rhomberg Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Tekamah Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: DeLonghi Caffe Italia Drip: Technivorm
Posted Thu Nov 24, 2011, 8:41pm Subject: Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000
I have found a used one from a shop that closed. It has been sitting for 3 years. Asking $350.00 How much were these new? How much work might it need? Is it worth spending another $200 on if needed, or should I just look at a newer machine in the $550 range? His picture implies it is an automatic. I am not sure exactly how old it is, he said probably at least 10 years but clean and in good shape, was operating when he removed it from the shop. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted Thu Nov 24, 2011, 9:50pm Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000
rhomberg Said:
I have found a used one from a shop that closed. It has been sitting for 3 years. Asking $350.00 How much were these new? How much work might it need? Is it worth spending another $200 on if needed, or should I just look at a newer machine in the $550 range? His picture implies it is an automatic. I am not sure exactly how old it is, he said probably at least 10 years but clean and in good shape, was operating when he removed it from the shop. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
New Sirai (didn't need it but wanted less deadband) $80
The point is it can add up quick. Budget for at least an additional $600 after the price of the machine. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't include your time obviously. I probably spent 2-3 hours 3 times a week for two months on it and the machine was in quite good shape for its age, and I got lucky (no cracked HX or Boiler, No bad logic boards, gauge still good, had never had a major leak internally etc.) The first two listed in the parentheses are deal-killers btw, Would cost upwards of $600-1000 alone to fix each one.
If you know what you could potentially end up with, you can avoid buying a lump of scrap for $350.
If the machine has been stored with water in it, I wouldn't give him more than $100. Pick it up. If it sloshes you have your answer.
At minimum to actually restore I'd guess would be $800~ total if you are extremely lucky with the condition of the parts.
If you just plug it in and get lucky, that's your call, but personally I wouldn't think of using a stored machine without a complete teardown. IMO you are just asking for a leak or breakdown. Not to mention the sludge and nastiness lurking in the boiler and plumbing.
At $550 you are firmly in SBDU territory. IE: Rancilio Silvia, Crossland CC1, Gaggia Classic, Le'lit PL041
All of them are solid choices in this price range.
On the other hand, If you can hold out with your current machine for a while and save another $400-450 to get to the thousands range, then the options really open up.
- Quickmill Silvano, Nuova Simonelli Oscar, Bezzera BZ07 or BZ02, Expobar Office, etc.
These are going to make it much easier to make better espresso with less effort, and more repeatably and be able to make back to back drinks, by steaming and brewing simultaneously. Also, some don't believe it, but drink quality goes up when your milk isn't waiting for your shot and more importantly, your shot isn't waiting for your milk.
Don't forget to budget at least $300 for a grinder (If you want it to be new and electric).
- Baratza Preciso, Le'lit PL53, Ascaso I-2, Cunill El Cafe Tranquilo, etc.
-James
P.S. The BZ02 is currently a steal Here at $849.00 Just a tip, don't have any association with any vendor. :)
rhomberg Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Tekamah Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: DeLonghi Caffe Italia Drip: Technivorm
Posted Fri Nov 25, 2011, 5:15am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000
Thanks, the Bzo2 is listed as fully automatic. The fully and semi automatic terms are starting to confuse me. Please give me your definitions and opinions. And what does SBDU mean as you used the term? Thanks again for your help.
Posted Fri Nov 25, 2011, 9:33am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000
rhomberg Said:
Thanks, the Bzo2 is listed as fully automatic. The fully and semi automatic terms are starting to confuse me. Please give me your definitions and opinions. And what does SBDU mean as you used the term? Thanks again for your help.
The same boiler that brews your shot has to empty out a space at the top and heat up to steam temp in order to steam. This takes, an amount of time, lol. Then to brew again the boiler has to be filled to the top and cool down.
You have to "temp surf" the machine to have an idea of what temperature you're brewing at. Not to be confused with "cooling flush" on an "HX" (Heat-Exchanger) .
Fully-automatic means that the machine can be programmed to stop your shot for you at a set volume. This makes brewing and steaming at the same time a breeze once you get a blend dialed in. For me, I just start my shot and then start to steam, the shot cuts itself so I don't have to worry about it.
Also handy if your SO is talking to you or if kids are grabbing your pant leg etc. You don't forget to cut it and end up with a sinker.
If on the other hand you want to run your shot manually you can just push the button and stop it yourself. Personally it's a big plus for me.
Semi-auto, you start and end the shot manually. Some even have a mechanical paddle (LM) or lever (E61).
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