Boet Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2012 Posts: 5 Location: South Africa, Johannesburg Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat May 12, 2012, 6:39am Subject: Baby Twin vs Isomac Venus vs Ascaso Dream
Hi
I live in South Africa, as a result, I have a very limited choice of decent espresso machines. I have short listed the following as possible alternatives:
Gaggia Baby Twin Isomac Venus Ascaso Dream
I would like to know your thoughts on the above, particularly if you own one of them. I have read alot about the Gaggia, mostly good and some bad (internals not so durable, plastic etc) The other two do not have too much written about them. What I have seen of the Dream has largely been negative relating to reliability issues and grouphead upgrades etc. I have selected the above due to the fact that all have a 3 way Solenoid valve, My requirements:
+- 6 - 10 shots a day of espresso/americano with cappucino/latte ocassionally
Durable, well built machine that I can rely on for atleast the next 5 years with the required care and maintanance
Ability to maintain a stable brew temp
Ability to pull a cafe quality shot with great crema
Posted Sat May 12, 2012, 10:19am Subject: Re: Baby Twin vs Isomac Venus vs Ascaso Dream
Gaggia makes some very solid machines but from what I hear the Baby Twin is not one of them. If choosing a Gaggia, I would recommend the Classic which is still built the way it was before Saeco bought the brand. The newer models don't have nearly as good a reputation for reliability.
Posted Sat May 12, 2012, 8:56pm Subject: Re: Baby Twin vs Isomac Venus vs Ascaso Dream
I've had my Venus for nearly 6 years and really enjoy it, very durable. Do a search here for Isomac Venus and you will find other owners as well. It is not without it's quirks but with practice, patience, and a good grinder, I have been able to get good consistency and quality with shots via temp surfing, and the steam power is solid. I've heard good things about the Ascaso pro line as well. Perhaps some other members out there from your region may also be able to offer some insight into tracking down other brands/models. Best wishes on a good find!
Boet Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2012 Posts: 5 Location: South Africa, Johannesburg Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat May 12, 2012, 10:25pm Subject: Re: Baby Twin vs Isomac Venus vs Ascaso Dream
Thanks to all of you for your very valuable advice!
It definitely looks like the Venus is in the lead so far :)
skispresso Said:
I've had my Venus for nearly 6 years and really enjoy it, very durable. Do a search here for Isomac Venus and you will find other owners as well. It is not without it's quirks but with practice, patience, and a good grinder, I have been able to get good consistency and quality with shots via temp surfing, and the steam power is solid. I've heard good things about the Ascaso pro line as well. Perhaps some other members out there from your region may also be able to offer some insight into tracking down other brands/models. Best wishes on a good find!
Skispresso, what grinder are you using with your Venus? I have posted in the grinders forum, my available options are gaggia mdf, Isomac Gran Maccino and the ascaso iMini.
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