julioale Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Posts: 36 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Fri Dec 8, 2006, 6:59pm Subject: Upgrade Process, Need Help
I’m in the process of buying a new machine. After reading many reviews and forums, I’m still undecided. Now my list is reduced to 4:
Anita, excellent option for $999.00
Fiorenzato Bricoletta $999.00 after rebate – Chris Tacy said: temperature management on the Bricoletta is a challenge
Wega Lyra v-pump – $1,149.00 ISO 9002, 9.8 consumers rated, its No. 3 in Coffeegeek
Valentina Semiautomatic – $1, 349.00 Top quality component, Gicar, Sirai pressurestat. Dan kehn said… impressive temperature stability and toleration of minor faults in technique…
I live in Puerto Rico, the shipping of any of those machines with a mazzer mini is between the 200.000 and 300.00, and this limits my budget. That’s why I need a well-built machine and easy to fix, cause return it to repair can be expensive. That why the Valentina is ahead.
Mi coffee intake is 50% macchiato and 50% cappuccino. I will like to know your opinions, especially about quality and reliability.
I’m counting with your experiences and reviews to make up my mind.
Posted Fri Dec 8, 2006, 7:15pm Subject: Re: Upgrade Process, Need Help
Julio... I've been looking at some of the same machines as an upgrade to my Millennium. There are excellent reviews of the La Val and the Bric on home-barista.com if you haven't read them yet.
I'm curious about the $999 price on the Bric. Where did you see it at that price?
Everman Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,044 Location: Coffee Land Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Valentina Levetta, Elektra... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Hottop
Posted Fri Dec 8, 2006, 7:49pm Subject: Re: Upgrade Process, Need Help
I just got my Valentina Levetta in today and have spent a little time with it. Overall I'm thoroughly impressed, aside from stunning good looks my very first two shots were pretty decent. I need to learn the finer points of using a heat exchanger, and get that "new" taste out of the machine, so far things are looking good. I opened it up before turning it on, everything looks great, quality looks to be top notch.
I don't think you can really go wrong with any of these machines, they are all great.
IMAWriter Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 5,483 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Nothing at the moment Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM... Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever... Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Fri Dec 8, 2006, 8:39pm Subject: Re: Upgrade Process, Need Help
Julio...mucho gusto...welcome to CG! I own an Anita, a fine machine, backed by a fine vendor...we have several excellent vendors, and all the machines you mentioned are terrific at what they do...the anita is a touch more "spartan"...that is, a few less bells and whistles, and it's a bit plainer in styling, but the insides are top notch..as good as Andreja.... la Val is a gorgeous machine, and Dan kehn (head geek at HB.com) has a beautifully written description at his web site. the others you mentioned are also top notch...and there are, of course others...makes your head swim!...I know I was just as crazy as you!...it came down to price (Anita was $895 from Chris for the first 50 sold...I jumped at it!), performance for the $$$, and a reputable vendor...all your machines have those qualities....the Anita's short comings are basically just the lack of swivel on the steam and water wand (I find it's not that big a deal for me), and the fact they are not the "no burn" arms, unlike Anita's big brother Andreja...not sure about Briccoletta, and LA Val, and Wega. Bottom line, you won't go wrong with any of the machines you mentioned....there's also the Vibiemme Domobar...reviewed here. others here will chime in with their faves, I'm sure!...we love our machines... keep us posted.
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