Londinium I Lever Espresso Machine

UNM · November 2012

on 1353978112:

Malte compares it with his 2 group Idrocompresso and LONDINIUM I comes out on top

I wouldn't consider what he wrote as a comparative independent review. An endorsement yes, certainly. I shall read reviews as they come available. Hopefully links to useful reviews will make their way into this thread. As to cup rails, back when I worked in product support, we got all sorts of requests just after releasing new products and would typically thank submitters and confirm we would consider changes for future production runs based on all feedback received. Ultimately the (prospective and current) customer is king. FWIW,I keep my cups on top of the machine, but don't rely on it to warm them as I insulated my boiler. Just a handy place to keep them.

conikal · November 2012

on 1353984525:

. When you design by committee this is frequently what you get:

Wow, where can i get one of those ? ( but without the wing ! ;D )

on 1353984525:

......I personally love having my cups on display on top of my machine and accept that the cup warmer gets scratched -

Just a suggestion.. A piece of clear, self adhesive , vinyl "book covering"..available at most large stationers.. can be applied to the top panel. It is invisible, protects from scratches, stops cups rattling and sliding about, and can be removed easily without leaving a trace. Actually,. using this, you could probably get away without a cup rail at all ! :o :stir

Kelsey · November 2012

And poke holes in it conikal?

shape_shifter · November 2012

As someone that is looking at this being a potential next machine. The cup warmer - as it seems to be a big deal breaker, I don't use the top of my machine as a cup warmer, the only time the cups go up there is when I'm making coffee. Australian distributor - We all know what happens on CS, sometimes people don't like being told no, I to am completely comfortable with purchasing direct and if anything happens being able to deal with it ourselves after consulting with Reiss. What I wouldn't be comfortable with is having a distributor set up in Australia and having to pay at least $1000 more for the machine. Reviews - they will come, at least they will be better than what we've seen happen here where the distributors were the ones giving the initial reviews, they then went back on everything they said and bagged the shit out of a machine when they felt they were hard done by. I prefer to see reviews from users that have absolutely no industry experience after all home users are the ones that will be using the machines on a day to day basis, not just when they are asked for a review or to demonstrate.

Ol Grumpy · November 2012

:deep breath Reiss, with the greatest of admiration and respect please accept these observations... If you want to sell meat to the masses... You sell the 'sizzle'... Not the steak... My dear man IMHO you put the (equivalent of) live cow up on your video... Frankly- no one wants to see the cow before they eat it - do they? Coffee is a very (VERY) emotional experience... That's what you need to tap into... NOT the nuts and bolts- those buyers (we) are the minority that will buy anyway despite your worst efforts... McDonalds are the masters at selling the experience... :astonishing success Hungry Jacks keep saying 'our burgers are better' :idiots Let me illustrate an example; you don't sell the clear window on the case by showing the guts inside.... You show the envy on the best mates face when he sees it for the first time and the ever so slight smug look of satisfaction on the proud owners face... BTW: I'm no expert, just a humble student who has invested literally hundreds of thousands of my own dollars over the years learning from the very best... Cheers, OG

conikal · November 2012

on 1353987226:

And poke holes in it conikal?

for the vents ? ..yes, you could do it that way...but i prefer a craft knife to do it properly ! :thumb:

UNM · November 2012

on 1353985547:

Wow, where can i get one of those ? ( but without the wing ! ;D ) Just a suggestion.. A piece of clear, self adhesive , vinyl "book covering"..available at most large stationers.. can be applied to the top panel. It is invisible, protects from scratches, stops cups rattling and sliding about, and can be removed easily without leaving a trace. Actually,. using this, you could probably get away without a cup rail at all ! :o :stir

I too liked the Homer, want one. Wing is OK. not sure about the 'Blue Peter' approach with sticky back plastic, might discolour with the heat, or leave adhesive residue. What is wrong with Espresso Skinz

Brett H · November 2012

on 1353991692:

I too liked the Homer, want one. Wing is OK. not sure about the 'Blue Peter' approach with sticky back plastic, might discolour with the heat, or leave adhesive residue. What is wrong with Espresso Skinz

I don't like the Skinz... They are $20 too expensive. A silicone bake wear sheet or pot holder is a couple of dollars and can be cut to fit perfectly. I am currently using a Sushi mat because it matches the wooden theme of my kitchen. I've tried both of these methods and they look good and with the change fro the Skinz I bought a kilo of El Salvador La Cumbre. No reason this type of thing couldn't be tailored to Londium. I don't often use the cup warmer... The protector is for the nice people who unstuck the dishwasher and decide that the milk jug belongs up there.

beanflying · November 2012

Congratulations on seeing this through the too and fro of design most likely countless tweaks and changes to get the first ones shipped. This is certainly not a simple task as some may think or make dismissive comment on at all :thumb: One persons styling is not going to suit all either but for me the top of the machine is a useful place and on mine well used. (5l Fiorenzato Lever so plenty of room on a much wider chassis) So another vote to see a rail/shield of some sort up top at some stage or future model.

