espresso machine

[stefan]

Re: espresso machine

Any thoughts on this machine?

http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/...p?idproduct=21

I know you had the classic before. This would be a gift for my girlfriend (and me) for her b-day, I am looking for a machine for day to day use with out breaking the bank (still in school).

Thanks for any input.

My gaggia was really pretty good. I have no complaints. The only thing that is looked at as a bit of a negative on it is the aluminum alloy boiler. It heats up super fast, but corrodes faster too. On that note, mine was super old, and still going. After several years you may notice the odd fleck of something coming out when you flush it.. but apparently even then its no big deal, because if you are making espresso, the beans wold filter that anyways.. so I've read.

The pump is pretty much the same as in the Sylvia i got.

My steamer wand on mine dripped a tiny bit after using, but again, this was probably an age thing. Overall, it's pretty solid.

Worth noting that a decent grinder really makes a big difference.

Coffeecrew has a review on the classic, which is pretty simmilar. Not much bad to say about the functionality.
http://www.coffeecrew.com/content/view/13/27/

[timdog]

Re: espresso machine

often have larger boilers, as well as a second boiler. One for steam, one for water. On the home ones, one boiler does both, so there is a delay to get it to the right temp switching from steam to water.

on the Sylvia, pretty much everything except the boiler is the same as the commercial units.

Some of the home ones aren't designed to be plumbed in either.

thanks for the info. whats a recommended model or brand for commercial and what kind of price would someone be looking at?

[Russell]

Re: espresso machine

Any thoughts on this machine?

http://www.espressotec.com/store/pc/...p?idproduct=21

I know you had the classic before. This would be a gift for my girlfriend (and me) for her b-day, I am looking for a machine for day to day use with out breaking the bank (still in school).

Thanks for any input.

[stefan]

Re: espresso machine

often have larger boilers, as well as a second boiler. One for steam, one for water. On the home ones, one boiler does both, so there is a delay to get it to the right temp switching from steam to water.

on the Sylvia, pretty much everything except the boiler is the same as the commercial units.

Some of the home ones aren't designed to be plumbed in either.

[timdog]

Re: espresso machine

so would one of the machines be suitable for a commercial environment i.e. a coffee shop. if not, what makes an 'industrial' and more expensive espresso machine so much better for this application?

[Russell]

Re: espresso machine

How is the machine working for you? I am looking at buying one as a B-day gift for my girl friend.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: espresso machine

Needs a Lol cat to be complete

[Jester B]

Re: espresso machine

This is my new favorite thread. Thanks Stefan!

[cam_wmh]

Re: espresso machine

Stefan's reply > Mr Crappuccino's reply

[stefan]

Re: espresso machine

I am surprised you even asked and expected a reasonable reply.

I didn't expect much.. I'd pretty much had my order placed with Espressotec by that point.

[Russell]

Re: espresso machine

I am surprised you even asked and expected a reasonable reply.

Why? There are lots of website out there that have higher prices on their website then they do when you talk in person. Good example of that is EU Tuning, I remember buy something from C1 because Simon had a higher price on his website turns out the next time I saw him he could have done way better on the price then C1 did.

[Kor]

Re: espresso machine

I am surprised you even asked and expected a reasonable reply.

[Tuna]

Re: espresso machine

Lol, best reply ever. Sounds like they don't want your business, or anyones reading this I guess. Probably realized they just insulted a serious (and long time) customer of theirs and now don't know how to recover.

[Russell]

Re: espresso machine

, I can probably stop browsing Cousin Sam’s Online Rumpus Room Emporium of Coffee Delights, and come in next week.

Haha

[stefan]

Re: espresso machine

My new machine is here. Try it tonight. I take back my 'try mr. cappuccino' comment. They were kinda being dicks. Got a rather cynical, and long winded email when I asked about price matching:

Hi,
I’m shopping around for a Ranchilio Silvia. How close to Espressotec’s (in BC) price are you able to get? They have it for 595$, with 2 year warrenty covering parts/labour/pump, and can ship it to Calgary at no cost.

Please let me know if you are able to match this, and what kind of warranty you have.

Cheers,
Stefan Helmer




Dear Stefan:
We can come pretty close to matching most internet prices, including those offered by people working out of their rumpus rooms or their father in laws garage; as we are a direct importer and not a re-seller.
With regards to 2 year warranties... it remains to be seen whether some of re-sellers of espresso machines are going to be around two years from now to honor their warranties.
Last time we checked with the manufacturer of the Rancilio Silvia the standard manufacturers warranty was limited in nature and was only twelve months from the date of manufacture ( as with most European manufacturers electrical components are not covered, as are electro-mechanical components should you decide to operate your machine with water exceeding 4-6 grains on the French scale.)
In that the Silvia is assembled in Parrabiago (MI) Italy and the manufacturer must be paid in Euro dollars; with the replacement cost of the Silvia being in the $490.00 CDN range ... and there are costs associated to ship it from Vancouver , Toronto, or Miami to Calgary; as a consumer you might want to get more details on the warranty in question including anything that is said or implied is in writing.
Should anything happen in the next two years, you might also want to know what is involved in shipping the unit back to Vancouver from Calgary in -40 degrees Celsius at the top of Rogers pass...and whether any damages done to the parts including pump, electrosolenoid and boiler are covered when the unit is in transit.
If you are shopping strictly on price, may we suggest another couple of internet based re-sellers who can meet or beat even our prices here in Calgary.
http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/cata...x.php?cPath=35
and /or
http://www.1st-line.com/machines/hom...lio/silvia.htm
and/or
http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.rancilio.shtml

Best Regards
Mr.Cappuccino-YYC




Mr. Cappuccino,
So let’s assume I’m reasonably aware of how internet business works, and that I’ve heard equally good things about you and this other outfit in BC, and that I’m pretty confident that both you and them will still be there in two years. If we put all other cynicism about the -40, up hill both ways with only one shoe through Roger’s Pass aside… Can you sell me a Sylvia for the $595-ish? I appreciate that you guys have great service. I have an espresso machine and Rocky grinder that came from you over 15 years ago, and I’ve come in for spare parts more than once, but you tag price of 725$ is a little steep in my opinion. If you can do the 595$, I can probably stop browsing Cousin Sam’s Online Rumpus Room Emporium of Coffee Delights, and come in next week.




No response