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Permalink Reply by Chris DeMarse on July 14, 2009 at 9:52am

i would recommend using the la marzocco gs3. It runs on standard 110/120 power, has a water reservoir or plumbing option, and is by far the most stable small machine. It doesn't weigh much, so it's easy to transport, too.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Jackson on July 15, 2009 at 9:16am

I have sold lots if the Epocas and they are a good machine. They are heavy and have a large boiler. I agree on the La marzocco but they are not cheap. I also like this machine as it is a double boiler and well built and respected.

http://www.dallacorte.com/index.php?article_id=146&clang=1

The problem is really what size the event is and can you get 220 power for a 2 group machine and I would suggest at an event over 50- 75 people or so it would be nice to have a 2 group machine. What I mean by event is if you set up and are doing a pay by cup event rather then being a food vendor at a event you will most likely be able to use the one machine per 50-75 people at the pay by cup or hour event. It is hard to say how you will do at a large event where you are another vendor amongst many. I would look into a propane powered 2 group or larger as an option with a flo jet system to provide water. Really how you set up and transport stuff is important in the equipment you choose.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Prochazka on July 15, 2009 at 10:00am

Thanks for the ideas. I'd personally lean toward the single group machine and keep it simple. Cheers...

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Permalink Reply by Todd Reddeman on July 15, 2009 at 11:24am

If your friend is serious about looking for a good machine for a mobile operation, they might want to contact our company. We do not sell machines. We are a 10 plus year old mobile espresso company in Atlanta. Currently, we are putting together a franchise package that he/she may be interested in hearing about. In regards to equipment, no offense intended in any way to other contributors, but I wouldn't use any of the machines recommended. Good suggestions but not what we use or would choose to use for a number of reasons. I can help your friend based on real experience, not speculation. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Bimmerle on July 15, 2009 at 11:54am

Todd,

What is the name of the company you work for in Atlanta?

Todd Reddeman said:

If your friend is serious about looking for a good machine for a mobile operation, they might want to contact our company. We do not sell machines. We are a 10 plus year old mobile espresso company in Atlanta. Currently, we are putting together a franchise package that he/she may be interested in hearing about. In regards to equipment, no offense intended in any way to other contributors, but I wouldn't use any of the machines recommended. Good suggestions but not what we use or would choose to use for a number of reasons. I can help your friend based on real experience, not speculation. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on July 15, 2009 at 4:23pm

The GS3 is a great machine for catering if you care about drink quality and serving traditional drinks. If the focus of your business is larger volume American sized drinks I don't think you will be happy with the amount of steam you get from the GS3. We are running a concession this weekend at the Midwest Folk and Fiber Festival and should give our machine a real workout. I did a 200 person wedding with no problems last month.

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Permalink Reply by Alun Evans on July 16, 2009 at 12:47am

Larry why dont you stick with a lever? You could get a 2 group- do away with the electricity component by running it on gas with a foot pump option for the water. You would still need to use electricity- but with the big user out of the way, it might work well!

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Permalink Reply by Jay Caragay on July 16, 2009 at 6:42am

When you say "mobile" - do you mean mounted in a vehicle or simply a machine that you can carry from place to place?

For a more "mobile" operation, I think Dalla Corte has some great options. Low power consumption and very efficient.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Prochazka on July 16, 2009 at 7:28am

Thanks for the suggestions! Mobile at this moment means portable, carry from place to place. We just had a festival in town, they took iced coffee, etc and realized they might like being able to make hot drinks as well. Thus, the exploration of possibilities. I don't think this would be a huge mobile operation but an occasional offering like a few festivals, local events and the like.

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Permalink Reply by Todd Reddeman on July 17, 2009 at 11:36am

Hi!

I own Mocha My Day. Http://www.mochamyday.com

Nick Bimmerle said:

Todd,

What is the name of the company you work for in Atlanta?

Todd Reddeman said:

If your friend is serious about looking for a good machine for a mobile operation, they might want to contact our company. We do not sell machines. We are a 10 plus year old mobile espresso company in Atlanta. Currently, we are putting together a franchise package that he/she may be interested in hearing about. In regards to equipment, no offense intended in any way to other contributors, but I wouldn't use any of the machines recommended. Good suggestions but not what we use or would choose to use for a number of reasons. I can help your friend based on real experience, not speculation. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Gina Palandri on July 17, 2009 at 6:08pm

I am going to opt this way...
A GS3 no doubt if you want the craft.

Something like a Franke Flair if you want a super auto. All self contained.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on July 17, 2009 at 6:20pm

Gina's spot on and a little bird told me she can get you a good deal on just about anything you want.

We had a good day with our GS, we had a rainy day and only did about $700 but I was in the weeds for a good solid hour and the machine remained stable under constant use. We did 12oz double shot lattes and cap's and had no problem. A 110v machine inherently has compromises but with the GS there are very few.

Gina Palandri said:

I am going to opt this way...
A GS3 no doubt if you want the craft.

Something like a Franke Flair if you want a super auto. All self contained.

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