NobbyR Senior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 1,607 Location: Germany Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Poccino Opus One, Ariete Grinder: Eureka Mignon Istantaneo,... Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Melitta Linea Unica de Luxe Roaster: N/A
Posted Mon Feb 11, 2013, 2:04am Subject: Re: Can anyone tell me anything about this machine?
I venture it's a thermoblock SBDU machine. I has an integrated grinder (which is mostly inferior, also the heat from the boiler can lead to warming of the beans inside the hopper, which desintegrates their aroma), a steam wand with a panarello (which is useless for making microfoam suitable for latte art), and might just have pressurized baskets or a pressuized portafilter (not sure about that, but if it does, you won't be able to brew decent espresso). Also it's not a common brand, in fact I never heard of it before, so it will be hard to get spare parts.
I'd skip that offer.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
alanfrew Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 596 Location: Melbourne Expertise: Professional
Posted Mon Feb 11, 2013, 3:05am Subject: Re: Can anyone tell me anything about this machine?
I can't be specific without taking a look at the insides, but it looks a lot like the 53mm version of the Lelit Combi, or in North America the La Pavoni Napoletana Combi. If it's got a brass boiler inside, it will be a good starter machine, the grinder is excellent for espresso. Ignore the BS about "the heat from the boiler warming the beans", it is simply ignorance and is not backed up by actual experimental data from someone who has either owned or tested these machines.
IF the group is 53mm and IF the boiler is brass then all the bits and pieces will be Saeco compatible and easily available. If it's got an aluminium boiler, run away.
afchad Senior Member Joined: 2 Feb 2013 Posts: 8 Location: mississippi Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Mon Feb 11, 2013, 4:23am Subject: Re: Can anyone tell me anything about this machine?
mmmm i guess ill pass, the individual said they pd over 1000 for it. Im just not a gmbler like that...i prefer a near sure thing...Thanks for all the quick replies
SStones Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 207 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 Mon Feb 11, 2013, 5:00am Subject: Re: Can anyone tell me anything about this machine?
If it's the sort of thing you want, then $300 is a reasonable price to pay. You can always sell it in three years for $250. Counting the buttons shows that it does not have a three way valve (It would have a separate brew button AND water button) but it is a clone of the cheaper lines Mokita/IMAT/Pavoni machines of that type.
Posted Mon Feb 11, 2013, 9:56am Subject: Re: Can anyone tell me anything about this machine?
SStones Said:
If it's the sort of thing you want, then $300 is a reasonable price to pay. You can always sell it in three years for $250. Counting the buttons shows that it does not have a three way valve (It would have a separate brew button AND water button) but it is a clone of the cheaper lines Mokita/IMAT/Pavoni machines of that type.
The Gaggia Classic doesn't have separate brew and water buttons, and has a three way valve, so that's not necessarily true. Pressing the steam switch and brew switch together turns the pump on without opening the group valve to give hot water from the steam wand.
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