Espresso machines

BobC

Hi all.  

I've been thinking about purchasing the ECM Raffaello for a mobile van I want to start.  I like the idea that it's comact and has only 3200 Watts.  Unfortunately there's a very long back order.  One machine that I've been recommended is the Minimax.  Does anyone know anything about this machine?  Love to hear any comments.

Thanks  BobC  

john

Hi Bob Don't know a lot about the Minimax, and why wait for the Megaline, I have an as new 2 group Veneziano. Dimensions 750 x 537 x 520 versus Megaline 625 x 510 x 520 The Veneziano A2 is supposed to be a supior machine. RRP Megaline about $6000 vs Veneziano $8700 The A2 I have is ready to work in a mobile situation ie it has been tweeked by ECM and includes an external pump. Other tweekings include: 1. A 15mm longer water level probe for lower water levels. 2. Inclusion of 0.7mm group head restrictors. 3. Upper and lower 2.5mm HX restrictors. 4. Boiler pressure set to 1.05 Bar (open circuit). 5. Externally mounted pump with 1.5m hose from pump to manifold. 6. Water bottle 7. Anti-syphon fittings, etc This machine has had NO commercial use. Repeat NO COMMERCIAL USE!!!!It was put together by Peter Cairis at ECM for the Australian Barista Championships and used by only a select few 'professional' baristas during training. The price is negotiable. If you have an interest please send me an email. I will be available on my mobile 0409 583 007 until noon Thursday 26/7. After that I will be on my way to Japan for the WBC. I am located in Sydney about 10 minutes south of the airport. John

john

Bob Some other info: Other features: 1. A 14 litre boiler capacity. 2. Element 3200 Watts. 3. Thermosyphon system. 4. Semi automatic pushbutton function. 5. Boiler with automatic electronic auto fill system. 6. All stainless steel bodywork. For a brochure check out the link on my website http://www.coffeetraining.com/equipment-commercial.php John

BobC

Thanks John, I actually had a chat with Ben from WA Barista academy today about the Veneziano.  It looks tempting, and I may well go for that model, but I really do want to purchase a machine, and my ongoing coffee, from a local supplier, in the hope that I get better ongoing support and service. Thanks Bob

john

Bob Where are you located? There are no problems about servicing etc. If you want coffee that's not a problem either, I have plenty of recomendations. John

BobC

John Perth Bob

GrindOnDemand

Bob, my advice as a mobile op is to try out as many machine brands you can - keep it 3200 watt max if gen-set powered, otherwise optimal pressure is compromised whatever machine you use.  When converting from an unfortunate San Merino model experience when I first started, as I did raw, to my current machine of choice (Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000v 2 group) yeah Santa hasn't answered my letter for a La Marz ... , I put through a few kilos through an ECM Veneziano. Findings?  Steam wand is too long & unwieldy/stiff in choice to get the desired angle in your jug when frothing - no desired 380 degree rotation.  This was the Veneziano mind you, not the model you're considering, but I presume the same wand is there. I also found their marketing a bit wanky too - supposedly can extract 10-15% more flavour from any bean than any other machine on the market!  Yep, how, and where does the barista figure? P.S. Bob, check your messages.

john

GrindOnDemand You said "Findings?

GrindOnDemand

Mmmm, thanks John for the lovely response.  Need to try harder for an angry bite ... Is this a forum for distributors, or an avenue of helpful discussion to help a new forum member give it a go, with a bit of knowledge as his impetus? My 'findings', John, were of one aspect of a machine, that I made quite clear in my previous post, I had limited dealings with.  Did I damn the ECM otherwise?  No, because my trial was purely experimental ... barely enough to near extracting a decent piccolo. I'm not recommending one machine over another (unlike my counterpart here!), and implore you Bob to try as many as possible to 'sense' what's right for your type of operation. By the way John, maybe you and your 'number of professional barista' mates should consider 'texturing' your milk (correct grammar), rather than 'texturising' (is this bloody American?). Sweet Regards Un-condescendingly, & probably Un-professionally ... Tony (or GOD if you must)

BobC

Thanks John and Tony Well I reckon I will take my time and talk a lot more before making my decision.  I still think it's better for me to purchase local.  I'm not a Barista yet, and will be very reliant on local training.  But I will consider your offer. Thanks Bob

sketchy

Hi Bob In an earlier post you said you talked to Ben from WA Barista Academy, my suggestion would be to work with him further to find both a machine and blend of coffee as he is very knowledgeable, also he can offer you ongoing training if you need it. If you would like some of my suggestions on coffee machines send a PM and i will PM you a list of local suppliers i know offer good service. LE

john

GrindOnDemand My reference to the acronymn of your name was not called for. I apologise and I have removed it from my earlier post. I am not a distributor of ECM equipment. As it happens I have an as new A2 which I am selling. It is a used machine. Bob mentioned the ECM Rafaello which has some similar specs to the A2. But the A2 is more pricey. The A2 I have, has been set up for mobile or cart vending. It has had a few modifications done to it making it suitable for this purpose. This is why I offered it to Bob. Also the model I have has a steam arm that has a good swivel and very smooth travel. John

GrindOnDemand

No need to apologise John ... I've been called a lot worse things!  GOD was an intentional acronym, by the way - bit of a self-deprecating joke!  The only thing I worship in life is superb coffee (oh, and fine wine & food).  Anyway, enough rambling!  Seeya.

psaigh

With regards to ECM, it sounds to be the one that i used last year at the Royal Adelaide Show barista competition (my first comp) and i absolutely loved it.  Ah, such fond memories.  In terms of the claim of getting 10-15% more out of the bean, just on personal experience i'd agree with that claim. I found absolutely love the steam arm (perfect milk) and even prefer it to the FB80 (the thermal retention of the dual coated arm is great, no burning, but more importantly, less condensation of the steam especially when outside). I'd actually love to purchase the machine myself (partially asthetics, and partially becuase i love ECM) As for something local BOB, talk to ben about the Synesso Syncra.  And while i'm at it check out 5 senses coffee roastery, that would be my recomendation.