Machine Advice Needed - Have you used these machines?

Harryporter23

Hi all,

I wanted to get some peoples thoughts and opinions as I am looking at a new machine.

Currently I am using a La Pavoni EuroPiccola. It’s a fun machine and I love some of the freedom it offers, but in my next machine I am looking for something that offers more consistency.

The machine will be used by two people:

My wife: who will want a simple machine and repeatable. Flatwhite / Cortado drinker, but will enjoy an espresso

Myself: who will be doing all the dailling in, tinkering etc. Mainly espresso based and the odd flat white.

Worth noting, don’t mind buying used / ex demo or refurbed for the right machine.

In this price range there is a lot of E61 groups, the only real issue I have is around heat up time and energy they demand. That said, its not enough to put me off, should that be the best option.

I am open to machines, for me build quality, reliability and support is important. In terms of features, I guess a must have would be PID and not just a straight 9 bar shot. Some option for play / tinkering like pre infusion …. maybe flow.

Below is some machines that have taken my interest:

ECM Mechanica
Profitec 500 / 600
Quick Mill (E61) Essense, Eagle (Aquila), Andreja
Quick Mill 2046 Sunny …. Has anyone got this machine, on paper its very interesting
Lelit Elizabeth, Bianca
Elektra Verve mini …… Has anyone got this machine, on paper its very interesting
La Spaziale Mini
ACS Falcon I (when they release it)

I have probably missed a few but hope that helps get the conversation started.

Machines/brands that don’t interest me are Sage and Rancilio (I know its a good machine, but its just not me)

But there is a lot to consider.

Any advice or opinions is welcome - even if its a check list would look out for….

Harry

HarveyMushman

I’ve had a Bianca, great machine and will certainly do everything you need it to. It has a rotary pump too which means it’s much quieter than vibration pump machines. Warmup time is pretty good, around 20 mins if I remember correctly. Maybe 25.

Build quality isn’t quite best in class but certainly very good and aside from small niggles like vacuum breaker failures (mine went after about 6 months) you’re unlikely to have any big problems.

Harryporter23

HarveyMushman I have heard a number of people say build quality is not the best with Lelit. The flow paddle on the Bianca is good, but you can add that to an E61 for circa £200. The rotary pump is certainly preferred over vibratory.

HarveyMushman

Harryporter23

It used to be an incredibly well priced machine, I think I paid about £1800 for it so a slight compromise on build was understandable. I’m not sure what the current RRP is but I think it’s still competitively priced.

Internals looks pretty good, it’s just the panels are a little flimsy and it’s a bit rough round the edges (literally in some cases).

It looks like the ECM Synchronika with flow control is about £600 more so you’re certainly paying for the better build.

I always suggest if people have the budget, go with the ECM, but if the budget doesn’t allow, then the Bianca is still a fantastically good machine and in the cup the difference will be unnoticeable.

Cuprajake

As a Christmas special you can have my black Bianca which cost 2500 plus post for £1950

As for your question you can’t see past the Bianca for what you get it’s the best value machine
Super reliable, easy to use

Harryporter23

Cuprajake hey Jake,

Thanks for the offer, while I appreciate you Bianca is black and this is slightly higher in price. There is a few placing selling the V3 new for sub £2k and a warranty holds a lot of value to me. I am also not 100% set on the Bianca but I do appreciate it’s a good machine

Cuprajake

That’s why I only use Bella barista, they have a 2yr transferable warranty 👍👍 happy looking