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Regional: Western Europe
Buying a machine in Italy?

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apaapaapa
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Joined: 27 Dec 2003
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Posted Sat Feb 28, 2004, 4:35pm Subject: Buying a machine in Italy?

I just posted a question about getting an E61 HX machine in the EU. Since me and my girlfriend are planning a trip to Rome at the beginning of April, an option might be getting one on site in Italy and carry it on the plane home. Does anyone have any experience with buying in Italy? What are the prices like, how's the supply when it comes to makes and models? Any info is much appreciated! t

Sunnyfield
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Posted Mon Mar 1, 2004, 2:17pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Why would any Italian consider buying an espresso machine if you can buy a shot for 70 cents around the corner? That's right... they don't! :-) I think you will be more likely to find cheapish espresso machines in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Cheers Eward PS I was in Rome a couple of months ago and have not seen a single shop that sold espresso machines, or coffee beans for what it is worth!

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mauijim
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Posted Mon Mar 1, 2004, 5:21pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Eward, One reason that Italians buy espresso machines is that not all Italians live in town! Another is that some don't want to walk around the corner for their caffe! Italians buy espresso machines - I have friends and relatives in Italy that own espresso machines. That's right... they do!:-) "PS I was in Rome a couple of months ago and have not seen a single shop that sold espresso machines, or coffee beans for what it is worth!" Frankly - it's worth nothing. Just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There are at least five espresso machine dealers in Rome - probably many more. I apologize for being so frank, but it's incredulous to me that visitors to a city or country for a few days, weeks, or even months feel that they have become an expert on that area. I lived in New York for years, and yet I have always tried to refrain from making definitively ridiculous conclusions about the City or New Yorkers because I was constantly learning something new about the City and its residents. 10, Again, sorry for the rant. If there is no problem with electrical compatibility and follow-up service is not an issue, you should be able to save a bundle. Although I have not purchased an espresso machine in Italy, I have purchased many other items which cost less in Italy or were only available there. An espresso machine can be fairly heavy (25+ kilos) and come in a box too large for carry-on. Jim

Swedish_Chef
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Posted Tue Mar 2, 2004, 4:19am Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

You're both kind of right! Most(!) italians only have a moka brewer for their breakfast latte, and even if they live on the countryside there's always an espressobar in the emediate surroundings. That's the wonderful thing with Italy! :-) But... There are lots of places to buy machines and coffee beans! You often find the beans in the super marcets. The machines are cheaper too (as long as they're made in italy!) I often hear customers saying they bought their machine in Italy, for half the prize we're having in Sweden! That aplies to Switzerland too! Especially if you're looking for a Jura. [EDIT: ALL european contries are 230 Volts!]

Ama la vita e vivi per amare!

Sunnyfield
Senior Member

Posted Tue Mar 2, 2004, 12:43pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Hi Jim Want to fight? ;-) Domestic espresso machines are definitely not popular in Italy. If people have espresso at home it is often a stove top espresso. If your relatives own a machine that may be because of you. Just because my father is tall it doesn't make all Dutch people tall (actually they are!). ;-) Anyway that is just picking on words. it's incredulous to me that visitors to a city or country for a few days, weeks, or even months feel that they have become an expert on that area. Not quite sure what that has to do with anything?! I apologize for being so frank I forgive you! ;-) Hi 10 I would be most interested to hear if you find cheap domestic espresso machines in Italy. I agree they seem to be rather expensive on Danish and Norwegian websites (don't know about Sweden). I found Germany to be the cheapest if you order from a website.

www.toomuchcoffee.com

mauijim
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Location: Maui
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Posted Tue Mar 2, 2004, 4:01pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Sunnyfield, Thanks for the offer, what a novel idea! But I don't fight for free, and nobody would pay to see me in a ring anymore. Anyway, I've given this some serious thought. I could do weapons for fun, if this is okay for you. Because of the distance between us, bouncing lasers off satellites would seem most appropriate. (I don't know how it is in England, but I would have a hard time getting a permit for ICBM's.) Or we could do what Tony and George do: send our "boys" over, and watch the telly to see how we're doing. Your choice, of course. Jim

jim_schulman
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Posted Tue Mar 2, 2004, 4:08pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

10 Said: I just posted a question about getting an E61 HX machine in the EU. Since me and my girlfriend are planning a trip to Rome at the beginning of April, an option might be getting one on site in Italy and carry it on the plane home. Does anyone have any experience with buying in Italy? What are the prices like, how's the supply when it comes to makes and models? Any info is much appreciated! t Posted February 28, 2004 link I've heard that most espresso manufacturers will cheerfully sell you a machine if you call ahead, show up at the plant, and take it away cash and carry. This would usually run you about half the retail price. So if you get to Milan or the Veneto, where most of the manufacturers are located, this is an option. Don't know about store prices.

Jim Schulman www.coffeecuppers.com

apaapaapa
Senior Member

Joined: 27 Dec 2003
Posts: 24
Location: apa, apa
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Thu Mar 4, 2004, 1:42pm
Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Thanks for all the input, guys!

mauijim Said:

If there is no problem with electrical compatibility and follow-up service is not an issue, you should be able to save a bundle. Although I have not purchased an espresso machine in Italy, I have purchased many other items which cost less in Italy or were only available there. An espresso machine can be fairly heavy (25+ kilos) and come in a box too large for carry-on.

There shouldn't be any electrical compatibility problems and follow-up service and repairs would be handled locally in the unlikely event something breaks down. Service need isn't unlikely ofcourse, but you know what I mean.

Good point about the size and weight of the packet though. Carry-on is very likely not popular with the airline and checking it in like luggage is most probably not a good idea. Some kind of delivery service would, depending on prices, probably be best.

Swedish_Chef Said:

There are lots of places to buy machines and coffee beans! You often find the beans in the super marcets.
The machines are cheaper too (as long as they're made in italy!) I often hear customers saying they bought their machine in Italy, for half the prize we're having in Sweden!

This is exactly what I was hoping to hear! I will definitely compile some sort of list of interesting machines, what they cost locally (an arm and both legs) and the best EU web price to have for comparisons!

another_jim Said:

I've heard that most espresso manufacturers will cheerfully sell you a machine if you call ahead, show up at the plant, and take it away cash and carry. This would usually run you about half the retail price. So if you get to Milan or the Veneto, where most of the manufacturers are located, this is an option.

Don't know about store prices.

This sound very interesting Jim! "Sadly", north of Italy seems unlikely for this trip, but don't count me out just yet! I'm sure I can convince my lady that Milan would be an exellent idea! ;)

Does anyone know if any makers are based in the Rome or Florence area? What about Milan and Veneto?

Again, thanks for the input! :)

Swedish_Chef
Senior Member

Posted Fri Mar 5, 2004, 6:52pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

These are only the ones I have in mind, will have to check out the location of others later! Gaggia; Milano Vibiemme; Via Gounod 25/27, Milano Elektra; Via A. Volta 18, Treviso Promac; Via Cremona 1, Milano Isomac; Via S.Cassiano 17, Milano I confess, I didn't store these adresses in my head. LOL! If you're going to Milano, you'd be able to spot some nice machines! Good luck!

Ama la vita e vivi per amare!

apaapaapa
Senior Member

Joined: 27 Dec 2003
Posts: 24
Location: apa, apa
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Sat Mar 6, 2004, 3:57pm Subject: Re: Buying a machine in Italy?

Thanks Daniel! :)

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