Dependable, consistent shots. Best machine I've found sofar.
Negative Product Points
steam and hot water wands are wider than the machine and miss the drip tray, which could be a little bigger The side panels are very scratch sensitive.
Detailed Commentary
Like most espresso enthusiasts, I have tried many machines over the last 6+ years, ranging from basic krupps models, to Gaggia classics and the Rancilio Silvia before I decided that it was time for an HX machine. My original idea was to buy an ECM Giotto. For me this was THE espresso machine….but just for the fun of it, I decided to see if the dealers and repair centers I had encountered over the years would come up with something better…
I spent about two months contacting anyone I could find who was professionally involved in espresso machines. I’ve talked to/emailed with stores in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and England. Of course every one agreed that the Giotto was a great choice, but…. quite a few people advised me check out the La Scala Butterfly before I would buy anything…
After researching the Butterfly I was impressed and I finally decided to buy one, instead of the Giotto. I found that the Butterfly was very well designed and constructed. When comparing the two from a technical point of view, it matches or surpasses the Giotto on just about every aspect. The Butterfly has a 3 liter internal water tank with an electronic minimum level control with a warning light on the front panel. The control turns off the machine automatically to prevent damage to the pump when the water level is to low. This feature has proven to be very valuable! The machine uses the standard vibration type water pump but with a non-return valve and an automatic over pressure discharge. The 1200 watt heating element is more than sufficient for the 2 liter copper boiler and copper heat exchanger. It heats up very fast for a machine this size. Personally I don’t find this important, because I usually turn the machine on first thing in the morning and leave it on all day. Other plusses are the built in descaler , good for about 2500 liters of water (about 625 gallons), the adjustable rubber feet to reduce vibration and the stainless steel drip tray. I assume that the E61 Group Head is identical to other machines. I have been told that it is produced by the Faema company, who originally invented it.
Now, 8 months and about 1200 espressos and cappuccinos later, I know I made the right choice. The machine works perfectly, every time. The shots I pull are very consistent, time after time. Even the single filter produces great espresso. There are of course negative points, such as the steam and hot water wands that are wider than the machine and miss the drip tray, which could be a little bigger.. I choose the gray side panels instead of the stainless steel version. I still think the gray metallic looks nicer, but they are very scratch sensitive.
I feel that the Butterfly does not get the attention it deserves. It seems that the quality of these machines is only known to Butterfly owners and professionals in the field. Although I always feel the urge to up grade/change, I have not been able to find a machine that is better or even comparable.. I am afraid I’ll have to stick with my Butterfly …
