New machine for cafe?

DoubleRistretto

Hi guys - am looking at a fairly small [hole in the wall] type operation and was just wondering if there are any recommendations for a good 3-group machine? Don't want to be beholden to a roasting company, so am prepared to buy my own.

I want a great machine without going right up to a Synesso or any of those extra super customisable ones. Appreciate any advice.

thanks
dR

askthecoffeeguy

Hi guys - am looking at a fairly small [hole in the wall] type operation and was just wondering if there are any recommendations for a good 3-group machine? Don't want to be beholden to a roasting company, so am prepared to buy my own. I want a great machine without going right up to a Synesso or any of those extra super customisable ones. Appreciate any advice. thanks dR

Gidday DR A couple of machines which I have owned / still own I can recommend: The Expobar G10 Multiple Boiler machine features the same sort of technology as the La Marzocco machines (though some will be quick to tell you that they are NOT the same machine - nor would I expect them to be for the price) The G10 has dedicated boilers for each group head which means that you can 'dial in' the temperature for the coffee that you are using - they also feature an automated preinfusion function which caramelises the sugars of the coffee producing a lovely tasting coffee (depending upon what you put in there of course) and, to a certain extent, minimising the extent of operator error The other one that I like which I'm using at the moment is the BFC Synchro from Veneziano Coffee - these machines have been designed for the Australian coffee market by Veneziano and are made to their specifications in Italy by BFC - a well known and well respected maker of espresso machines for many years The Synchro is old school in that it features oversized heat exchangers in the boiler dedicated to each group head then flow restrictors to limit the flow and to drop the water temperature to the group head - essentailly they're a mechanical E61 machine which means that they're a reliable workhorse with the added feature of being able to run very long slow extractions - think 50secs for a double espresso - without blonding or scolding the coffee I've had a few issues with the milk texturing on these machines though which we've managed to get around by tricking them up a bit - but all in all a great machine both machines come in at under 10k which I think represents excellent value for money even more so when you consider the innovate technology which they utilise Expobar also has another machine can remember the name but you can customise the exterior to your own specifications I've seen a few out and about and they look great - but you would wanna make sure that they're the multiple boiler ones first Hope this helps, Cheers, ACg

Koffee_Kosmo

If you are looking at used equipment I would recommend Silver Chef My uncles shop has a Rancilio Epoca paired with a K10 seems to make a good coffee when I go in and use it from time to time KK

askthecoffeeguy

agreed I got my Mazzer Robur from Silver Chef for half retail and less than 18 months old in mint condition!

admin

I'm no expert, but everyone speaks very highly of the la Marzocco's - have no idea of pricing tho! Perhaps you could look at a second-hand one? -A

DoubleRistretto

thanks Admin - good idea; does anyone know where would you go to look for a second hand La M? dR

blanyon

I saw 4 in tassie advertised yesterday, pm me if interested (not sure about comercial posting?)

askthecoffeeguy

No probs with commercial posting if its relevant to the topic - I met a guy from Sydney recently who specialises in 2nd hand Synesso and La Marzocco's - I'll see if I can dig up his business card His name was Geraldo or something like that... P

blanyon

Well in that case call Oomph Coffee roasters in Tassie, Carlos is the name of the guy Linea 3 group , near new $11,000 Linea 3 group, 1 year old $10,000 Linea 2 group near new $9,000 GB 5 2 group $11,000 This is the only info listed so I hope it helps. Would love a trip down to Tassie to have a look and a play but wouldn't quite get that past the finance minister. ;D

admin

Hi - just for the record, the Trade page was always intended to allow more 'commercial' posts - especially when answering a question. Bottom line is that as long as it's an existing member doing the posting and its relevant, that's fine! A

[deleted]

"Allpress" would be the people to ask about 2nd hand marzoccos. they might not have them on hand but would probably know someone that might. For the money and ease of use, I would get an Expobar G10. No mods really necessary, and if you read pats post above, you'll get a good description of it. Its great to own a marzocco, but dont feel that its one to get, just because their amazing. their just the most popular. The WBC this year aren't using them.

blanyon

I don't think that the WBC select the "best machine" they choose one that is great but also with an eye on the marketing money that comes with it. (which is their perogative)

[deleted]

just to be clear, quality wasn't my inference. It was that Marzocco's aren't necessarily the only machine to aim for.

blanyon

Totally agree flushed badges on machines does not a good espresso make. It is the monkey setting it up and using it that makes or breaks the deal.

DoubleRistretto

Hi guys - thanks for your help and advice - will definitely be looking at the Expobar G10 dR PS does anyone know who the Australian agents are? I looked up in Google and they mentioned Mokador as one source (who I haven't heard great things about), but there's also 'Expobar Australia' - don't know if that's actaully a front company for Mokador??

[deleted]

try jasper coffee. 0394176801

blanyon

Pretty sure that expobar Australia are the importers and there are many other companies on selling the machines.