CN1 Senior Member Joined: 5 Aug 2012 Posts: 18 Location: Chicago, IL Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 1:15pm Subject: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
I've had my Saeco Aroma SS for about 3 years now and it's served me well. I've recently upgraded my grinder to a Vario, and now I'm thinking of upgrading the machine. But I don't want to have to upgrade again in another 3 or 4 years. So, I'd like to get a machine that will have the basics that I need to control all (or most) of the variables that contribute to good espresso.
First thought was the Silvia. But after searching around, it seems these days, for the price of a Silvia, there are a number of machines out there with PID, pressure gauge, etc., for the same price. One is this one:
There's also the CC1, but I don't like it's controls and I've heard it's actually not that good of a machine. Will the Lelit above or a machine like it compete with the reputation the Silvia has earned, and serve longer than 3-5 years? (I make about one or two double-shot lattes a day for myself--that's it).
CMIN Senior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 566 Location: South FL Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 1:28pm Subject: Re: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
Not sure what you heard about the CC1, but I love mine, control panel gives you so many options and settings to preset for various uses. Kick ass machine, love the fast switching to steaming and vice versa. Le'Lit is a cool little machine too. Don't know about long term though as nobody has had these new factory PID machines as long as older Silvias. Just from opening it, CC1 compenents are laid out well for easy work if need be and everything looks solid and stout. Bills made a few changes/updates, I bought mine used from someone who loved it but upgraded to a Rocket.
CN1 Senior Member Joined: 5 Aug 2012 Posts: 18 Location: Chicago, IL Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 1:42pm Subject: Re: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
A friend of mine was recently shopping around for a machine and a dealer told him that they have been getting a lot of CC1s returned. I'm not sure the reason, though, so I should look into that. Besides that, though, the controls and menus on the CC1 remind me of the experience of setting a clock on the DVD player or car radio. I think I'd prefer the buttons and switches that are more common on other espresso machines.
As an aside, I came across this Lelit that seems to be a available only in Canada (at least that's the only place I've been able to locate it). It has a PID as well as pressure gauge:
CMIN Senior Member Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 566 Location: South FL Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Crossland CC1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 1:59pm Subject: Re: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
Le'Lit makes good machines, I would take them over the Ascaso PID machines that compete in this range as well. My CC1 was actually from a guy in Canada who bought from idrinkcoffee, had it for awhile then upgraded to the Rocket. I think initially there were some issues but Bill has updated and changed a few things, I put in the new EMI filters and new brew group head which is awesome for temp stability vs the dense brass/metal one. I've talked with a few owners and no complaints from them either.
I like Le'Lit though. If you really wanted a Silvia, you could buy a used one and put the PID in to save money. Otherwise its just not worth it new b/c the PID will put it in range of entry level h/x machines, may as well get something like the Silvano at that point which is a way better machine.
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2012, 3:22pm Subject: Re: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
since we're suggesting machines that are unproven as far as reliability, might as well throw in the Breville Double Boiler. These things are something like 1k and have all the bells and whistles that you'd want.
personally, i went to an Oscar after my Saeco. I just made my first couple shots and drinks yesterday and i miss the extra bit of control i had with the pressure profiling dimmer mod.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,372 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sun Aug 19, 2012, 12:09pm Subject: Re: Upgrade from Saeco Aroma SS
Frank828, it might take a bit more than an day to get use to Oscar. I wonder if you can put a dimmer mod on Oscar? I would be interested in that as well. I love Oscar, he was less than 500 used and he is a bit of a tank.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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