I've gotten in contact with ACS about the Minima cost since I can't find a UK retailer and Maria got back to me with a standard stainless steel Minima for €1200,00 (approx. £1050) including shipping to UK with 24 months of warranty where they will support for any issue/s or replacements (free of charge for the warranty period) by emails, pictures and video calls. Am I right in thinking this is a fantastic price right?

@"Verion"#p28064 It used to retail £1179 to £1379. Please note, unless they have advised you otherwise, you will be charged VAT and import duties by DHL for customs clearance in the UK.

@"LMSC"#p28065 Good point about the VAT and import duties by DHL for customs clearance in the UK. I'll ask Maria about that.

Still a good price though. Is there another dual boiler in or around that price available from a UK retailer?

id buy now before it goes 2 euro to a pound haha there a good machine tbf

@"Verion"#p28066 One point to note - there should be no duties, only VAT, as the machine is made in the EU. I was charged (incorrectly) a fairly minimal amount of duty on my ACS machine, and I didn't challenge it. I was charged a much higher % amount on a recent import of a sweater (from Italy, as it happens)… and DHL backpedalled very quickly when I challenged them. Just make sure that ACS adds a declaration of origin to the paperwork if you go the 'direct from manufacturer' route.

@"dfk41"#p28067 The only dual boiler that comes close is the Lelit Elizabeth v3 at Bella Barista for £1,149 in price. But I'm not into the design. Maybe it looks too much like my current Sage DTP which I'm ready to move on from after a number of years. If Black Cat Coffee had the stainless steel Minima in stock it would have been £1,279, so the prices direct assuming I am liable for VAT and Import duties makes it around £1,260(ish). If not, then it makes it better value at £1,050 with everything included than the Lelit Elizabeth v3 or if I wanted an HX machine, then the Lelit Mara X v2. The next jump is closer to £1,800 with the Lelit Bianca v3 or something from Profitec or ECM. It's a lot of money when a Minima is a lot, lot less.

@"CoyoteOldMan"#p28071 Can I assume you bought your Minima direct?

@"Verion"#p28073 It was a Vesuvius Evo Leva, but yes - direct from ACS, so dealing with exactly the same people and carrier that you'd be!

@"Cuprajake"#p28070 Would be good if it did go 2 euro to the pound - Minima would only cost £600! Sadly parity is more likely.

haha you know what i mean lol the bianca is a different kettle of fish, alot more for your money than the minima - but its £600 more

ACS Minima

CoyoteOldMan

dutchy101 Theoretically, up to £135 the vendor is supposed to register for UK VAT and provide you with a “UK VAT paid” invoice. In practice, unless the customs inspector actually inspects (1 in 30, maybe?) the documents, it goes through.

dutchy101

I love a gamble!

CoyoteOldMan

dutchy101 Worst that happens, you pay VAT…

dutchy101

Yes, exactly - £24 which would make the total cost around £145

Gagaryn

dutchy101 Plus of course the £10 or so that you will be charged in fees for the collection of the VAT payment. I’ve had several imported orders that have arrived since Brexit for which no VAT has been collected though, customs are overwhelmed. I would have gambled too.

dutchy101

Ah yes, of course - the £10 fee I have to pay for someone falling over themselves to pay this on my behalf.

dutchy101

I note in @DavecUK’s installation video he uses Molykote on the washer. Is this only necessary when fitting the flow control or do you need to reapply every so often?

Also, stupid question, what Molykote is the correct one?

MediumRoastSteam

dutchy101 - Dow Corning Molycote 111.

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/lubricants-and-chemicals/lubricants/111-silicone-grease-compounds/f/9597?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7P-yqfjJ-gIVVeDtCh12JweQEAAYASAAEgJUo_D_BwE

DavecUK

dutchy101 I feel it necessary to use molykote at every opportunity, because I bought a whole tube and I want to use it all before I die. 🤣

dutchy101

Brilliant- thanks MediumRoastSteam

Ordered. Got it for £14.78 with free delivery from ManoMano, via Zoro Tools who would have charged me £11.99 with £5 deliery if I purchased from them directly

https://www.manomano.co.uk/garden-machinery-oil-and-lubricants-4873?model_id=12406387&referer_id=702619&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1vSZBhDuARIsAKZlijRLSrpj2fpd_pit9wCQBMvlA0nRvvZqybO0E6lXeSjRZHq7S4FNQSMaAsLvEALw_wcB

dutchy101

As @Cuprajake says “This bloody forum” haha

MediumRoastSteam

DavecUK I feel it necessary to use molykote at every opportunity

Well… it’s food grade. You can try it on bread? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

dutchy101

Haha - I do see it mentioned a lot in your videos

CoyoteOldMan

MediumRoastSteam It’s a bit greasy.

dutchy101

Verion

Maria has got back me. Machine is being shipped next week.

Now to see if I can sell the current Sage DTP.

dutchy101

Flow control kit has arrived - no VAT or duty charges so £120. Result

Verion

My Minima is on the way from Italy.

Whilst I’m waiting, I’m rereading the manual and wondering if it’s a no-no to do the commission and set up with tap water and then move onto my OZ water.

I presume a one time tap water through the system and subsequent flush won’t cause scale.

PortafilterProcrastinator

Verion Given Lockhills is £1.60 for 8ltr I’d use that.

I’ve been using Lockhills since I got mine in Feb/ March, I’ve done one full service boiler descale and no sign of issues.

Look forward to hearing how you get on!

Cuprajake

That or just buy some big bottled water, but yeah you will be fine

DavecUK

As Jake says, you will be fine, but you will know you did it! 🤣

« Previous Page Next Page »