New Machine

System

Hi There,

After reading in the wings for a month or so, I've decided to take the plunge (npi) and finally join.

I'm looking to replace my espresso  machine, and am trying to decide what to get. I'm looking to spend up to $600, and I'm looking at a Nemox Junior.
However, my question to the coffee gods (you guys) is this:

I want a machine that I can make more than two cups in succession easily, without it spitting coffee at me when I remove the group handle (oh pleasant... scalding coffee grounds...) and does decent steam for frothing.

I've come as far as knowing I need something with a non aluminium boiler, but I'm wanting some more advice.

Ideas?

Cheers,
Amy

FreshCoffee2

Amy, the only way to kind of guarantee there wont be any "spit" when you remove the group handle is to go for a machine with a group solenoid valve. This relieves the pressure in the coffee filter at the end of each coffee brewing cycle. If this is what you want then in my opinion it basically leaves you with only 2 suitable models. The Gaggia Classic, and the Rancilio Miss Silvia. The classic has an aluminium boiler, while silvia has a brass boiler, in which case I know which one I would choose. Trouble is, silvia is a little above your budget, while classic is within. You also need a suitable grinder. I watched a new consignment of silvias arriving in my warehouse this morning and delivery is immediate. If I can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact me off line....for contact details check the little icons under my name at the LHS of this post! Regardz, FC.

Unknown

Hi again, If I want a machine that can make consecutive cups of coffee easily - what are my options? If i don't use a solenoid 3way machine - what else is there? Cheers, Amy

ryan

for your budget amyK i agree        the Silvia      Brass boiler, spare parts forever, its the only one Moccappan Coffee in melbourne had them on sale for $599.00 last month.  I am sure you could still get one at that price if you rang them,   its a very good price i also know a place in melbourne where you can get them for $650.00 if you have no luck there. Mailing will be extra if your out of melbourne let me know what you decide cheers ryan

Unknown

Hi all, Some more questions. If I didn't have a solenoid machine - what would i have to do with another machine to make consecutive cups? And what are the pros cons of the Nemox Junior? Cheers, Amy

FreshCoffee2

Ryan, those who you mentioned do not spend time "servicing" in the true sense of the word, clients, both potential and already exsiting, in these coffee information sites. This is one of the underlying problems with the internet, people seek and are given lots of great information in sites like this, then give their money to someone else, discounting the value of the advice given by the first party. By recommending discount artists off site willy nilly, you are not showing any suppport here and I seem to recall giving you some very good advice a little while ago as well. Amy, the method of operation (for the operator) is the same, just that there is no solenoid valve to relieve the pressure in the coffee filter before it is removed from the group. You just dont go pulling the group handle off really quickly straight after the coffee was brewed....you wait a few seconds first. Otherwise, the Junior is a good little base model machine. As already mentioned, feel free to make contact if you wish OR, telephone the vendor you intend to purchase from and seek their advice ;D Regardz, FC.

Reschsmooth

Amy, I have a Saeco Via Vanezia which does not have the solenoid. When I make milk based drinks, this isn't a problem as, by the time you finish steaming the milk, pouring the milk, yadda yadda, the pressure has been released from the handle. If I am just making espresso, after extraction, I release the group handle a little bit to release the pressure and wait a while. The puck is still quite wet at that stage, however, but you don't get the portafilter sneeze... ;D. Cheers Patrick

ryan

I totally take your point FC but seeing as though her budget is $600 dollars         its the only way i can see her getting her hands on a Silvia          which really is the best machine for her situation.  (IMO) the two suppliers i mentioned do provide good after sales re parts etc. I give advice daily in my company, on the phone, in person and on the net and really its just goodwill.  I dont expect any business from it, because people shop around for the best price.  I quote daily, they then take my quote and fax it elsewhere.  I give up worrying about it now. I like you provide advice, but on the internet        it is given with zero expectation of a return,    if I get the job great but i really dont expect anything in this day and age, I hope they come to me for quality...but like you they usually return for after service when I lost the profit part of the job. and then i tell them to go to the supplier that gave them the great price. the curse of window shopping quotes, and the reason most people use the net,  information and price shopping. But honestly I agree with you, i just try and pass on what i know now,  all you can do is pass on your opinion. the link to the silvia is the the website so i hope she uses it. cheers ryan

Unknown

Hi All. Thanks for the advice, and the email. I've been snooping around in the real shops today, and it didn't take very long, because in Hobart there's not a great deal of variety. I'm now looking at a Saeco Via Vianezia (Sp?), and trying to find the best price. I can buy one of the internet, although it ends up being cheaper to walk into Myer and get one off the shelf. FC you mentioned Caffee Fenice? Cheers, Amy

FreshCoffee2

Very nice machine, but no group solenoid valve. Regardz, FC.

Unknown

Hi All, I'm a little confused about the Caffe Fenice - I found this online last night, and it is different to what FC said re group solenoid valve. "Nemox "Caffe Fenice" Espresso Machine FREE GROUND SHIPPING! NO TAX! (excl. IL) The small professional, Nemox Caffe Fenice, has been designed to satisfy those who expect perfection and professional standards. With gleaming stainless steel bodywork, a large brass boiler, and a 3-way solenoid valve, you can expect restaurant quality results. The professional solid brass filter-holder retains the heat, guaranteeing an espresso that is always at the ideal temperature. The specially designed professional-style 3-directional steam spout is equipped with a metal turbo-froth device for easy frothing of milk when making a cappuccino. It also dispenses hot water for your other favorite hot drinks. Key Features:

Reschsmooth

Just as an aside: "you can expect restaurant quality results" I don't think I have ever been to a restaurant that knows how to make a good coffee!  ;D "Stainless steel armored heating element" Is it going into battle? Sorry for the cynicism - one of those days. P

Unknown

LOL!! I have many cynical days - I read too much dilbert - it's what my workplace is like. And a coffee machine, ready for battle, sounds good to me.

