own a 2 group La Marzocco FB-70 commercial espresso machine
Bottom Line:
This is the best espresso machine you can buy for the home short of buying a fully commercial machine for several times as much.
Positive Product Points
I have yet to see another espresso machine that is comparable in quality and features that's also as affordable, especially with a rotary pump, and a heat exchanger.
Negative Product Points
I have the same complaints as another reviewer, that it has too much plastic. Also the grouphead screen is not removeable for cleaning.
Detailed Commentary
There are other machines that are comparable without the rotary pump, that are the same price or cheaper. I wouldn't recommend this machine without a rotary pump. I stongly recommend keeping this on 24/7. This will save your machine from extra maintenance due to heating and cooling causing excess stress on a lot of parts. There are a few considerations with a semi-commercial machine that the sellers tend not to mention. The machine needs to be serviced at certain intervals (at least once a year,) preferably by an authorized service technician. The group gaskets should be changed at least once a year, maybe more often. The grouphead screen needs to be changed at the same time, since it can't be removed and cleaned. One more thing about any machine that is left on 24/7, you should leave the portafilter in the machine all the time, but leave it loose, otherwise the grouphead gasket will harden prematurely from the constant pressure, or dry out if the portafilter is not left on.
Buying Experience
Espresso Parts Northwest was excellent to deal with, and were a big help getting the machine working, and trouble-shooting.
