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Permalink Reply by Missy Carroll on February 18, 2010 at 5:12am

Jay, thanks for the tip on financing and just for the record- I am not considerint a superauto- just a auto or semi auto. I will definately look into the La Marzocco machines...
-Missy

Jay Caragay said:

On The Subject of Lineas:
Perhaps there are those who would argue that I don't know my craft, but I certainly think that the La Marzocco Linea is a superior espresso machine, that is in many ways preferable to the newer GB5/FB80 models. Either way, I currently own three Lineas and plan on buying newer La Marzocco machines for the foreseeable future. Anyone who thinks that a Linea is a "turd" either has worked with a bad example of one or doesn't know the craft.

Leasing equipment isn't too hard. In fact, there's a whole industry built around leasing equipment to the foodservice industry so you shouldn't have much difficulty finding someone you can work with. Google can be your friend, as well as your local restaurant association or foodservice equipment dealer.

However, I've been working with Chris Cardillo from Innovative Capitol, based in North Carolina (my company is based in Maryland). They have been great to work with and I recommend them. Chris put together the equipment financing package for my newest coffee shop. He can be reached: 888-869-0070 x203

The question of SuperAuto or SemiAuto is up to you. I don't think very highly of places with SuperAuto machines because it's a hallmark of major compromises to their coffee quality and I wouldn't waste my time, money or taste buds. However, the choice is yours to make based on a variety of factors like: commitment to craft, commitment to training, commitment to quality and seriousness of program.

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Permalink Reply by Mitch Buckner - Bella Caffe on February 18, 2010 at 7:57am

I've had customers work with All In One Leasing in the past for espresso machines. They might be worth looking into: Melissa Witul 877-336-1950 phone melissa@allinoneleasing.com

Mitch Buckner - Bella Caffe said:

I have a nice brand new Astra Mega 2 Automatic available in the 4000.00 range if you're interested. Great machine. I've been using using Astra machines hard for years & they work great. Im in the catering & concessions business so my machines get put through some hard times!

Mitch Buckner
Bella Caffe
bellacaffe@gmail.com

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Permalink Reply by Mark Jackson on February 18, 2010 at 8:13am

I agree on the La Marzocco and the swift. It makes sense but in a food establishment why not go for programmable buttons so as stated every person is different at least the shot sizes and hopefully the shot times are the same. You can still get the Lineas with the Chronos pads that give you the shot timing for each group every time you push the button to brew a shot. It is a nice thing to have so you can say here is the time I want shots at, and the machine will let you know if it is right.

As far as leasing it is not easy for start ups, I know I sell equipment and help people to get started. For start ups it is hard to get leasing. If you can get it figure high twentys at least for an interest rate. As far as service with any La Marzooco machine that is sold it is supposed to be included to cover the warranty and service. La Marzocco is adamant about this. So you should always plan on service for a year as far as warranty goes. The only time you may bear additional costs is if you are in a remote area with no trained La Marzocco rep near and you may have to have some additional charges built in somehow because of travel time and logistics.

Here is another machine to look at that has a grinder that communicates with machine to adjust grind based on shot times. It is a very interesting multi boiler machine that is unique. Yes a grinder that adjusts here is a link
http://www.dallacorte.com/index.php?article_id=37&clang=1

Of course the machine it ties into is also pretty neat as it has some great technology.

Have you roasted before as I find that interesting you are starting out roasting on store?

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Permalink Reply by Dave Crumbo on May 28, 2010 at 11:03pm

I have a Linea 2 group, and am looking for either another one just like it (one for drive thru and one for inside) or replacing it with a 3 group. How many times a day do you make more than 2 double shots a day? Lots! The price for another group especially used is not much.

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Permalink Reply by Mitch Buckner - Bella Caffe on May 30, 2010 at 4:43pm

Hey Dave, if you are looking to work out a trade up to a 3 group, I might be able to work something out depending on your 2 group. Send me an email.

Mitch
Bella Caffe
mitch.buckner@bellacaffecatering.com

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Permalink Reply by Chris on May 31, 2010 at 3:09pm

Well, you should find out who is going to be able to respond to your repair /maintenance issues in your area. Once you know what kind of machines they are familiar with and can do upkeep or replace parts TODAY on, you'll have a list of machinery that you can choose from.
If Astoria is on your list, I could get you a two group shipped for about three grand. You'll already know someone that can install it...

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Permalink Reply by Ali Hojeij on June 30, 2010 at 5:14am

hello dear.
I suggest to use CMA from Italy which it has new design machines and in Astoria and different models as Gloria.

I advice to contact www.cmaspa.it or com and contact Mr. Flavio and he can help you a lot on any machine you want and the prices you are looking for. Great support and service, good training and very nice machines. You can also ask about the Plus4 You machines the new ones.

Just tell Flavio that Ali hojeij gave you the advice.

Ali Hojeij

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Permalink Reply by il.Tecnico on June 30, 2010 at 7:13am

i have to hit home the mention of the CMA/Astoria products.. they have a good north american site as well. General Espresso Equipment Corp is in the carolina's
i suggest the Sibilla
http://www.espressobrewer.com/prodotti.phtml

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Permalink Reply by Chris on June 30, 2010 at 12:26pm

il.Tecnico said:

i have to hit home the mention of the CMA/Astoria products.. they have a good north american site as well. General Espresso Equipment Corp is in the carolina's
http://www.espressobrewer.com/prodotti.phtml

Well, if you're going to go CMA, I have a beautiful two group Argenta that has been lovingly maintained and used primarily in a personal residential environment. And all I need to get out of it is enough to replace it with a respectable single group that isn't so large! And for a lot less than your $5K budget.

Like I said, though, it would be in your best interest to learn about the folk who will be taking care of that machine, locally, and what they service/recommend. It'll mean down time measured in hours instead of days, when thing go pear-shaped.

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