New Machine

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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.

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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

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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: "...

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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...)

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.