drfeelgood Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Florida Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II & Isomac... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: 4 cup, Melior French Press Drip: A little pencillin does the... Roaster: HotTop, Fresh Roast + 8 with...
Posted Sat Mar 1, 2008, 5:27pm Subject: Some Upgrade Advice from Experienced Baristas please
I may be at a point where I need to replace my Isomac Rituale and would appreciate some seasoned opinions from you based on your personal experience.
My Rituale from Chris has served me well since 2004 as my first real machine (not including the Krups steam toy.)
I don't mind the HX flush, the noise of the vibe pump, or the fact that I have to pour over or empty the drip tray. These tasks have just become routine (although if I upgrade, perhaps I will look back and find them annoying.) The bottom line has been that the espresso/caps I get from this machine are far better than any coffee shop I've been to.
It seems that the Rituale is becoming less and less reliable but I do want your opinion even about that. In the past 18 months, I've had to replace the main control board, vibe pump, pressure stat, green ready light, and fusible link (twice). It is as though I've already replaced most of the parts that would go. Is this a sign that the machine is beginning a downward plunge or just routine maintenance? (I generally considered replacing the shower screen and gasket, back flushing and cleaning it, "maintenance" but maybe I am wrong and I would appreciate any correction to my viewpoint if I am wrong)
I just HATE waking up and having a machine that is not working! We really rely on our morning cappucino and not having a reliable machine is not acceptable.
If it is a downward spiralling money pit, I'd like to just get a new one. And my thoughts are: "While I am at it, why not upgrade?"
Then the question is: "To what?"
First I considered the ultimate...GS3. I don't need it (or would it really give me something worth its $7500 price tag)
Then I considered what I would like that the Rituale does not have.
A rotary pump would be nice for a quieter operation. I am not sure how much better it really is. Your opinion would be appreciated here.
I'd like it to be plumbed in but this is a double edged sword. What are your thoughts?
I definitely like the swivel no burn steam and water arms.
A double boiler would be nice but I don't mind the HX and I don't have any experience to know what I am missing. What is your experience?
I've considered the Vetrano which would be very nice. But some people say that this is not really an upgrade since it still is an E61 HX. What do I really get in significant value by going to something like the La Spaziale? After all, I would need to give up all my E61 paraphenalia as well as having to buy a new tamping end for my Autotamp.
I like the looks of the Andreja but it is still a vibe pump?
Perhaps a Brewtus II?
I think that the Vibiemme Domobar PID, Double Boiler, Rotary may be just the ticket...especially since I can wait and make sure that it is as good as it sounds.
I don't really have upgrade-itis. If my Rituale would serve me reliably for the next 20 years with predictable maintenance and care, I'd keep it.
Your opinions and recommendations are appreciated.
drfeelgood Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Florida Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II & Isomac... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: 4 cup, Melior French Press Drip: A little pencillin does the... Roaster: HotTop, Fresh Roast + 8 with...
Posted Tue Mar 4, 2008, 5:38pm Subject: Re: Some Upgrade Advice from Experienced Baristas please
I am sorry but I don't know what you mean. Could you be more specific?
The more I look into it, the more it looks like the Vibiemme Double Boiler PID Rotary E61 will be the best upgrade as long as it has swivel no-burn steam and water arms.
After a closer look inside the Rituale, it looks like there is a lot of life left in it and it makes fantastic espresso.
I began to replace all the plastic connectors that have gotten hard and brittle. Perhaps there is some voltage loss or resistance in the connections causing some early failures. Everything else checks out okay and there is not much else to replace...fingers crossed. These machines are nice that most of the parts are standard. Of course I have had a hard time finding the oval green light which is not common.
I think that I will just wait for the new Vibiemme when arrives and the bugs are worked out. I don't think that there should be anymore reason to upgrade.
(I would've liked to hear more replies and experienced opinions. I am surprised no one else answered.)
Posted Tue Mar 4, 2008, 5:46pm Subject: Re: Some Upgrade Advice from Experienced Baristas please
Salvatore espresso machines are hand built here in America with the highest quality parts and commercial grade so parts are always available and the machine is warranted for 6 years yup SIX years no one else makes that clam The quality is unsuppressed by anyone, http://www.salvatore-espresso.com/Biography.html go look for your self!
drfeelgood Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Florida Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II & Isomac... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: 4 cup, Melior French Press Drip: A little pencillin does the... Roaster: HotTop, Fresh Roast + 8 with...
Posted Tue Mar 4, 2008, 5:48pm Subject: Re: Some Upgrade Advice from Experienced Baristas please
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