CoffeeGeek has a look at one of the least expensive Isomacs available on the US market today, and puts it through some initial paces. Is this machine more than just a cutesy looker? Find out.
ppanduro Senior Member Joined: 7 Jan 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Isomac Super Giada Grinder: Bosch - (I know...) Vac Pot: Bodum Drip: yakk - never
Posted Wed Jan 21, 2004, 5:10am Subject: Re: Isomac Super Giada
An excellent first look review, Mark - especially since I almost simoultaneously have bought the very same machine.
So far, I can only agree with the views, from the strangely placed nut which obstructs the available space in the filter, ( right , you quickly get used to it !) - to the steaming abilities ( and design) which eventually, after a bit of practice turns out good results, to the concerns over the temperature and last but not least, the somewhat confusing ( or just Italian ?) usage of colored signals which works dead against normal ( or at least law abiding ) citizens in the traffic - i.e. go when the green light switches off !
With regards to the temperature, and forgive me for the European Celcius thing, I have a few problems getting the machine over some 85 degrees a( measured at the water leaves the portafilter) and likewise, with the pressure, find it a little worrying, that despite the apparent ability to produce adequate pressure, my gauge shows only some 8.2 bars at the max. (so far !).
But, when all will be said eventually in a full scale test and review - do not forget that this is by far the the coolest looking machine - at least available in our relatively small ( but excessively expensive - I paid more than 700 usd for the beast !) market in Denmark. Stainless steel all over - no ugly plastics and an overall look that will go anywhere - cool toggle switches, well designed, regular shape, easy maintenance - and above all , not looking like something a mad inventor pulled out on a bad day !
After just one week - even with the minor upsets mentioned, my attitude to brewing coffee at home have changed forever, so bye-bye Bodum and silly stovetop so called espresso brewers - Real Espresso is king !
aabreecc Senior Member Joined: 23 Jan 2002 Posts: 3 Location: Oregon Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Sun Jan 25, 2004, 6:55pm Subject: Re: Isomac Super Giada
Very good review Mark. While the findings about the Super Giada are true regarding the steam wand length (short), the large nut on the dispersion screen (big), and 53mm portafilter (small, but tough), the Super Giada is a good machine for the money. You would be hard pressed to find a machine in the sub $400 range with the S. Giada’s performance and feature set. The Francis X3 or the Solis SL70 would be the only other logical choices. However, if you are comparing the S. Giada to the Rancilio Silvia or the Gaggia Classic, be prepared to pay $445 and $449 respectively at today’s prices. The days of those guys costing less than $400 are gone forever and as a result the S. Giada is a good catch at $349 or perhaps $399. I am looking forward to the detailed review.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,656 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Sun Jan 25, 2004, 11:39pm Subject: Re: Isomac Super Giada
Dan, I basically got it in the $350 to $450 category, while reviewing this. At that price point, the Silvia's the benchmark, so it always gets compared; Gaggia Classic will be tossed in too. The X3 will probably be the third choice for the detailed review.
The Solis remains my best choice for under $400 though :)
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 