This is a heavy duty machine made for serious users sold by a top notch company.
Positive Product Points
The following are comments for a: Semi-auto/levata Direct connect with drain.
Here are the points that mean the most to me.
- Very sturdy Stainless Steel frame. - Cover is easy to remove for tinkering. - Stainless steel drip tray - Large cup warmer holds at least 16 shot/demitasse cups - Very heavy duty wiring and electricals including a Gicar controller. - Reliable pressure stat. that I use in temp. surfing. - 19 amp machine means fast boiler heating and more stable temp. in boiler. - Commercial machine that I leave on all day. - Rotary pump, quiet, professional and accurate. No change in pressure in six months. - Machine is about 60 pounds when full of water. Does not slide on counter... EVER. ( I hate the little machines that slide around when you tighten the PF). - Made in a town north of Venice, Italy (one of the most romantic cities in the world).
Negative Product Points
There are very few negative points and they are slight. First, the stainless steel drip tray pops when it expandes from the heat of the first cooling flush of the day. Secondly, The collecting tray underneath the drip tray where the drain line connects to the machine could be larger so that one could dump a full milk drink. You can however dump espresso shots and you can do cooling flushes all day without any concern for overflow. Lastly, I have just chosen to upgrade the vacuum valve that keeps the machine from having vapor lock when on a timer. I do have my machine on a timer and occasionally have vapor lock with the original valve. It is easy to replace.
Detailed Commentary
Frankly, I hope that the home espresso community will see what a great machine this is. This machine has commercial construction, commercial internals. As for shot quality, when the user learns to temp. surf an HX machine, she/he can make shots that will rank with any machine available... period! I rate my shots against top shops in the North East and San Francisco and frankly, my shots are in the same league. If I win the lottery I’ll get a La Marzocco for $8-9K. Otherwise, I’m staying with this machine and would gladly get another in fifteen years when this one finally dies. One could consider the Brewtus, but until Brewtus is made with commercial electricals, a larger steam boiler, higher amperage, and a direct connect model, it is no match for this HX machine in my opinion. The buyer should know that this machine requires a drain line and a water line installed. One should consider a water filter and possibly a softener too as I have. Also, a separate 20 amp. electrical circuit just for this machine and a grinder is a good idea. be sure to get a 20 amp. rated timer if you use one. They are not easy to find and cost about $10 more than all purpose 15 amp timers.
Buying Experience
Excellent service and expert advice from 1st-Line Equipment from the purchase through today when I called for a new vacuum valve. These technicians really care!
Three Month Followup
Actually this is a one year followup. Nothing has changed since my review a year ago except to add that the durability and commerical quality/longevity of the machine is even more impressive now. I have the machine on every day from 7AM until 9PM. We use the hot water wand for tea throughout the day and about 4 shots per day average are made. The machine has never leaked and no repairs have been needed. I have had this machine nearly two years and it performs as good as the day it was purchased. When it dies of old age some day I hope Fiorenzato still makes this or a similar machine. I cannot find another direct connect E61 workhorse this durable in this price range. The shots I make (due to incredibly fresh, well crafted roasts, a great grinder and experience) are good by any standard that I know of. This machine removes any barriers between your abilities and a world class shot of espresso.
One Year Followup
This is a three year followup. The machine looks and runs like new. I have it on from 7a til 7p every day. I have only had to replace the on/off toggle switch. (I found a replacement at a local electrical shop). I could not be happier with the machine.
