Just out of interest, does anyone know what the numbers are of sales to the USA compared to the rest of the world? Are 110/120v areas a large percentage of total sales for the main European espresso manufacturers?
Posted Tue May 11, 2004, 10:26pm Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
That's the crux of the matter isn't it? Is the 110V market big enough to justify retooling for a different production run. Being a Nth American website, it can create a false impression of the worldwide market.
I think it's up to some entrepreneurs to either build a machine for the Nth American market or else commission an existing maker to build a special version for sale in 110V land (or submit and add 220V sockets to your kitchens).
Greg
And I agree with sjames - just ditch NTSC. Except PAL has the 4% speedup for films... Heck why didn't they come up with a single worldwide HDef format????
Posted Wed May 12, 2004, 2:37am Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
Found the point that North americana houses already have 220v circuits in place interesting.
In Australia we also have a more powerful circuit for electric stoves which is wired separately. Any kitchen designer worth their salt weighs up the costs (among other things) of rewiring vs gas or combo when recommending an appliance during a refit.
I can only imagine the mental (in both senses of the word) response of the Italian engineers who seem pretty dedicated to their profession, to the idea that everything should be re-built from the ground up, if they were ever to find out that the problem could be so easily solved by a simple piece of electrical re-wiring.
I'm not neccessarily defending Italian nationalism here, but hey, they too have a right to feel a certain proprietary pride in their national cuisine and the technology that flows from it.
Many companies have redesigned the humble wok, but nothing yet in s/s beats the original carbon steel round-bottomed original over a hot flame.
We are dedicated to learning to make one of life's most exquisite pleasures, and I know that most of us give up a lot to pay for these expensive set-ups, but seriously...re-invent the wheel because there are loose pavers in the driveway?
OK, If it were not for the professional Baristi reading CG a lot of information would stay regionally landlocked. With pro’s sharing their wealth of knowledge with the rest of us aspiring baristi the long learning curve for true creation has been shortened, and I may go so far as to say the Pro’s have enabled us layman to create art such as can be witnessed in the threads from the last few days. I applaud all Baristi who have advanced the awareness and level of competency of the rest of us who find enjoyment in the world of espresso/coffee. Thank you! {;-)~
Posted Wed May 12, 2004, 9:11am Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
This is an interesting question. I don't know the answer but regarding the relative scale of the American presence in this market, here's the way it looks to me:
For decades Americans were clueless -relative to the rest of the world- as to the real issues in coffee quality in general and espresso in particular. The guile (and advertising budgets) of the large corporations like General Foods only added to the general ignorance and coffee quality was in a tailspin.
Starbucks, an American Corporation came on the scene in the last decade or so and succeeded in getting American attention, getting Americans to pay several dollars for a drink of espresso and put espresso into the vocabulary of mainstream Americans. Burnt though their roasts may be, we can't take this away from them. They have to get some credit for getting Americans to wake up to the fact that Folgers was mostly stale and Chock-full-of-nuts wasn't really "heavenly".
American interest in quality espresso is now on the upswing and whatever percentage of the world market they represent now, the potential for significant increase in the near future is very strong - American buying power being what it is.
Feel free to correct me on any of these three assumptions ...this is just my perception but it could be wrong...
Patrick
60mls Said:
Just out of interest, does anyone know what the numbers are of sales to the USA compared to the rest of the world? Are 110/120v areas a large percentage of total sales for the main European espresso manufacturers?
Posted Thu May 13, 2004, 12:36am Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
Hi again,
I am loving this discussion.
There is an American maufacturer with almost a century's experience doing this stuff. I am talking about the Hobart Corporation (Kitchenaid). They began in 1915--they specialise in making industrial quality domestic appliances based on the best industry design principles. They've just launched their first model espresso machine--OK so it ain't the best--but it could be, obviously they've done enough market research to know that they can sell high-end machines.
Let's approach their R & D department with Marks wish/whinge list and get them to design --from the ground up-- a 110volt machine with a double boiler dual thermostat and whatever else. It CAN probably be done well with industry standard, even off the shelf, parts
They probably don't even know that this site exists--they can get all their clues for R & D on the cheap and the consumer gets what they want.
This is a serious suggestion, heck, they probably even speak English. (grin)
Luca Moderator Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 2,658 Location: Melbourne, Australia
Espresso: H: Maver W: FB-80 Grinder: H: Super Jolly W: Brasilia... Vac Pot: Hario TCA-2 Roaster: Sample Roaster at Work
Posted Thu May 13, 2004, 7:30pm Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
I, for one, would love to see a double-boiler home machine with an actively heated group, LM portafilter, fuji PID and legendary chris coffee two hole tip as standard manufactured by KitchenAid :P
It'd be great to get them to put the logos of all parties involved on the back, as well :P
Seriously, though, I can't see a HUGE company like KitchenAid manufacturing such a niche product, but why not approach Salvatore with a proposal to expand his operation?
Cheers,
Luca "my standard 240V power outlets rule" Costanzo
ant Senior Member Joined: 7 May 2003 Posts: 1,044 Location: Brisbane Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: sunbeam em6910 Grinder: sunbeam em0480 Vac Pot: hario syphon Roaster: 1kg sample roaster at work
Posted Wed May 19, 2004, 4:28am Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
My friend did a quick stint of room service in the Hilton Brisbane just last nite. He bumped into a lavazza barista trainer and after a bit of chit chat my friend mentioned this site, coffeegeek- the trainer replied that we are too geeky! :>
He also mentioned that he found the 'other' site, coffeekid.com, much better in terms of teaching his clients- I guess it can be a case of too much info too soon with the cgeek site. Personally, I like participating at this level of discussion because hopefully it will spill over more into the mainstream and gradually raise the level of professionalism of us baristi/coffee makers everywhere :)
espressoDOM Senior Member Joined: 1 May 2003 Posts: 2,189 Location: Bay Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: WEGA Lyra (vibe) Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: (no more coffee equipment) Drip: French Press Roaster: Hot Top Roaster; Fresh Roast...
Posted Wed May 19, 2004, 9:29am Subject: Re: Innnnnnteresting... current poll results on who reads CG...
I agree on the geek factor.... we are a bit much for the average passerbyer..... but if you look at it from a professional standpoint.... This site is gold.... You have consumers...enthusiasts...and other professionals discussing all topics passionately... my only hope is that we can keep the tone friendly when discussing topics b/c that is what drew me in ... to the hobby and this site... my enthusiasm for espresso technically came from this site... I just liked shots when I first came here.... i knew nothing....
DOM...evil genius ...Up to no good in espresso at all times... VIVA la parts de Espresso
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