Why I bothered with a commercial machine, I really don't know. This is by far the best machine I have owned so far.
Positive Product Points
Looks, Small Footprint, Heat Stability and ease of use
Negative Product Points
Steam wand/Tip, Drip tray
Detailed Commentary
Having blown the element on my old visacrem I went looking for a smaller machine, I previously owned an Oscar, so was used to Vibe pumps/HX machines. I found this one on Trade me for $750, used and very dirty on the outside. I bought it and it arrived very quickly. After a complete clean down and scrub, replacement of the gasket and showerscreen I had a look inside. The machine was immaculate. All i can summise is that it was a little used machine and certainly not appreciated for what it truly is.
I had been warned off the later versions of this machine (Rocket), but thought for this price it was too good a deal to miss.
The warm up time is good, 20 mins to full temprature and you are ready to go.
A short cooling flush is needed if the machine has been left idle for a while, but this is not uncommon anyway.
So I pulled my first shot and was really surprised. Compared the commercial Vsacrem the shot was thicker and more viscous and had a noticable depth of flavour. Pulling the shot itself was straight forward. Lift the lever until you hear a click. This allows for a little pre-infusion. Then lift all the way and left it pour. You must remember though, to pull the lever all the way down to release the pressure through the solenoid.
A quick backflush and you are back to square one.
The only fault with this machine though is the steam wand which is:
Too short
The tip is rubish
Only moves side to side
However this can be replaced.
And the drip tray which is small and shallow, but again with some drilling this can be plumbed in to the drain. The machine does offer the chance to convert to fully plumbed in and possibly a rotary conversion, but I am leaving it alone for now.
