Artpress group brush alternative?

Ernie1

I know this is slightly over-engineered as a £3 brush will do the job, but I like the look of Artpresso’s group brush. I don’t think 25USD is ridiculous but I do think 50USD to get it here is, especially as that means there’ll be duty to pay on 75 on top. Makes it a very expensive brush…

I wondered if anyone has seen a similar thing available in the UK?

https://www.artpressodesign.com/product/espresso-machine-58mm-group-head-cleaning-tool/

omahabristle

I just got the Espazzola. It arrived today and I just used it once, so I can’t speak to how well it works - but it looks reasonable:

https://www.maxicoffee.com/en-gb/espazzola-grouphead-cleaning-tool-black-p-62966.html
https://www.espazzola.ch/en/

The silicone part of it is also sold separately from the device, which makes me think it’ll need replacing after a while. (Just to be clear: It also comes with one.) We’ll see how well it works!

Ernie1

omahabristle

Ah that looks great, thanks!

Is it ok to use with the shower screen removed?

omahabristle

This is meant to use with the shower screen on - it’s more of a daily cleaning tool.

Cuprajake

neither are really needed the espazola was a waste of time for me,

Ernie1

I’ve got a couple of the toothbrush style ones with the plastic bristles, I just like the idea of something exactly the right size and giving it a quick swizzle on the group instead of scrubbing in circles.

( I was mainly browsing their site weighing up whether or not it would’ve been excessive to buy a Chris Baca tamper)

MediumRoastSteam

Ernie1 - before going ahead with the purchase, read item 6 in the list of “highlights”…

🙃👍

Source: https://www.artpressodesign.com/product/espresso-machine-58mm-group-head-cleaning-tool/

InfamousTuba

The la marzocco straight in portafilter is found on the kb90 machine that has the portafilters you just insert and don’t twist. Should work with the Linea mini

Ernie1

Indeed.

If I had a KB90 I’d be paying one of my housekeepers to clean it too 😂

tompoland

Shipping is a killer to Oz. Was looking to order two but adding US$75 for delivery is something I can’t justify.

Ernie1

tompoland

For sure. I don’t remember shipping from the US being this bad in previous years. I suppose the strong US Dollar (and weak Sterling…) has had a significant impact.

MediumRoastSteam

Ernie1 Strong USD and consequently weaker AUD in Tom’s case. 👍

Bet fuel cost is also a factor.

Ernie1

The integrated screwdriver sold me on it, and I liked the walnut stands they do. Not essential by any means but I’m impressed!

Also, the shipping was expensive but also unbelievably quick. I’m not sure where in the States they are but it got here in a day and a half.