Kevo's Bezzera Strega Lever NFS

mycuppa

As a GS3 owner, I can't see what all the fuss is about - IMO there are many comparable or superior options for better value.

The hype on these machines is absurd and subsequently so is the asking price.

Don't have time to run through a list of reasons why (and I need many fingers to count)......but take it from me as an owner of various machines, my GS3 would have to be the biggest disappointment to date. Even my Expobar Minore IV at home offers me far more joy.

Good luck with the sale of your Bezzera though and if you have your heart set on a GS3 for very personal or individual reasons that are important and/or valuable to you. then go for it.....

Kevohere

Thanks FC. Appreciative of your (usual) honest opinion and comments. I have done heaps of research and reading reviews to date and happy for other knowledgeable folk here to comment.

Brett_H

The resale on any of these high-end machines is never what we'd like, but it's not a complete loss either. If you're desperate to try the gs3 and want the 'street-cred' and first-hand experience, go for it. If you want an amazing machine with variable temperatures and robust qualities then there's heaps of choices and none would be bad.

samuellaw178

Kevohere wrote:

I have done heaps of research and reading reviews to date

That, my friend, is the best way to catch upgraditis (experienced it first hand way too many times) ;D If you can, try it in person. Quite often reviews do not highlight some quirks that can be an annoyance to individual, and they are often short-term reviews (loan machine etc, not dissimilar to choosing a gf and wife, which will be with you for a long long time >😃 ). The only downside of GS3 as I'm aware is - the repair/maintenance can be something you need to think about - it's always best to have a good technician when you need it. On prosumer/lever machines, you can pretty much diy if you're handy.

Lwowiak

mycuppa wrote:

As a GS3 owner, I can't see what all the fuss is about - IMO there are many comparable or superior options for better value. The hype on these machines is absurd and subsequently so is the asking price.

Thank you for your honest opinion, few would dare say this. Certain resellers would say the above comment is blasphemous. Kevohere, good luck with the sale of your Strega, no doubt it will make someone very happy, as second hand levers are rare. I hope you are satisfied with the GS3 and that it brings you years of joy. I understand your reasons for the change. The ladies in my house found the height of the lever to be an issue at first.

FreshCoffee2

Hi there, honestly, I think you have to look well past the hype. In the coffee machine biz (which includes the various internet forums where all the marketing is done...eyes open please 😉), there are plenty of "resellers" who are pushing "the sizzle" for all its worth, in order to sell the sausage. There are a lot of people that have bought the sizzle and then have to justify their choices. Run some different brand model machines with "competing" technicals or that also have a high state of design and build through a series of BLIND testing scenarious for the end use for which they are intended, and then you will also know what many traders know about the realities of life and the level of hype in various brands and models... Then you probably only need to do 3 things: a) decide which model aesthetics please you the most as an individual, b) decide which model works best for you in terms of ergonomics / ease / method of use, and c) decide on your own private cost/benefit analysis in terms of aesthetics Vs ease/satisfaction of use VS cost of the machine. Lastly, buy what you like as constrained by your budget....because the level of overall performance from any good design and build machine in a competing market sector (eg "high end home use") is going to be very very similar across the range of equipment offered, and each will have some good points...and some bad points, compared to their competitors (oops, even more blasphemy? ;D) ! ******* Good luck in sale of Strega.

Moon

Get the bench lowered .. or even easier .. have a step handy. Ok ... does she have a pair of 6'' stilettos? >😃 Parting with a Strega ... hmm .. and the budget is a little tight. The things a bloke will sacrifice to keep their babe happy .. not that there's anything wrong with that. :thumb:

FreshCoffee2

Just in case you (Kevohere) have not looked at it this way, can I mention I think you will be spending an aweful lot of money to go basically......sideways... Yes, a totally different modus operandi but nevertheless in terms of weighing up any expected *significant* leap in performance (whatever that be in terms of home use) Vs cost to do so, for me its just moving well....pretty much sideways, to something different. Is different "better", or just *different*, in terms of the actual equipment performance (coffee quality in mouth, and occasional guests to roll out extra coffees for)? Certainly it will be much lower, and there wont be a manual lever for the ladies to pull down. And of course if that is the brief, then so be it, but that introduces other very good performing machines that dont have the same hype driven price disadvantage. Just another opinion.

