qualin Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 459 Location: Calgary, AB Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto 3 Grinder: Mazzer Mini Elect. Type A Vac Pot: Looking to buy Drip: Manual Roaster: Considering?
Posted Sat Sep 22, 2012, 11:13pm Subject: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
Found an ad in Kijiji:
Clicky Clicky (I'm not trying to sell this machine, I'm just curious about it and need more information. I have nothing to do with this seller. I'm going to apologize in advance if it seems like I'm contravening board policies on this matter.)
Something about this is raising a red flag. I don't know what it is, but I can't tell if this machine was used commercially or not. It "looks" like it is very clean and in good shape, the grinder maybe not so much. The seller wants $2k for the set, says they paid double that when they bought it. Doesn't make any sense why they'd spend that much on a machine then not use it, unless they bought it at an auction or foreclosure.
I don't think that they're worth more than $1k judging from what I've seen in other ads of other machines of similar type. I'm just curious to think of what the community thinks of this...
When did Nuova Simonelli make the MAC? I'd like to obtain more information about these machines. I see that a brand new Appia is about $4k, but I noticed they don't sell the MAC anymore. I noticed the grinder is missing the lid for the doser, but I don't know if this is a sign or not. I'm sure a new lid could be easily found.
Can anyone garner any clues from the pictures in the ads? I need some advice here. I'm in no rush to buy, I'm still saving my pennies but wondered if these machines are worth considering. I've noticed quite a few of these machines on the market in other cities in Alberta, so I'm kind of curious.. What are these machines usually worth on the used market?
Can you put machines like this on a heavy-duty appliance timer?
Were the MAC machines 110v 15a machines? Or did they make a 20a or 220v model?
There are another two MAC machines listed for sale in Edmonton, which is about a 2.75 hr drive away, one automatic one semi-automatic, they're considerably cheaper than what this guy wants this set for.
One last thing.. If I do decide to run with it, what are the things I should be looking for?
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sun Sep 23, 2012, 12:12am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
I see lots of ads on craigslist where they state they bought a machine for a business venture and did not use it or they used it for a year or two and closed up shop. There are 2 or 3 on craigslist right now in the PNW. There is a nice coffee cart with a grinder and pump and washing stations for about the price of the machine and grinder. It is all I can do not to buy that.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sun Sep 23, 2012, 12:26am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
From an ad I just saw
"Complete descaled espresso machine for sell and other equipment as well. Buying all these stuff for my wife to start coffee business but, never happen. Need to sell it soon."
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 474 Location: Seattle Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102 Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper
Posted Sun Sep 23, 2012, 3:21pm Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
I'm also curious. I've got the opportunity to possibly upgrade from my Oscar to a Mac 2000v. Does anyone know if it's worth it, or should I just stick with Oscar?
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,655 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Mon Sep 24, 2012, 6:05am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
Quick comment. I paid $25,000 for my ten year old car, ten years ago. I want $12,500 for it because that is half of what I paid.
The price of a thing is what it is, the MDX is a nice grinder, new it is well in the SJ zone but used, they are less popular and in EXCELENT shape, $500 is a LOT, I would put it at about $250.
The MAC is an out of production (as far as I can find but I could be wrong) and it is fairly old regardless of how it looks. I would expect to see it in a restaurant supply house, used, with warranty, for about $1500 but from a private party, and no warranty, my PERSONAL feeling is half of that would be a good deal for the buyer, say $750.
So, $750 and $250 from a pvt party seller would be fair, a $1K bill for the pair, would be a do not walk by deal, provided the inside is as nice as the outside.
YMMV!
OH, Kelvan, it all depends on what you paid for the Oscar and what the MAC is selling for. YES it is an upgrade, bigger boiler, volumetric dosing etc. Is it worth it to you? Well, only you can answer that and how much is the machine you are looking at?
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Pretty much. Something like clicking in the back of my brain telling me not to buy. The seller sent me a few pictures of the serial number tag.
Manufacture date is 12/19/1996, which places it at being 16 years old. They claim that it was only used for six months before they closed their cafe and it sat in their basement for several years. It almost sounds too good to be true.
It is a Mag Digit, single group, 120 volts, 1500 watts. The grinder is an MDU. Fortunately, new burrs for it are roughly $60 and I bet I could find a lid for the doser easily enough. I'm not sure what the difference is between an MDU and an MDX, but I'm guessing the machine and grinder are about the same vintage.
calblacksmith Said:
So, $750 and $250 from a pvt party seller would be fair, a $1K bill for the pair, would be a do not walk by deal, provided the inside is as nice as the outside.
... and that's the kicker. If this machine has been sitting unused for the better part of a decade, who knows what kind of shape it is in on the inside.
Maybe I should just keep saving my pennies.... It is a little tempting though.
qualin Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2012 Posts: 459 Location: Calgary, AB Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto 3 Grinder: Mazzer Mini Elect. Type A Vac Pot: Looking to buy Drip: Manual Roaster: Considering?
Posted Mon Sep 24, 2012, 9:37pm Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
I found that the MAC will just BARELY fit on my kitchen counter. Width and height wise, it is OK, but depth wise I'm left with two inches from the edge of the counter.
I don't think I'll pull the trigger on this... Thanks for all of your input everyone.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,655 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Tue Sep 25, 2012, 7:16am Subject: Re: Nuova Simonelli MAC Information and questions
Two inches in front of the machine would not be a big deal for me, YMMV.
I think you made the sound choice, if it has been sitting for 15 years, who knows what evil lurks in the connections, wires, tubing, valves etc. It is VERY likely you will need repair of something, perhaps a lot inside the machine.
If you are handy AND it was under $500, it may be a good deal, but..... that isn't what is offered.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 