How would you compare rhe vectis with an argos or with a ponce vecchio export? Apart from the much cheaper prices of the latter…the price of the vectis would certainly rule it out for me as a second espresso machine but something maxing out at 1k usd would be a lot more palatable if I should ever want to add an office lever machine…

> @"chlorox"#p56684 How would you compare rhe vectis with an argos or with a ponce vecchio export? Apart from the much cheaper prices of the latter…the price of the vectis would certainly rule it out for me as a second espresso machine but something maxing out at 1k usd would be a lot more palatable if I should ever want to add an office lever machine I'm not sure who the question is aimed at. I reviewed and extensively used a Ponte Vecchio Lusso 1 and a La Pavoni Cellini…but of course have never used a Vectis, just seen the reviews, the inside of the machine and have a firm technical understanding of how these machines work. So I can't easily compare except to refer to my post above on information gleaned from the Daddys got coffee review https://coffeetime.freeflarum.com/d/2153-why-you-might-not-want-to-buy-a-londinium/39 The two machines I reviewed would not be suitable for a general office, as they don't lend themselves to multiple people using them, and with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio Lusso one, don't appreciate being on all day. In addition having any of these 2 machines I reviewed in an office poses a potential safety risk, beyond that of a normal coffee machines. **Unless** it's a single or 2 person office, where both people have been trained and are totally familiar with the usage of such a machine.

> @"DavecUK"#p56686 La Pavoni Cellini… I think you mean the La Pavoni Europiccola - a lever machine, rather than the Cellini, which is a pump machine, E61. I remember reading the review, back in the day. 👍

@"DavecUK"#p56686 I was throwing out the question for anyone with th3 experience of using those machines so thanks for the reply…by office machine I meant my own personal machine at the office - it wouldn't be used by anyone else…

> @"MediumRoastSteam"#p56691 I think you mean the La Pavoni Europiccola - a lever machine, rather than the Cellini, which is a pump machine, E61. I remember reading the review, back in the day. 👍 Your right, I meant the Stradivari….so many machines over the years, I sometimes get mixed up.

@"chlorox"#p56694 \`re you an espresso drinker or do you need to steam milk?

@"dfk41"#p56696 In the office, just espresso is fine

@"chlorox"#p56697 Does @"DavecUK"#1 want to split this thread so as not t o derail it from the original topic? @"chlorox"#631, I have a suggestion!

@"chlorox"#631, there are many vintage machines available that are nice on compact yet make remarkable espresso. To name a few: Arrarex Caravel……small basket, open boiler makes a really sweet ristretto Pedretti Kim……..58mm pf and is also spring loaded Bruni Brunella I could go on! This is a really good site, full of information on vintage stuff and a pleasure to read if you want to pass a few minutes. It opens up on the Arrarex page but is easy to navigate http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/m_arrarex_eng.htm He also sells a good range of spares

Small Office Lever machine

MediumRoastSteam

I had in my past life a La Pavoni Europiccola and a Professional. You got to be careful around them, as the boiler is essentially exposed and uninsulated. I would not recommend having a video meeting and try to pull a coffee at the same time.

They also overheat very easily if left idling or when pulling multiple shots.

chlorox

MediumRoastSteam

Thanks - would that criticism be applicable for a vintage eopen boiler like the caravel also?

pjw

Strietman CT2 would be perfect choice for such use case.

chlorox

pjw

That would be an option certainly if not for the price tag!

chlorox

dfk41

Thanks for the suggestion. A vintage machine may be an option at the price point I’m.lookkng at though.im leery of the self maintenance and repair needs of that course of action.

chlorox

DavecUK

Could u give alimk to your review of those two machines? I looked at this forum but couldn’t find rhem.

MediumRoastSteam

chlorox - never seen or used a Caravel, so cannot comment. 👍

Amberale

I am in the early days of Argos ownership.
I have only used it in direct format so far but will change to spring later in the week.
I also own a CT1 and a Caravel.

At this stage I think the CT1 just edges out the Argos for ease of use and the Caravel comes third due to shot size.
On the other hand the Argos can steam and is a fraction of the price of a Strietman.
The Caravel is very good but small shots.
All three warm up very quickly, the CT1 and Caravel can be expedited by filling with water from a kettle.
You would be waiting a year for an Argos unless you get lucky and find someone selling theirs(one lucky sod on HB did this).

I would be happy with any of them for your situation.

dfk41

I am awaiting a tamper for my Caravel. I have not had one for this machine, using the back of a spoon. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow! Then I just need my son to come and I will make som videos. You can strip a Caravel down in 30 seconds. There is virtually no maintenance. You fill with water, turn it on, leave it for 5 minutes to come to temperature, then a further 10 to 15 to warm through (or flush water). When you want to pull a shot, stick a temperature probe into the boiler, switch it off, then pull your shot. I wait till it drops to 95!

Amberale

dfk41

I use an exhaust valve from a Toyota 2H diesel engine.
If you have a engine workshop nearby they should have a bucket full of old valves and one should fit.

dfk41

Amberale Great idea! But unfortunately I have no such stuff lying around! When I was waiting for my Evo to turn up, I did buy a tamper of the wrong size and my good pal @Norvin offered to turn it down for me. So, I sent it and the basket last week and they are due back today, if you believe the tracking!

chlorox

Thanks for the posts dfk41 and Amberale

Systemic

Caravel is a gem You can brew very accurately - pop a temp probe like a Thermopen into Lambettthe heating water which isn’t pressurised. Portafiler is tiny. There is no spring so you control extraction pressure. Result is a nice ristretto Two sips at best. Mine sits on the hall console table as it is a work of art - think Lambretta in an espresso machine.

Systemic

Mine has a bespoke dosing ring

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