This machine got Editors choice for best espresso under $1500. I second that emotion!!
Positive Product Points
Great looking polished stainless unit Very easy to use. QUIET rotary pump
Negative Product Points
Isn't as pretty as the Millenium Must remember to push the group lever all the way down, or water continues to come out of the group head.
Detailed Commentary
I had an Isomac Millenium for about 4 years. It was excellent. Some troubleshooting and repairs were required. Considering that I used it twice a day for four years, I remained a happy owner. It was time to upgrade. I wanted a quieter rotary pump model. Since I was used to the E61 type machine I didn't want to go crazy into a Laspaziale. Plus, that requires a special timer. The Vetrano hits all the high notes. Each part seems to be a cut above the Millenium. Quiet rotary pump, cool touch steam arms, plumb in ready to go, and plumb out the drain easily accomplished. I have no significant complaints. This should keep me satisfied and amped up for years.
If you are looking for an E61 type "semi-pro" home espresso machine, I would give this one a very serious look. There are a lot of similar looking units out there. Chris helped in the design features of this and you can tell. It is very solid, and as I noted above, I don't think you can find the features of the Vetrano on a less expensive unit. Like other great equipment, it gives very reliable results when paired with an excellent grinder. It is worth every penny in my house. I use it once or twice a day, and on weekends I leave it on all day. I can pull a great shot for my pop in neighbors and everyone is happy. Probably leads to more pop in neighbors, but hey, it keeps the neighborhood connected. You too can be the neighborhood Barista.
Buying Experience
Always excellent with the Chris Coffee team.
Three Month Followup
The Vetrano has performed perfectly without incident.. No issues or flaws have surfaced. I use it every day. On the weekends I leave it on 24/7 for when neighbors pop in. I would highly reccommend this machine. Coffee and espresso continue to be a theme and ongoing pleasurable experience at the house. If you are at all thinking of plumbing in your unit, or getting a plumbed in one, do it. I keep the machine on a timer which cost a few bucks at the hardware store. I wake up to a warmed up unit and get amped every day.
