Wega Polaris 2 grp
I've been looking at a Wega Polaris 2 grp to open my cafe because of price. Although, this is not my ideal starter machine. There is an Astoria/Wega company based 45 minutes from me, so that helps. I know this isn't a typical cafe setting machine.
Any advice about this machine is really appreciated. I just need a workhorse that's great to open with to produce a great product.
Thanks,
Jennifer
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Vaaler on
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Yes. I've done my research and presented them to the owners. Their budget is insanely tight so we have to start with this one because they found a great deal. But after being open 6 months or so, I can get what I want.
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Permalink Reply by olivier dutil on
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Well if you want a workhorse get a used lenea , Dont really know about Wega but i my opinion it is better to buy a used lenea then a cheap new machine.
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I'm curious why no one really knows about the Wega? It's made at an Astoria plant...and mainly sold in Europe and just now selling in the U.S. recently. I understand if no one has really had any experience with it.
I have no other option for opening. I just hope it can produce a great product.
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This is the one I was trying to talk them into,but can't get the price we want without the need to rebuild a machine.
olivier dutil said:
Well if you want a workhorse get a used lenea , Dont really know about Wega but i my opinion it is better to buy a used lenea then a cheap new machine.
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it mayby worth to invest a little more in you machine
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I know. I want to do this. But I'm not in control of the money.
olivier dutil said:
it mayby worth to invest a little more in you machine
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I don't think I was clear enough with my question, sorry. I'm just looking for opinions on the Wega Polaris 2 grp so I know what I'm in for.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Sabol on
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Your Wega is going to be great. It has the E-61 group heads which make fantastic coffee, in my opinion better than a Linea group head. Since it is a heat exchanger machine it will run a little hot so you are going to have to keep that in mind when the machine has been sitting. But it will to great in a rush. If it is compact then you will run into steaming capacity issues for long lines of people wanting milk drinks. But you are going to be well served by this unit. Espessially since there is availible local service for it. That is a huge deal. This machine will take you far beyond 6 months. Good job on the find!
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Thanks Mike! That's very helpful. What do I need to do if the machine gets really hot when sitting? It'll be the 2 grp instead of a compact. I know we will be holding many events from the beginning.
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You will simply have to do a flush on the groups before you pull the shot. When a heat exchanger machine sits for a little bit the first water out of the group often turns to steam. You just have to flush the group until the first bit of real water comes out. 2-3 seconds. That will bring the temp down to the 202 range or so. You will actually have to experiment with how much to flush out to get the best extractions. If you don't flush the grouphead before pulling a shot the superheated, pressurized water will actually attack the celluose in the coffee and extract some pretty bitter and flat flavors. E-61 grouphead machines are sometimes set up with a needle valve that can control how fast the water circulates through the heatexchanger. You should find out if this model has that ability and work with your tech to get it set to a temp that gets you good results. If it doesn't have that ability then the flush will be your only means of temerature control.
Apart from the espresso machine what kind of grinder will you be using? The grinder will actually make a bigger differance in your product quality. Luckily grinders are less expensive than espresso machines and you will get a MUCH bigger bang for your buck by stepping up a level or two in your grinder choice.
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