So I have chosen a machine! I am going to be getting an ECM Synchronika, it came down to aesthetics in the end.
What are thoughts on what smart plug to get? I am not in a smart eco system so any type will do.
I have started to look in to water too and in all honesty it has my head spinning.
Cheers
Ross
Another vote for Meross from me- also work well with Google Home.
Thanks guys, best get some ordered.
Ross
Goodfella I have the Synchronika and have been very happy with it. Great steam and plenty of it and really nice quality to the exterior - I’m sure you’ll be pleased with your purchase. Just remember its super heavy and you might need some help getting it out of the box and up on the counter ! As for value for money, well if your using something every day and its part of your kitchen, then you may well need to take aesthetics into consideration and that includes the weight and feel of the components, levers, handles etc.
My favourite definition of ‘value’ is “the perceived benefits, usefulness, and importance of something". It means that value is entirely subjective. For some the La Marzocco Linea Mini is overpriced for it’s technical functions for others it’s a joy to see every morning - just as my Synchronika is for me when I stumble into the kitchen on a Sunday morning…
Yet another vote for the Bianca, I’ve had mine three months and still look forward to using it every day.
I suppose looks are subjective but to me it has the aesthetic appeal of a classic car or a well-kept Vincent motorbike.
I coveted a LMLM but realised I don’t own a coffee shop or an Instagram account so saved myself £2.5k and couldn’t be happier with the Bianca. It also comes with some great accessories (spouted & bottomless portafilter and decent tamper among others)
As Grif mentioned I went with the ECM Synchronika in the end, mainly down to aesthetic’s. Had it just over a week now and I am over the moon. Thoroughly enjoying the process and the difference in taste using the same beans compared to my Oracle is amazing, probably more to do with the Niche though.
I was a little anxious about how long it would take to be able to steam milk but it has been instant, very easy and quick!!
Should the Porta Filter live in the group head even when it’s off? When I got my Oracle the Sage guy told me it should only be in when heating up.
Cheers
Ross
Goodfella Should the Porta Filter live in the group head even when it’s off? When I got my Oracle the Sage guy told me it should only be in when heating up.
Locke it in lightly, not as hard as you would when making a coffee. When you use the timer, having it gently locked in is essential.
Mutepost Mine does - but somehow I often find a used puck in there a few days later..
When I come down in the morning, the machines all warmed up and there is a nice spent. puck toasting inside the group….I have a little bit of hate for that puck and myself for leaving it there!
Thanks, still awaiting a knock box, bottomless PF and funnel but everything is out of stock atm!
I haven’t managed that yet with this machine or the last but I can imagine the horror!!
Ernie1 Yet another vote for the Bianca, I’ve had mine three months and still look forward to using it every day.
I suppose looks are subjective but to me it has the aesthetic appeal of a classic car or a well-kept Vincent motorbike.
Did someone mention Vincents?
Actually, I’ve often thought that there are parallels between the Evo Leva and the early post war Vincent twins; no compromise quality and performance, put together using parts from other machines in the range in an innovative compact design, competition beating performance from the off, no shortage of detractors most of which have never used one.
If you think that posh coffee machines are a rabbit hole leading down into a money pit…😄
Sorry, got carried away there, didn’t mean to derail the thread.
Norvin put together using parts from other machines in the range in an innovative compact design, competition beating performance from the off, no shortage of detractors most of which have never used one.
That’s about right…there did seem to be a group of people who really didn’t like the fact it existed…even the lever mag issue 4 made a revealing comment about that…if people spotted it.
Apart from a certain group, others seem pleased…The Niche Grinder, was also disliked by, a certain group don’t seem to like…if the Vesuvius Evo does anything, it will disrupt the market for the better. It’s indisputable how good Niche has been for the grinder market as competing grinders have come out. Finally, people don’t have to buy used commercial grinders any more….
I am sure the Evo will help in reviving the lever market and driving innovation, especially for those manufacturers who have been a little lazy about the design process for their levers…The competition is healthy and may even have kept prices down!
DavecUK That’s about right…there did seem to be a group of people who really didn’t like the fact it existed…even the lever mag issue 4 made a revealing comment about that…if people spotted it.
The rabid pro Londinium trolls are easy to spot, I was reading this review the other day, linked in a post by @Beverast https://www.coffeegeek.com/new-products/modern-lever-espresso-that-wont-break-the-bank-the-argos/?fbclid=IwAR1F607V7pSKhAgQMWAvEoVMMU8OYhfK-SzQTWGz5ihbsFW0kbZ_Ia8mS7c
I remember thinking ’this guy purports to follow the lever market closely (see first paragraph), yet he doesn’t even mention the Evo Leva. He is either incompetent or has deliberately ignored the most exciting development in lever design in years, which is it?'.
It’s beyond me.
