Cuprajake The build on Bianca can look a bit poor, as in the reflections on the panels from the press are not mirror perfect like an ecm, but the build quality is fine with them, and very well thought out.

As he wants a coloured Bianca, it doesn’t much matter…

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    Cuprajake The build on Bianca can look a bit poor, as in the reflections on the panels from the press are not mirror perfect like an ecm, but the build quality is fine with them, and very well thought out.

    This was exactly my experience. As well as an incredibly sharp edge behind the drip tray under the group. I sliced my finger pretty bad while servicing it.

    As above thought inside it’s brilliant and the build issues are only cosmetic.

    Really it’s funny because we all talk about build quality, and I especially harp on about how the LM is built like a tank, but it’s not like we’re carting them around each day. They get put in place and left, so you could argue the case quality is a bit of a non-issue.

      DavecUK

      True true…..Another example of that is flow control kits that will fit most e61 clones won’t fit the vibiemme grouphead.

        Thanks everyone, really appreciate the many responses and view points.

        Where I’m at:

        - ACS Evo is out based on size even if it’s a great deal

        - ECM Synchronika is out based on size and feature set. Feels like paying the same price for build rather than features.

        - ECM Mechanika Max. I looked at the small amount of info out there and it does look brilliant. But, I think it would have had to be £1,500 or less for me to bite.

        - I toyed last night with the LMLM since they have the 25% discount. Whilst this has been a dream machine for years and the discount has come at the right time, I think I’ll regret not having more to ‘play with’. I realise I’m actually quite excited to get a bit more manual with my espresso.

        - VBM Domobar super - seemed like a full featured machine at a good price. But, not sure I like the little screen and the electronic look. Same reason I’m not a fan of the Decent look.

        So, it leaves me very much considering placing an order for the powder coated Bianca. Just the colour to settle on, but I’ll suss that one out myself.

        As for grinders I have a question.

        I’ve backed the Timemore 078s which I’m still on the fence about since no one has had an actual unit to review, just the burrs. And when you cut through the hype it seems average for espresso. I also think I may be stung with VAT which will make the whole grinder around £500 whenever I end up getting it. Which put this in Niche territory and the workflow on the Niche still looks better.

        So, since I’m buying from BB and they offer package discounts, is there other grinders I should look at, especially with the potential to get £80-£100 off one?

          Hard to say grinder wise as most have something that can get annoying is bellows haha

          Think the Bianca is very capable, the flow control can save a shot that would otherwise hit the sink

          Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

          BrewLiam
          Love him or hate him (as some do here) Lance Hendrick just posted a ‘review’ of the 078,

          I’ve had the Bianca for nearly a year now, and I love it. I really like the paddle for profiling different roasts or just tweaking shots that are running a bit quick/slow. For the money, ignoring the powder coated tax, it’s a fantastic machine and Bella Barista are a great retailer who sorted out the issue I had with my Elizabeth pretty quickly. They knock a few percent off of some grinders/machines if you buy them together. You can get the stainless Bianca and a DF83 for £2511 at the moment.

            Think that vid left me with more questions than answers.

            I’d say he is way more brew focused than espresso, or that’s how it comes across to me.

            Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

            I’ve not watched all the video yet, but I’m pretty sure he’s using a 078 with 078s burrs. Which just makes me wonder when the S backers will get their grinders. The risk of Kickstarter I guess.

            Whilst I do the odd brew I have a Feld Grind for that, so this would really just be an espresso grinder for me.

            No he said it was the s didn’t he. He’s had them for 2 months.

            Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

              Cuprajake Think he bought the 078 ages ago when they were buyable in some regions then he got a 078 but with the “s” burrs. Not sure anyone has had a actually 078s out of the box (so I think they have been stepped not step less on the machine)

              Not sure what I think - it’s not really helped me make a decision.

                  MattH same. I was really hoping this review would be a finished unit.

                  I’m debating this, niche, df83 or just getting a df64 as a package deal at BB for a starter grinder. That one would only be about £300 technically.

                    I thought, to me, it appeared like a brew grinder review.

