No nonsense, confident, and powerfull machine without shortcuts in build quality.
Positive Product Points
- wonderfull quality, extraordinary performance, classic style, direct water connection, enormous water drip capacity, separate controlls for filling and heating, very easy pressurestat ajustement (Sirai).
Negative Product Points
I will do my best to find some : - a little noisy when cycling and brewing - too much power with stock 4 holes wand tip - not enough clearance between the drip plate and the 3 way valve (this is really nitpicking...) - no non burn steam wand (you need one with an HX)
Detailed Commentary
Well, this is just a long time dream coming true! This is my fift espresso machine but the first real one (sorry Rancilio!)... I finally got a beautifull used Domobar Super (the previous model with straight front pannel) after so much Internet reading.
The performance is just incredible, there is no comparaison with anything (non HX) i used in the past. Extraction is so easy to get right after all past frustrations of smallest units! I guess the preinfusion/stability make a big difference. I get tons of crema and cleaner, richer taste. The steam is unlimited and extremely powerfull (more than with the Oscar i tried, so i think i will need a single hole tip).
I would say that the Domobar is very revealing in term of coffee blend. Grassy or herbal notes for example appear to be magnified. I have yet to explore this with my own next roast blends...
Buying Experience
I got it from a professionnal service man who made a complete overhaul of the machine before and taked more than an hour to familiarize me with the beast and with water direct connection (thanks Denis!). Also got a Rossi grinder, a commercial Water Softener and a big steel base in the deal.
Three Month Followup
Still going strong. The best money i ever spent... Direct water connexion is a must with an HX. Just have to install the drain to complete the setup. Microfoam is extroardinary constant and easy when available (strong) steam power is mastered. Even for small milk quantity. I work mainly with the single basket cause my grinder (Lux) do no seems up to the task for double (the grind is not even enough, i think)
I have to say that the Eric Svendson thermocouple made the E61 workflow adaptation easier. The other equipement ajustement i made had a dramatic effect: i got a Rattleware flat 58 mm. tamper and beleive me, it's really perfect fit for the single basket.