FreshCoffee2

Patrick, a sense of humour is always welcome. There should be more...please! Amy, there is lots of information on the net that is simply wrong. On this occasion, you've just nudged the tip of the iceberg. There is no 3 way solenoid valve in the Cafe Fenice. The ONLY valve/s you will find in that model, as with almost all other domestic boiler espresso machines, is a pressure relief valve in case the boiler pressure rises to an unsafe level. So: "...

Unknown

So if I was to choose between the three - opinions please. - Saeco Via Vianezia - Nemox Junior - Nemox Caffe Fenice Ideas? And price points? Cheers, Amy (and I want a new machine before the weekend...)

Unknown

So if I was to choose between the three - opinions please. - Saeco Via Vianezia - Nemox Junior - Nemox Caffe Fenice Ideas? And price points? Cheers, Amy (and I want a new machine before the weekend...)

Trussell

For cost, value and good looks, i have to say the Saeco Via Venezia Saeco Via Venezia - 2.9L tank - SS Boiler - 15bar Pump Notes: appealing design, good availability, and solid construction, pressurized PF? Price: $499 Nemox Caffe Fenice - 2L tank - Brass Boiler - 15bar Pump Notes: slightly higher power brass provides better heat transfer Price: $599 Nemox Caffe Junior - 2L tank - Brass Boiler + PF - 16bar Pump Notes: "lever" switches quite flimsy not too appealing design wise Price: $569 There are some benefits of the other machines over the VV but for the price at wich they come, I think the VV is a better option. Also, due to the wide range of VV sellers you're bound to get a better price, Meaning you can also pick up a semi decent grinder without which none of these machines could produce their best.

FreshCoffee2

I dont know about anyone else, but I'm having fun!

Unknown

Hi All, After a delightful conversation with FC on the phone I've looking quite seriously at a Caffe Fenice, however yet another question. (And I apologise for my haste to get off the phone, boss came back into the office!!) You are speaking about the pressurised handle - is this something I will encounter with the Fenice? Cheers, Amy And BTW I'm having a ball. I'm turning into a fully fledged coffee geek. My partner now knows more than he ever wanted to about tamping, frothing etc.

FreshCoffee2

No, the Caffe Fenice has a standard non pressured group handle. cheers, FC.

Trussell

just so you know, that was just the specs i pulled off the first available site i never pay any attention to the bar pressure any more after reading your post I was merely posting the specs as i found them. a friend has owned a nemox caffe junior for about a year now (i think) and the switches have started to crack in places. also whenever i use it, i feel like i have to be really gentle with it, which really gets on my nerves... i reccomend you try the machine (any machine for that matter) a couple of times before you buy.

FreshCoffee2

Hi Anthology, no worries, I understood that stuff came straight off some kind of website that compares specs....my comments were for the uninitiated that take the stuff at face value without having any understanding of what it all means. I just love debunking stuff like that and apologies if it looked like I was trying to debunk you personally....not so! Cheers, FC.

Trussell

nah, your right, theres alot of crap out there, and the sales pitches make me laugh alot of the time. Fairy nuff that you're lookin out for the info browsers that pass through. Always good to have your input.

Unknown

Should I be concerned about the Nemox Junior cracking after twelve months? I realise that it's not thousands or anything, but I don't want to spend $600 on a machine if it's not going to work after 12 months... I'm still leaning with Junior or Fenice. (probably Fenice.) Cheers, Amy

FreshCoffee2

Amy, the Fenice really is a better machine than the Junior and the switches (on the Fenice) wont crack up in a hurry. Regardz, FC.

Trussell

The cracking on the junior is not structural i don't think i have a feeling they have a metal core anyway, and this machine does undergo fairly heavy use... like i said, try the machines you're looking at. It'll give you a chance to see what you like and don't like

Unknown

Hmm okay. As I did explain to FC my habit is only one or two per day so it's not as if it would be under strenuous use. Anthology - the reason I ask so many questions is that on this little (!!!) island called Tasmania I can't seem to find anywhere that stocks them, so I have to buy one blind. Also - can someone run me through what I might need to purchase to keep my new baby in perfect cleanliness? Cheers, Amy

Trussell

generally all you'd need is some decalcifier/descaler not sure of the difference (i use pully cleaner - a decalcifier) i'm sure you can get your dealer to throw some in when you buy your machine.  you need to run that through every 1 - 2 months, and as long as you use clean water, wipe down the steam wand etc. and flush the system after use you should be right.

Reschsmooth

I don't know about the cost of shipping, but you can get the VV in a place in Sydney for $424 (a fair bit less than what I paid almost 24 months ago). I don't know the other machines, but all I can say about the VV from my personal experience is: In the process of going through upgraditis (and the fever and tremors associated with debating about spending big bucks on an HX machine), I know that I am not missing out significantly by using the VV for my coffees, whether they be milk based or espressos. The shots are generally pretty good (normally at about 20secs) and the milk is beautifully textured. If you do go for the VV, ditch the 'turbo-frother' sleeve on the steam wand and seek out a non-pressurised portafilter. Granted, that's an additional $60, but worth it. Good luck P

Unknown

Hmm... I'm pretty sure I've made my mind up, so I'll make some decisions (final ones) tomorrow. I'm so excited - I'm rearranging my kitchen to fit my new equipment. Just so one knows - how does one flush a system? cheers, Amy

Reschsmooth

Pull the chain and watch it float out to Bondi (sorry, Sydney joke, late on a Tuesday)