I'm going to be upgrading to a new espresso machine soon. I know that I don't want an automatic or super auto, or whatever. I like semi-auto, but I really like the manual paddles or levers. I've used a few La Marzocco paddle machines that where excellent. I don't know the advantages of either, and which outweighs the other, or if it's just a matter of preference.
This upgrade will also likely be the last machine upgrade I get for a very long time, (and maintain it so). I've heard from different people in the industry that multiple boilers is the way to go for temperature and pressure consistency is the way to go. I have also talked with others that say...true, but maintaining them will be a lot more frequent and difficult and expensive. There are some excellent single boiler machines that are good as well. I haven't been able to play around with several different machines, and likely won't have that chance in a short amount of time. I wanted to also think about going to a 3 group (currently 2). We don't have a volume problem currently with 2 groups, but we are growing, and I hear that boiler capacity for a 3 group can make a difference in pulling shots.
The manufacturers I'm looking at are UNIC, Wega, La Marzocco, and Synesso. I'm open to look at other manufacturers for sure. I'm not really needing the "cutting edge" in technology unless it's necessary for a higher end machine.
Initially I was thinking of a 3 group Linea with manual paddles. That was until someone told me that they occasional catch on fire.
So paddles or no paddles? And are paddles any different than levers? Single boiler or multi boilers? And what manufacturer is worth looking into?
Thanks again!
Danny
Replies