid off. its really is an evo 1 and you need to move the cup to end the shot. 2. solenoid on - instead of moving the cup you press the middle button to Dump or end the shot. really great when dialling in and sorting out volumes and end pressures.
Optional! useful for forum pictures. otherwise no comment. possibly a joke that became reality?!
Cuprajake lever safety sleeve will slow the handle if let go by accident… at the same time the portafilter gets knocked out of the group…..
to Me this is not worth ordering. never needed inventing and i will win the lottery jackpot 3 weeks on the trot before that feature would have any practical benefit.
ON the OTHER hand after drilling extra holes to improve the flow then I really like the centre screw shower screen . no longer a safety sleeve( safety sleeve!! ) now a practical sleeve with purpose.
Cuprajake the auto stop feature is nice i suppose, but not needed.
this is where we dont align fully. to me it is the game changer :-) not having to watch the shot and have it end at the precise pressure you desire (in other words - repeatable shot volume) is the reason to upgrade or choose the v2. Again though it WILL NOT make better coffee. just makes it Easier with NO Faff and i canbe steaming milk disregarding the americano shot in progress.
Id say the new design “purge lever” or “early fill system” IS required and is easily fitted to the v1 AND v2. makes rinsing the portafilter far quicker and easier AND means each shot has the cylinder as full as practical with water / very little air. will that make a difference to taste in the cup? most likely not especially given mine and Davids taste buds!! But it adds to the repeatability of the shot so makes me feel better.
I like the new style laser cut drip tray and top plate as opposed to the wire ones but some later v1 also had this. definitely not a game changer
over the air firmware updates for the dosing system / timer programmer / screen. on the V2
@Tal any specifics weve missed please ask!!