MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,462 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Fri Dec 13, 2002, 3:23am Subject: When the Review is coming
I have a couple of machines ahead of the Venus, including the Alpenrost (next review), the Zaffiro (next after that), and then either the MT500 or the Venus.
The machine is put away for now, as I can only evaluate about two or three machines at a time :). But it will be yanked out in January, and given another solid 3 or 4 weeks of testing, writing, test-grouping before I put pen to paper for the beeg review.
Fortune: temp surfing does indeed seem to be a thing of the past with the Zaffiro, thanks to the adjustable thermostat (not a pressurestat), but the jury's out on the Venus.
travelor Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2002 Posts: 1 Location: Baton Rouge Expertise: Intermediate
Posted Sat Dec 14, 2002, 10:25am Subject: Have you tried the Office Control
Thank you Marc. Your reviews are so helpful. I am in the process of buying a espresso machine. A Whole Latte Co. carries the Office Control, but I have not seen a review on it. It appears to be in the middle category of all the machines. Can you help me.
wh Senior Member Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 6 Location: San Francisco Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Sep 21, 2003, 11:42am Subject: Detailed review?
Was there ever a detailed review for this machine? I was about to buy one (actually it's a toss-up with the Silvia), and would like to see any additional detail I can find about the thermostat issues, etc. Thanks!
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,462 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Sun Sep 21, 2003, 11:52am Subject: Re: First Look at the Isomac Venus
The DR has been put off indefinitely for this machine. Our test unit hasn't worked properly since the first few days' testing; a problem with both thermostats inside. It's not a failure, but the thermostat's cycle ranges are extreme - the machine drops to about 160F grouphead brew temperature before it kicks on again, and when steaming, a similar drop is experienced before the boiler goes on.
This problem may be fixed with other machines now, but I've gotten a few emails from people who had similar problems with machines shipping last year.
Jim at 1st Line sent a new part a few weeks ago (Isomac themselves have known about this problem with my machine since March, and were supposed to fix it in person in Vancouver in June when they came to the Canadian Coffee and Tea expo, but they didn't attend). This part hasn't been installed yet as I haven't had a chance to do it yet.
I've had my Venus, from 1st Line, for two weeks now and no problems with thermostats or inconsistencies. I do note, as another owner mentioned, that the boiler pressure gauge registers about 13 when pouring a shot. I am thrilled with the resulting espresso, however. I'm a very happy camper.
Posted Sun Dec 7, 2003, 7:38pm Subject: Re: Isomac Venus Espresso Machine
I purchased my Isomac Venus last September. I think it is a terrific machine. It is too bad that not too many people have written more detail reviews. I am extremely happy with the shots that I get out of this machine. It took a while to figure out proper timing to get excellent shots, what I do is that after a 40 minutes warm up period I bleed some water out of the steam wand until the boiler light comes on. After the ready light go off I wait 2 1/2 minutes to pull my double. It works very well for me. I am currently using La Marzocco portafilter and double basket. My blend of choice is Vivace Dolce. I think that in the long run the Venus will be regarded as a very competitive choice against the Silvia.
Life is a one way trip, so be sure to enjoy every second of your journey !!!!!!
TCFatone Senior Member Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 1 Location: NYC Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Mazz-Mini
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2004, 8:00pm Subject: Re: First Look at the Isomac Venus
Howdy, I've been obsessing about which Espresso machine to purchase for several weeks now. I've boiled it down to either the Sylvia or the Venus. I pretty much decided to go with the new kid on the block (Venus) based on all the great reviews and the "first look". BUT, the thermostat problems reported by Mark in his sept. 21st post have given me cause for concern and put me right back to where I was before! Any news on the thermostat problem? Has it been fixed by now? Anybody know? Thanks. Oh, just bought the Mazzer Mini Grinder and am in love. It's a beauty! -Tom NYC
I just bought the Isomac Venus... hopefully I will get it Thurs or Friday. I've been using a Capresso Ultima and while it makes better espresso than my little Krups steam machine, there's definitely no control over anything but grind and time. Anyway my question(s) is this, 1)what is the optimal pressure during pull? 2) Can't the pressure be adjusted on the Venus? I'm "raw" newbie to espresso but I've got the fever and love the discovery.
Danny
Danny www.pbase.com/creationsphotography "Just worrying about what I can't get to today!" "As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another" Proverbs 27:17
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