Posted Sat Dec 29, 2012, 12:25pm Subject: Does my dream machine exist? :)
I've had a Silvia for some years and it works very well. However I'm dreaming of a machine with two gruppes, one steamer and one hot water dispenser. This machine should obviously be able to make anywhere from 1 to 4 shots at the time and preferably be able to steam as well as making shots. In addition it should be connectible to water for automatic refill and waste water, if it also would have an option to use a tank of water it would be great.
Soo... Does this machine exist? :) Probably not going to get a new maker yet but if such a machine does exist Id like to know what it costs, so I can follow used markets and maybe get one properly discounted.
SStones Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 234 Location: Canada Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Giga 5, ECM Giotto, Rocket... Grinder: Anfim Milano-Best Vac Pot: No :( Drip: Some $30 thing from Walmart Roaster: I buy pre-roasted.
Posted Sat Dec 29, 2012, 2:32pm Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
Soo... Does this machine exist? :)
Of course it does. Anything that people want that is easy to provide exists. Here it is in a Connecticut dealer for less than $7000. Click Here
All commercial 2 group machines are going to fit your criteria:
However I'm dreaming of a machine with two gruppes, one steamer and one hot water dispenser. This machine should obviously be able to make anywhere from 1 to 4 shots at the time and preferably be able to steam as well as making shots.
and for:
In addition it should be connectible to water for automatic refill and waste water, if it also would have an option to use a tank of water it would be great.
You can put your intake hose in a water bottle if you like. Just keep an eye on it. Don't destroy a nice pump running it dry just because you want to run a machine in an uncivilized place without adequate plumbing. I would advise getting two machines. One for the location where it's plumbed in if plumbing in is so important, and a second, less expensive travel machine that can live in your office most of the time but go with you when you travel so you don't have to settle for what passes for espresso in hotels. A crappy little $150 thing is going to be good enough to make a hotel room with no stove bearable.
Have a browse at all commercial two-groups available from reputable dealers in your area. Find out who services them and what they prefer to work on. They will have parts and experience for what they're comfortable with. If you really didn't know that machines like this were commonplace, you shouldn't be thinking that you're going to be maintaining it yourself.
Since you are considering buying used, study them for a while. There's a lot more to think about than your above criteria. Do you want Automatic or Semi? Do you want to keep it for a long time or replace it when the next good deal comes your way? Do you care what it ooks like or just how it works? etc. It might be a good idea to not buy the first one you see. Wait for the first one that is truly a good deal. Waiting gives you more time to think.
Posted Sun Dec 30, 2012, 2:47am Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
Thanks for the answers. As mentioned I'm not planning to buy yet but would like to know a bit more about the options, also I'd like to know what to keep my eyes open for in used markets.
As far as I've seen all two group machines have two steamers as well. I was thinking of a machine with only one steamer as I would enjoy making 4 shots at once but will never use more than one steamer. Automatic or manual, I don't know what I prefer.. Probably would be happy either way.
The market for these professional machines in Norway is rather limited so there are no dealers in "my area" as such. And for such a device as this, I'd like to have it for years when I settle for a machine.
My Silvia is working just fine and I will probably keep it for a couple of years more, especially every Xmas I want more groups due to guests wanting coffee :)
After a little googling I'm must say I enjoy the looks of Rancilio Epoca S2, seems to have a bit more "kitchen friendly" look than many other commercial machines. Also the price of 4800 USD seems to be rather affordable in this segment.
Posted Sun Dec 30, 2012, 4:05am Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
After a bit more googling I realize that there are several machines with one steamer... But not as good looking as the Ranchilio machine.. Seems to be available for about 2500 € which is around the amount I was expecting..
diggi Senior Member Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 383 Location: Halifax, NS Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz vivaldi S1 V2 Grinder: B Vario, OE LIDO Drip: Chemex, Espro Press,... Roaster: Poppery I
Posted Sun Dec 30, 2012, 5:23am Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
basic reply, I know, but did you realize that there are many 1 group machines that might be adequate for you at a significant reduced price. Heat exchanger or double boiler units can make back-to-back shots very quickly. My speed wouldn't benefit from a two group machine, as I am moving at maximum speed to keep up to my 1 group machine. Two capps in under ~3mins (guessing off top of head) with my double boiler unit.
This is much different from your single boiler unit where making multiple drinks is very annoying....I realize this is pretty basic and sorry if I'm insulting your intelligence, but sometimes these simple replies are often overlooked to try to satisfy your request.
Posted Sun Dec 30, 2012, 8:24am Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
Welcome to Coffeegeek! Since it seems you are in Norway, there may be a good marked for used commercial machines. Have you checked into some retail dealers or resalers, maybe even eBay or Restaurant Supply houses?
Norway uses 220V circuits in domestic construction, so all you need is a 15A or 20A electrical service line and you could easily run a commercial machine from large bottles (as I do) or plumb in to a water line with a filter and softener.
Posted Sat Jan 12, 2013, 6:04am Subject: Re: Does my dream machine exist? :)
16A plug isn't a problem. However I am thinking that I might be able to "live with" a HX/dual boiler as well.
Just bought an open porta filter and it doesn't seem to take long time to heat, so I guess my need for dual grip is a bit exaggerated. I have my eyes on a Rancilio Epoca S1 and might get one i I see one used for a good price. This is as far as I've read a good machine and looks smashing :)
Otherwise I'm thinking of getting a PID for my Silvia, I guess it will make things a bit better for the time beeing, even though I feel that I'm getting the hang of temp surfing :)
It probably is unless you have experience with using both groups simultaneously. I've seen baristas doing so and they're extremely busy when running multiple groups.
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