Time to move on... to something new!

Koffee_Kosmo

Not sure what to advise because if you get a fixer upper, it's not hard to blow ones budget due to unforeseen items If you are thinking of a used machine it would be preferable to get a near new machine KK

Brett_H

Lacheim, if you haven't played with a Strega you probably need to. I'm suffering a serious case of what ifs... They are a bit over ya price but you probably need to know. Remember, this could potentially be your last upgrade for 10.... months :rofl:

Lacehim

A fixer upper just won't work at the moment due to lack of time/space, and to be honest a 2 group is just too big because i'm the only one that drinks coffee in our house. The Strega is on my list, but has a pump which just puts me off. I might have to get a demo sometime, but getting to Brisbane is pretty hard these days.

Kelsey

I'll let you know when I'm heading up to pick up Betsy. If you don't mind a few non-coffee related diversions you're welcome to join me.

derrilex

Ahhh, you know you're gunna get a sweet strega brew at Chris's Kelsey. Lacehim wont be able to help himself :rofl:

Kelsey

I've found that even relatively poorly prepared shots work out pretty well on the Strega. I was impressed with the results I've gotten out of it the few times I played with it.

beanflying

Lacehim wrote:

The Strega is on my list, but has a pump which just puts me off. I might have to get a demo sometime, but getting to Brisbane is pretty hard these days.

Depumping it and plumbing it in is fairly simple if the non pump variety still isn't available locally. Pressure reducing valve, 240V solenoid in place of pump job fairly much done.

Lacehim

Ok. Not a lever but quiet maybe. There's a Bezzera BZ35e down the road from me on eBay. Any thoughts about this machine? Can it be run off a tank until I can plumb it in? He got it listed at $950, he's had it 3 years, services 12 months ago, and running ok. From what I've got off google these are a rotary pump. Not sure what amps they pull though.

beanflying

Rotary pumps with a check valve at the tank will be happy pulling from an under bench tank if needed. Just need to prime them in the first instance so the pump doesn't run dry. ??? Being a single group it will be under 10A and if it has 3 legs on the element then AM or a similar electrical type could drop one out for you (really doesn't save money) .

UNM

Bean Flying wrote:

Being a single group it will be under 10A and if it has 3 legs on the element then AM or a similar electrical type could drop one out for you (really doesn't save money) .

Main saving on lower current draw is in rewiring costs for the bigger beasties - installing 15 or 20amp circuits can get expensive. Running costs are MARGINALLY lower on de-rated elements as the heating time is longer, which changes the duty cycle a bit. Very little in it though.

Lacehim

So is the bz35e any good? It looks like KKs bz40 is design so is this 35e an older model? Any idea when they where made? Anything I should look out for if I go take a looky.

Koffee_Kosmo

Lacehim wrote:

So is the bz35e any good? It looks like KKs bz40 is design so is this 35e an older model? Any idea when they where made? Anything I should look out for if I go take a looky.

It's a good machine and a similar spec to the BZ40 Just has a smaller boiler, one element, and a single gauge The rest is the same KK

Kelsey

Anger Management wrote:

Further more, when it comes to a gathering and 6 or so coffee's needed ASAP. Then the Cremina and I can not cope.

Please explain... I'm finding that we're starting to have a bit of a social life, so the 'multiple coffees' thing is starting to be important to me too. Was very glad of the BZ99 this weekend just gone.

Lacehim

I have no social life! :rofl: Maybe I should go back to nescafe?

Koffee_Kosmo

One of the reasons I got the Strega is that it performers like a prosumer machine and has that lever goodness

Lwowiak

Hi Lacehim, I know you have a hankering for a lever, so I have some product news for you: http://londiniumespresso.com/blogs/londinium-espresso-blog/6097466-whos-for-a-londinium-lever-espresso-machine Something smaller than a Bosco or Strega, but larger than a Cremina. As they ship all over the world, you can buy direct from them. Sounds interesting, and hope they will have more news soon. cheers.

Kelsey

Oh now that does sound interesting. In fact, it sounds to me like AM will be in trouble with the wife again. 😉

Lacehim

Lwowiak wrote:

Something smaller than a Bosco or Strega, but larger than a Cremina. As they ship all over the world, you can buy direct from them. Sounds interesting, and hope they will have more news soon.

Ohhhhh, nice one Lwowiak. How's your Bosco going? You got it set up yet? 2850W Element! ??? ??? ??? All sounds good but when? I want it now. :laugh:

beanflying

Goody another Lever, plans for world re-domination are on track then :stir 2850W boiler if it is only a 5L boiler is crazy recovery power. My 3 grp/20L boiler at 3000W copes with 4-500 cups in 6 or 7 hours :🙂 Should mention my Fioranzato is 2800W rated too but I have pulled a leg off the element back to 1800W

Lwowiak

Hi Lacehim, The Bosco is all set up. I am in testing and learning phase. Recovering from flu, so taste buds are wonky. Early impressions are that it produces a very smooth brew. Need more roasted coffee, especially espresso blends with lots of flavour and body.