After using a Starbucks Barista (Estro Vapore) consistently for about 5 or 6 years, it was time for an upgrade. I make at least 20 lattes a week, and make drinks for party guests and the like. I wanted a machine that could easily handle my latte needs and do it quickly. I knew the machines I was looking at would all make superior drinks compared to my old machine, so that was less an issue.
I initially settled on the Valentina, Bezzera BZ02, Vivaldi and the Astoria one group machine. I wanted a semi-auto machine with the ability to be plumbed. I bought my Valentina used on a popular online auction site and took delivery soon thereafter. I would have preferred the semi-auto machine as opposed to the automatic version I got, but I was buying used. I paid roughly half MSRP, a price I was happy with.
The time it took to get used to the controls and power of the machine took less than a week. I had prior experience with large commercial machines, so this machine worked as expected. I had to fill the small reservoir every day or two, which got old after a week. The low water sensor worked fine, but I grew tired of sliding out the 65lb machine in order to fill the reservoir.
I bought a specific plumbing kit from 1st-Line and installed it myself. They warned me it was a bit tricky, and it was. I'm mechanically inclined and had the proper tools, but I still had some issues. Like many things mechanical, I could install it correctly in half the time if I were to do it again. My contact at 1st-Line was excellent and patient. He spent way more time helping me out than I probably deserved, and won a customer for life. Now the machine is plumbed and I never have to fill that reservoir again!
I learned to steam and brew at the same time, and still do. Some will say not to do this on an HX machine, but it works for me. I do it mainly because I'm in a rush to make my drinks in the morning before I leave for work, and my drinks taste quite good. The steam power is ample and I can steam 12 oz of milk in less than a minute. I have noticed that steam power fades after I steam and brew, but it recovers to full power after 30 seconds or so. My steam wand came with a two hole tip and I like it, but am contemplating getting a four hole tip.
The E61 group head is nice and makes consistently good espresso, as long as I give it a cooling flush before each brew cycle. I used the 'water dance' method and measured the output so now I just flush without the portafilter. For my machine, it's 8oz of flush. I have the automatic version, but I never use the programmed buttons. I use the manual (*) button and stop brewing at 2oz, or when it starts to blonde, whichever comes first.
After a month or so, I had my routine down. Remove portafilter, wipe clean and dose while I do the cooling flush into an 8oz coffee cup. I can get the portafilter dosed and tamped before the cooling flush is over so when the flush is done, I dump the water and lock the portafilter in place. A quick purge of the steam wand and I start to steam my milk. I hit the brew button (manual=*) after about 10 seconds of steaming. The milk finishes steaming and the espresso is done brewing at roughly the same time, then I combine in my cup. I don't plan on upgrading to another machine, unless I win the lottery. |