BLrdFX · November 2012

I cannot believe all the discussion on cup warmers and rails! And the discussion about the L-I's boxy appearance. I would suggest to the detractor's of the current design of the L-I that they might manufacture their own beautifully curved, hammered sides and include a cup rail into the design. An alternative to that would be to go and buy an antique and restore it, or buy it restored. There are some really beautiful machines out there that are very old and are works of art. They might not be as reliable as designed but restore them with modern guts and you will have the machine of your dreams 8)

Lacehim · November 2012

on 1354023912:

I cannot believe all the discussion on cup warmers and rails! And the discussion about the L-I's boxy appearance.

What's wrong with a bit of discussion about what we as users of espresso machines want? I don't see a problem. I actually think it's good that Reiss is getting some feedback about his machine, and some suggestions for extras what some Aussie customers might like to see made available for the L1. We don't live in London, and might have different want/needs and have different lifestyles.

I for one leave my machine on all day on a timer

I also can't see much difference in styling from my Quick Mill Achilles. It's a shiny box really. Nothing more too it. Personally I would like to have see the L1 come out in colours like my Lusso. I'm a bit over the shiny stainless look, but I can understand that during design/build stages compromises had to be made to get the product to market. That's not to say that Reiss couldn't offer customisations later down the track once production settles in, for the appropriate return in $$$ for his time and effort. Anyway, great machine, can't wait to see one of them in the flesh. I was tempted to buy one and put it next to the Quick Mill, and keep the one that suited me best, but my wife would probably kill me if I dented the bank balance any more! :rofl: It's great to have the L1 on the market, it's not for everyone, but just having another option (and a well priced one too) is fantastic in my book. I love the simplicity of levers and they make the coffee making ritual in my house so much more hands on and fun.

conikal · November 2012

on 1353991692:

not sure about the 'Blue Peter' approach with sticky back plastic, might discolour with the heat, or leave adhesive residue.

KK linked to this site who sell this,.. non adhesive, cling protector vinyl sheet.. http://www.topvinylfilms.com/products/Static_Cling_Vinyl-20-11.html they also have "Re moveable vinyl sheet", and various transparent "screen protector" type products.

Lwowiak · November 2012

on 1354023912:

I cannot believe all the discussion on cup warmers and rails! And the discussion about the L-I's boxy appearance.

Especially by your stereotypical whinging pom. :stir :stir

Ol Grumpy · November 2012

on 1354061012:

...... I was tempted to buy one and put it next to the Quick Mill, and keep the one that suited me best....

OH YEaaaaaaaaaaH Baby! Now that's a plan... We might cajole KK into bringing along his Strega too.... How bout a group tasting and testing session.... C'mon, You Can Do It.... We could have Galumay on video hookup- I'm sure he'll want to pontificate on the Izzo and his fav. :Lido... Oh c'mon be a good sport... That would be so much fun....

Koffee_Kosmo · November 2012

The Strega is a very portable unit and is willing to travel I find it harder to lift my grinder :laugh: KK

Lwowiak · November 2012

All we need is a Queenslander to buy a L1. I am sure at one stage I can bribe the ladies of the house to leave and we can have a Lever festival on the Gold Coast. Plumbed in Bosco here. If we can get a Strega, QM, L1 and perhaps a Cremina, it would be quite an eye opener.

BLrdFX · November 2012

on 1354061389:

Especially by your stereotypical whinging pom. :stir :stir

That is pretty funny! I have been called lots of things, but stereotypical sure is not one of them :laugh: I understand that people want cup warmer rails, and I am equally sure the manufacturer does understand that as well, he even has stated it in video and text. I too prefer other machines for their looks and a few aspects of how they are designed to work, but I am not designing the L-I, merely commenting on aspects of how it works. For instance, I would prefer a wee bit longer water wand. The cup rail issue is sort of a non starter for me because of the machines I have owned, and now own, I much prefer to use the water want to heat the cup. Since there is a recommendation to shut off the house water on the direct plumb unit I think there should be an easily accessible shutoff valve on the L-I so I don't have to go diving under my sink to shut off the water. Another thing I would like is to have a drip tray that pull out toward the user and not have to be lifted. But as I have said, I did not design the machine, I just ordered one because of the positive things I saw in the machine. Reiss may or may not put any of my suggestions into the next variant of his L-I, if there is another variant in the future. Time will tell and I wish Reiss and his Londimium series of machines well, as I do you in your quest for a better cup of espresso

Cheers! Stephen

Chris Stuffa · November 2012

Well it looks like I'm the first bunny to buy one of these machines here. I've read all of this topic and have never read so much crap. A lot of the posts have got nothing to do at all with the topic and most are people sprouting out their knowledge and opinions with no intention of buying the machine. I am no expert in coffee machines but think this machine will suit my needs and think the price is very reasonable. Hopefully my faith in Reiss and this machine will pay off and I will enjoy good espresso and the process for a long time. The Londinium is what it is.

Ol Grumpy · November 2012

Congrats Chris! Don't forget Pics.... More pics. And more pics...

