Isomac is a company that is quickly developing a name for themselves in North America.

They have a wide range of machines, from a MSRP $220 basic all steel and brass beginner machine, up to the $1300+ Isomac Millennium, a wunderkind heat exchanger machine with an E61 grouphead. They even have more expensive machines if you really want to spend the big bucks.

Almost smack dab in the middle of this lineup is the Isomac Venus, a box shaped design reminiscent of the Rancilio Silvia's look.

The Venus on paper has a lot going for it. A full blown commercial grouphead and portafilter, an ample sized brass boiler (estimated 450ml), a no nonsense steam wand, hot water delivery, huge drip tray, and the thing unique to many Isomac machines - a gauge showing the machine's active pressure while brewing.

So how does the machine stack up? I won't know for a while, but I promise to give this thing a complete workout and see if it's worth the dough.

1st Line Equipment sent us this machine a few months ago, and we've finally been able to crack the seal and give it a First Look. As usual, this is only our initial evaluation - anything and everything might change between now and our published Detailed Review for this product.

Enjoy the review!

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