GeekKopi

Hi Kevo. I also think it's a side step but if it makes you and more importantly your better half happy then go for it. Best of luck with the sale. Me personally if I was to splash that kind of cash on a machine I would be different and get the Vesuvius from ACS (the artists formerly known as Ambient Espresso). I would however get it powder coated in white and some other custom touches with the change left over from not going the GS3 route.

Brett_H

I worry about the longevity of Vesuvius. So many moving and electronic parts. I suppose the same could be said for any modern machine but Vesuvius' dinky LED touch screen worries me as do the internal parts that control all that control. This Bezzera will make someone very, very happy.... especially at such a great price!

Caffeinated

I have never seen a vesuvius but I can't see why it would be any more complex than any other machine? Anyone here have one? My original iPad has a touchscreen and that still works. My 7 year old car has one too.

Lwowiak

Brett H wrote:

I worry about the longevity of Vesuvius. So many moving and electronic parts. I suppose the same could be said for any modern machine but Vesuvius' dinky LED touch screen worries me as do the internal parts that control all that control.

Brett, How could you have such a rational thought, and contradict the preaching of the world's most renown espresso machine expert?? Everything the mouth of the south sells is simply the greatest, and he will tell you so repeatedly, so that soon the light shall become clear. It is blasphemous to doubt the word of the mighty retailer. The electronics are state of the art, and surpass what NASA uses, no doubt they will be deemed indestructible. The wiring is not your common pvc coated crap, but most probably high temp silicon that can withstand 200deg+. The copper wire is probably not tinned, but platinum-ed. The internal design is so schmick that the possibility of water egress to any electrical part is unheard of. Remember, control boards do not fail, and technology is king. The more complex the design the longer it will last. I suggest your penance to be a BLT whilst watching "Team America". Durka Durka....

Lwowiak

Caffeinated wrote:

I have never seen a vesuvius but I can't see why it would be any more complex than any other machine? Anyone here have one? My original iPad has a touchscreen and that still works. My 7 year old car has one too.

What is your kickback for spruiking?? Chocolate? You lost me at iPad. So... your only concern is about the touchscreen? On that note, anything with a touchscreen must be good, and we have no need to worry about failure. Thank you for the assurance and reasoning. My belief, contrary as it may be, is that the Strega will have far more longevity than the Vesuvius.

Kevohere

Brett H wrote:

LOL...Gents I fear that this thread may solve many of the worlds problems but fail to sell a Strega. As KK is AWOL and usually the good guy who keeps everyone on target I'll have to be restrained and remind us that we are selling a darn fine espresso lever machine... As much I appreciate the excellent discussions!!

To quote that infamous singer: You took the words right out of my mouth. :🙂 Thanks Brett.

Koffee_Kosmo

Kev mate Do you want me to donate to you a longer bespoke hand turned Tasmanian timber handle for the lever pull section The longer pull handle makes it easier to operate and less muscle is required Ask wife first ? I can send it down to trial and if you still desire to sell the Strega then send the handle back to me Cheers KK

Brett_H

I've altered this thread folks at Kevo's request. The item is no longer for sale on this forum. That's all I'm going to say at this point. Good luck with the sale Kevo.

Moon

Brett H wrote:

I've altered this thread folks at Kevo's request. The item is no longer for sale on this forum. That's all I'm going to say at this point. Good luck with the sale Kevo.

^ Blimey .. the teaser. Stay tuned for the next instalment folks :stir What's happening with Kevos Strega :question: :lamp:

Lacehim

What's the price difference between the GS3 and the Strega sale price? why not by a breville or Oscar or somethng for the mrs? His and Hers machines! :stir Personally I'm happy with my little Oscar for $450 off eBay at the moment! lol.

Kevohere

Brett H wrote:

I've altered this thread folks at Kevo's request. The item is no longer for sale on this forum. That's all I'm going to say at this point. Good luck with the sale Kevo.

There is no "SALE" anymore, I'm keeping it FTTB. Thanks for all your input folks, AFAIAC, this discussion is closed. :-X

Moon

Excellent decision.