Posted Tue Sep 18, 2012, 10:24am Subject: Re: Buying a new machine
EricBNC Said:
I have made decent espresso on machines with and without pre-infusion. That large boiler capacity and mass and adjustable OPV (along with the PID) allow the Silvano to make very good espresso even with no pre-infusion. The solid and thick stainless steel case and drip tray give it the look and feel of an expensive, well built tool. It might not be the cheapest of your options, but more often than not you get what you pay for with espresso machines and everything else.
Here is a not quite side by side photo I took a while back so you can make a visual comparison:
I always imagined that good espresso has been around a lot longer than pre-infusion, but I also didnt want to miss anything with this upgrade. Im guessing then you are in favor of the sylvano, over the CC1?
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,313 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue Sep 18, 2012, 10:53am Subject: Re: Buying a new machine, breville?
It has nice bells and whistles and it looks good on the counter. There are a lot of people here that remember when Breville made very cheap machines so they are waiting to see how long the machines last. Also, you will not be able to service it yourself. The top end Breville is more than my Oscar new. For that kinda money, I would go with a tried and true HX over the top end Breville but I like to fix stuff myself. But there are tons of people very happy with their Brevilles right now.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
I've had mine for six months now, and it's been fantastic. Rock solid steady, and with lots of cool little features. Obviously the question that everybody has with the BDB is what people will be saying five years from now. Ah, to have a crystal ball...
Posted Tue Sep 18, 2012, 1:37pm Subject: Re: Buying a new machine
The unserviceable aspect, masses of proprietary parts, lots of plastic plumbing and hoses internally, and all the electronics are enough to get me to look elsewhere. $1000 for what has to be considered (at this point) as a disposable electronic device? I will pass on it based on those factors alone. As opposed to "icing," the Breville name is just "poop on the cake."
Posted Tue Sep 18, 2012, 6:41pm Subject: Re: Buying a new machine
I have used a friends BDB, and it is certainly quite nice. It has many features that you cannot touch for twice the price. True, reliability may be an issue, but Breville seems to be determined to make it succeed.
If I were to buy a new machine, I would probably get the Breville. But, I would make sure I bought it from a seller with a generous return policy. My friend bought it on an American Express card that added an extra yer to the warranty.
The Silvano and the CC1 also look quite nice. All 3 will make a good espresso.
-Scott Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven. ~Jessi Lane Adams
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2012, 7:02pm Subject: Re: Buying a new machine, breville?
UPDATE: 27/9/12 My budget has become a bit wider and was wondering about a few other machines.
How do people feel about the Rocket Giotto/Cellini? There are rotary and vibration pump models, e61 brew head, manual pre-infusion, etc. I did notice there is no PID, but my understanding is that on a HX machine you really don't need one. Suggestions?
Anthony C
Currently pulling: -espresso- Social Coffee Co. (Ontario, Canada): -Peoples Liberation -Peoples Daily -El Socorro Palo Blanco Espresso
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,632 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 Fri Sep 28, 2012, 6:16am Subject: Re: Buying a new machine, breville?
My personal bias is going to show but I think the Rocket machines are rock solid units and if you can afford one, my PERSONAL feeling is that you will love it. I own the larger brother to the Rocket lineup and I bought it used several years ago. Other than normal and minor manitaince, it has been a rock solid performer.
Again, my personal feeling based on the way HX systems work, a PID is pretty much worthless on a HX machine. It is pretty and it is fun to look at the nice number readout but the PID maintains the STEAM BOILER temp in a HX machine, not the brew temp so that is why they are not a must have feature on a HX machine.
On dual boiler and on single boiler dual use machines, PID units make a difference and they are a desirable feature.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
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