Simple satisfaction -- no complaints, and reliable production of excellent espresso. Can't go wrong buying this machine from Chris' Coffee Service.
Positive Product Points
Very consistent results, excellent espresso, plenty of hot water, and very easy to use.
Negative Product Points
None, really.
Detailed Commentary
I will begin by saying that I am not an espresso expert, but just a guy that very much enjoys good espresso. With the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II, a Mazzer mini grinder, and some Blackcat, I routinely produce espresso superior to anything I can buy at 99% of coffee shops / Peets / Starbucks / etc.
This is my second serious espresso machine (the first was an Andrea Premium by Quickmill). I have very much enjoyed both machines. The Andrea required a little trial and error and some luck to nail the brew temp. The Vivaldi II takes the luck out of the equation and simply produces excellent espresso every time. You still need great coffee, the right grind, the right tamp, and the right water, but the Vivaldi II reliably takes care of the rest. Recovery time is fast.
With dual boilers the hot water / steam system won't slow down espresso production. I am a straight espresso drinker and I don't steam much, so I can't comment on that, but hot water production for tea is perfect.
I have the 15amp version and I leave it on 24/7. The machine is very quiet (both when making espresso and when it's idle). My wife makes lots of tea, and is recently hitting the hot water tap regularly brewing iced tea. Espresso production is unaffected, and the hot water recovery is very quick.
Plumbing was simple given the kit included by the people at Chris' Coffee Service. This is my first plumbed machine and the convenience is such that I would not go back to a tank system again. The drip tray is nice and large (I did not plumb the drip tray).
The best thing I can say about this machine is that I don't think about it much. I rarely change settings, try new things, or go through hoops to get the results I want. I just walk up to it, make a great shot, and that's it. The temperature adjustment process is very simple, and on occasion I do move it a degree or so if I am trying a new blend. I don't crave an upgrade to a better machine, and I can't imagine what more I could want.
Purchase price above is all-in, including plumbing parts, water filter, shipping, etc.
Buying Experience
Chris' Coffee Service is THE way to buy a Vivaldi II (or any other espresso machine). They are very nice people and they provide excellent service. They included just the right parts for an easy plumbing job, were easy to talk to on the phone, and just generally offer great customer service. I haven't had any need for support on my Vivaldi II, but when I had a problem with my Andrea Premium they were very helpful, and shipped out the part I needed very quickly.
