Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 475 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 Thu Feb 21, 2013, 12:42am Subject: Re: Which Synesso?
G'day, CF.
I should very gently point out it's "espresso," and not "expresso." I correct you only because, as a cafe owner, you're going to want to make sure people know you're as serious about coffee as we know you are, seeing as you're looking into a Synesso ;-)
Welcome to CoffeeGeek, by the way. You'll find some extremely knowledgable, passionate baristi on here, so you've come to the right place.
You asked which model to get, but didn't give us any hints as to what you would be wanting from the machine. If the question is, "which is the best?", then go with the Hydra. But you're wasting money if you aren't going to be using the extra features, as the Cyncra is an excellent machine, which I actually prefer most days. All of the Synesso products are quality, you just have to find a balance between price and features.
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 Thu Feb 21, 2013, 6:12am Subject: Re: Which Synesso?
Buy a used one. You'll be able to get more of your investment back when it is time to sell your esprexxo machine if you paid a used price for it. Then, when you move on and open your next venture, be it a hamberger place or a stake house, I again suggest buying used equipment at start-up. All kidding aside, The Synesso line is several high-quality machines representing different levels of functions and features to meet the barista's and the business' needs. Discuss your business expectations with the salespeople you plan to purchase from. Building a good relationship with the people who are going to help you find technical service for your machine is a great start. If they know they're helping you make the right decision, they'll be great with you proving it was a good buy.
crimson_flames Senior Member Joined: 20 Feb 2013 Posts: 2 Location: Australia Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 6:51am Subject: Re: Which Synesso?
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the reply.
Sorry if my question is vague, but I guess what I want to know, is the hydra worth the extra money over the cyncra and sabre? having independent pumps does it mean that its 3 separate systems (so if 1 pump fails it doesn't effect the overall system)?
And what are your thought on the volumetric group heads vs the manual?
Also in regards to buying a used one, can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to start looking? i'm in Melbourne, Australia btw. I've been searching online but can't seem to find any used ones for sale.
once again many thanks in advance and sorry to bombard you guys with so many questions.
If you're shopping for a machine for business use then you need to find a machine than can be serviced locally as you're counting on it for income. Start with finding a good service shop and then use them as criteria for selecting the machine.
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 5:40pm Subject: Re: Which Synesso?
crimson_flames Said:
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the reply.
Sorry if my question is vague, but I guess what I want to know, is the hydra worth the extra money over the cyncra and sabre? having independent pumps does it mean that its 3 separate systems (so if 1 pump fails it doesn't effect the overall system)?
And what are your thought on the volumetric group heads vs the manual?
Also in regards to buying a used one, can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to start looking? i'm in Melbourne, Australia btw. I've been searching online but can't seem to find any used ones for sale.
once again many thanks in advance and sorry to bombard you guys with so many questions.
The Hydra is more than just independent pumps in a Cyncra; it's a fully "better" machine. The computer is better, the build is better, they tweaked things to improve from the previous machines. The programmable pressure profiling is an awesome thing to fool around with, but unless you understand it and can utilize it, it's a waste of money. Like I said, most days I prefer the Cyncra. This is just personal preference, though. The Cyncra feels more rugged to me, while the Hydra has a high-tech aura to it. When I want to geek out and see what I can pull out of a SO espresso, I go with the Hydra, but when I'm just pounding out a line of drinks, the Cyncra just feels like an extension of my body. It's a workhorse.
Again, 90% of this is personal preference, but objectively, the Hydra is a better machine. But those improvements will only matter if you take advantage of them. Is it worth the money? Only if you're going to use the extra features. If you don't plan on spending time messing with pressure profiling and wanting control over the most minute of things, then go with one of the cheaper models. You're not going to be missing out.
When it comes to volumetric vs semi-auto, I always vote semi. Volumetric is WAY too difficult to make consistent over the course of the day. It's a time saver, and it's easier, but unless you have it perfect (dose, grind, distribution, tamp, exact same coffee), it will be off. You should want to keep an eye on your shots to make sure that every one is coming out well. Starting and stopping every shot keeps you accountable in the best of ways.
Posted Fri Feb 22, 2013, 11:15pm Subject: Re: Which Synesso?
You need to go over to barista-exchange and ask your question there. There is a lot of common sense knowledge to be gained here, but you have a better chance of getting a useful amount of first hand decision making input there.
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