A robust and flexible machine capable of producing great espresso, cappucinos, etc.
Positive Product Points
Programability Flexibility Consistency Ease of Use Great Mirco-Foaming / Steaming Capabilities Big Drip Tray
Negative Product Points
None
Detailed Commentary
I have my La Spaziale Vivaldi II (VII) set up with a 5 gallon water jug and Flo-Jet water delivery pump. My drip tray is not plumbed. I run the machine on a 15AMP circuit (Economy Mode – which means the heating of the boilers is not simultaneous instead switching between the two giving precedent to the brew boiler).
I have owned my VII for 8 month now and use it daily. On weekday mornings I typically make 3 - 5 doubles (for straight espresso or Americanos), several double cappuccinos on weekend days and steamers (steamed milk and flavored syrup) several nights a week.
I rotate / change my espresso coffee beans frequently – requiring me to find a grind/dose (coffee) /tamp/temp/pre-infusion/dose (water)/extraction time combination that results in what I believe to be a good flavor/body profile. So, a fair amount of experimentation goes on.
With my usage described above the La Spaziale Vivaldi II is an ideal machine. The programming capabilities of the machine allows for fast and easy changes to pre-infusion time, dose and temperature. It is up to my grind/dose (coffee)/tamp skills to get the extraction right. I have had great success and am very happy with the flexibility and performance of the machine.
The 15 amp mode is more than sufficient – recovery time is plenty fast for my use patterns. The robust steaming capabilities allow me to make great micro-foam or steamed milk quickly. Once I got this machine the quality of my cappuccinos improved dramatically – my wife says mine as good as high quality coffee shops. The hot water tap makes for easy Americanos.
I used a La Pavoni PG-16 Romantica before my La Spaziale Vivaldi II. With the La Pavoni I had very little control over temperature other than flushing and turning the machine off. As a result my results varied widely. Maybe 2 of 10 shots were very good, 3 would be okay (i.e. drinkable) and the remaining 5 would be sink shots. With the La Spaziale, once dialed in, I get very good espressos every time.
I took my time and researched espresso machines and who to buy them from ad nauseum. I bought the machine from Chris’ Coffee Service in New York State. My researched showed me that Chris’ Coffee Service was clearly a great place to buy but I live on the West Coast and was slightly worried about shipping. The worry about shipping ended up being a non-issue. The machine and box showed up in great shape.
All in all I could not be happier with the La Spaziale Vivaldi II and Chris’ Coffee Service.
Buying Experience
Chris' Coffee Service did a great job. Before my purchase they took their time with me over the phone - answering all my questions and providing some great insight. The actual purchase was an equally quality experience. Shipping was fast and damage free. After sales follow-up has been very good. They view me as a long term customer and I like that.
Three Month Followup
Still enjoying my LS VII. All the positive points from my initial review are still there. No negitives to speak of. I have been doing regular cleaning on the group screens, pf and backflushing, very simple, very easy. Still completely happy with this machine - I am so glad I have it.