Kelsey · November 2012

on 1354071089:

Well it looks like I'm the first bunny to buy one of these machines here. I've read all of this topic and have never read so much crap. A lot of the posts have got nothing to do at all with the topic and most are people sprouting out their knowledge and opinions with no intention of buying the machine. I am no expert in coffee machines but think this machine will suit my needs and think the price is very reasonable. Hopefully my faith in Reiss and this machine will pay off and I will enjoy good espresso and the process for a long time. The Londinium is what it is.

Fantastic Chris! Looking forward to hearing your in-depth review! And I echo Ol' Grumpy's demand - PICS! Where in Tassie are you Chris? One of our other members was needing some assistance from someone in your part of the woods.

Koffee_Kosmo · November 2012

Your delight is my delight in proxi Chris :thumb: I wish you many happy years of wonderful coffee KK

Lwowiak · November 2012

Congratulations on your lever purchase, Chris. What a wonderful Christmas present. :thumb:

Chris Stuffa · November 2012

Thanks for the well wishes. I will certainly give my veiws on the machine once I get it, for what it's worth. Should be here hopefully before X'mas. I hate to take this of topic but I have just moved to the central coast of NSW, will update my profile. Sorry if I offended anyone with my last post. I was trying to decide if I would buy the Londinium and thought I would read through the entire thread and a lot of it was just unhelpful.

Lwowiak · November 2012

We thus expect you to start this thread: Londinium 1 owner experience.

Lacehim · November 2012

on 1354075563:

Thanks for the well wishes. I will certainly give my veiws on the machine once I get it, for what it's worth. Should be here hopefully before X'mas. I hate to take this of topic but I have just moved to the central coast of NSW, will update my profile. Sorry if I offended anyone with my last post. I was trying to decide if I would buy the Londinium and thought I would read through the entire thread and a lot of it was just unhelpful.

No worries Chris. The thread is a discussion regarding the L1 as it developed, so yes alot of the information in this thread is outdated, and we all sometimes take a thread off topic

Please do keep up all updated on your purchase, we are all very interested in your thoughts. Personally I doubt you'll be disappointed.

on 1354078151:

We thus expect you to start this thread: Londinium 1 owner experience.

+1 it would be nice to start a new thread with experiences about the actual machine in hand, rather than continuing this thread about a machine going though the prototype stage which this thread is mostly about.

Jonty · November 2012

on 1354064544:

OH YEaaaaaaaaaaH Baby! Now that's a plan... We might cajole KK into bringing along his Strega too.... How bout a group tasting and testing session.... C'mon, You Can Do It.... We could have Galumay on video hookup- I'm sure he'll want to pontificate on the Izzo and his fav. :Lido... Oh c'mon be a good sport... That would be so much fun....

And us Vics will fly into Brissy or toolie country to see first hand the event unfold.. Stuff the video link up, whats a $100 flight and we can crash on someones floor

Lwowiak · November 2012

on 1354066429:

That is pretty funny! I have been called lots of things, but stereotypical sure is not one of them :laugh: I understand that people want cup warmer rails, and I am equally sure the manufacturer does understand that as well, he even has stated it in video and text. I too prefer other machines for their looks and a few aspects of how they are designed to work, but I am not designing the L-I, merely commenting on aspects of how it works. For instance, I would prefer a wee bit longer water wand. The cup rail issue is sort of a non starter for me because of the machines I have owned, and now own, I much prefer to use the water want to heat the cup. Since there is a recommendation to shut off the house water on the direct plumb unit I think there should be an easily accessible shutoff valve on the L-I so I don't have to go diving under my sink to shut off the water. Another thing I would like is to have a drip tray that pull out toward the user and not have to be lifted. But as I have said, I did not design the machine, I just ordered one because of the positive things I saw in the machine. Reiss may or may not put any of my suggestions into the next variant of his L-I, if there is another variant in the future. Time will tell and I wish Reiss and his Londimium series of machines well, as I do you in your quest for a better cup of espresso Cheers! Stephen

Stephen, this was a light-hearted dig at someone else. It was not intended to be directed at you. :head: Cheers for being a good sport. It seems some people do understand Aussie humor.

PM sent.

Brett H · November 2012

on 1354078151:

We thus expect you to start this thread: Londinium 1 owner experience.

Spot on! Chris, don't hesitate to ask if you need any assistance making this happen.

BLrdFX · November 2012

Lwowiak: No harm no fowl, and no I do not understand Aussie humor as I have never lived or visited that part of the world. I can however find humor in many things, including a funeral so keep it up, I like the entertainment ;D I have a couple of weeks to wait for the L-I to start/join in on a First Impressions Thread and to compare it to what I found with my experience on my Rocket R-58 and my LM GS/3 MP. I sort of wish I had a large flat burr grinder to compare what I own and its grinds in the L-I to the 3 types of burrs, 2 of which I own. Keep up the good observations! Stephen

Lacehim · December 2012

Is anyone actually an owner one of these machines yet? A few said they were buying but have since been very quiet!

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