                    MattH

                    just re watched the start, 64, 64s, 78, 78s he says

                    appologies, he changes the infomation a little further on, so no one has a 78s yet

                    Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

                      BrewLiam So, it leaves me very much considering placing an order for the powder coated Bianca. Just the colour to settle on, but I’ll suss that one out myself.

                      Great choice! We will wait for your pictures.

                        So, I’ve spent the last couple of days looking over my grinder choices and narrowing it down.

                        Again, like with the espresso machine, I’d love some feedback on my thinking in case there is something I’m missing.

                        And please bear in mind I’m coming from the built in grinder of the SBE for espresso. So, I’m sure everything will be an upgrade.

                        Recap on my needs:

                        - Up to 6 shots a day (usually 4)

                        - Mainly flat whites, the odd americano and if my new set up produces better results (bloody hope so) then I could get into neat espresso

                        - I prefer medium to light roasts. Rarely do anything too light as I currently find them impossible on the SBE. I also find they get lost in milk (my own opinion currently)

                        - Space is a minor issue for the grinder, although all home grinders I’ve looked at are ok

                        - I prefer single dosing

                        - I like the things I use to be aesthetically pleasing

                        - I may use it for filter on occasion. But I wouldn’t be out of a grinder if it was espresso only.

                        - Budget no more than £600 really.

                        - Ideally don’t want to buy used just to save £100.

                        I currently have the Timemore 078s backed, but I’m not a gambling man so have my concerns (let’s not get into the reviews) that the quality might not meet my expectations and shipping could be VERY delayed, effectively delaying my whole upgrade. I’m not using the SBE grinder to grind for the Bianca in the meantime.

                        Here’s my thoughts so far:

                        - Timemore 078s (£420) - back this and looks good. But have concerns (see above)

                        - DF64 - good price with BB discount when buying a machine (c.£320) but it looks a bit unfinished in my opinion. Could add SSP MP burrs in my budget but also read that they are difficult to dial in espresso

                        - DF83 (c.£600 after BB discount) - it feels like this is hailed as the best for the budget. Looks a bit better than DF64, but a big thing. Not sure if I need to jump this far up from the SBE grinder.

                        - Niche (£500) - I’ve always wanted one. Very nearly bought one before. Looks are good (not great). Size is lovely and the workflow just looks brilliant. But, I’m concerned here because flat burrs are held so highly and people talk about the Niche being poor at lighter roasts.

                        - The Solo Compact SPTK 38 (c.£120 after BB discount) - looks great but it’s small burrs. Dubbed ‘occasional grinder’ and the power brick is a turn off. My thinking here was that it might be enough for a year whilst I wait and see how the Timemore and Niche Duo perform and I save a bit for a future grinder.

                        - Eureka Specialita (c.£330) - not a huge fan on the look. Not single dose. Just feel like I should consider it at my price point?

                        - Varia VS3 (c.£400 I think) - love the look of this grinder but in a world of ‘bigger burrs are better) the 38mm burrs concern me. Also, I think it has a power brick which ruins some of the aesthetics.

                        Sorry for the long post. Writing all this is probably partly to help me get it straight in my head too.

                        Any help or thoughts on the above would be great!

                        Thanks

                          You might want to save £100 on a package deal. But if he offers are not what you want, is £100 worth the while in the grand scheme of things?

                          You also say you are not a gambling person, but you backed up one of the grinders on kickstarter? Even if they deliver, will they be any good?

                          If you are into filter and espresso…. The Niche Duo will tick the boxes.

                          I have a Niche Zero, I drink light roasts.

                          Think about the investment. If you set yourself with hard budgets, is there a risk of making the wrong decision and therefore finding yourself going over budget anyway?

                          It’s a big investment. Best to get it right first time if you can. That’s the cheapest option.

                          I personally would not even consider paying an extra £400 or whatever it is for a powder coated Bianca. It just feels wrong. I’d instead use the money towards the grinder you want.

                            BrewLiam I was a super early bird backer. So since June/July 2018 approx.

                            My tastebuds are not amazing. I think I will eventually buy a Niche Duo, or another flat burr grinder. But you can’t beat the workflow of he Niche.

                            But for the moment, he Zero is not going anywhere. I drink a milk coffee in the morning (I’d like to call it a flat white) and an espresso in the afternoon. I don’t drink filter coffee, or Americano - not my thing.