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Permalink Reply by Jason on September 8, 2010 at 6:04pm

While I don't own this exact machine (although it is on my wish list!), we have only used Rancilio espresso machines and grinders in our three espresso bars since 1994. We love them and they work great with normal routine maintenance and cleaning just like any machine. We have their cheapest model Epoca in a five-year-old store churning out hundreds of drinks a week without fail and producing great micro-foam and intense crema. Of course, I'd like to think that our expert Baristas and our own hand-roasted espresso blend have something to do with it as well! ;)

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Permalink Reply by Aleksandra Kuraica on September 8, 2010 at 7:13pm

Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for the quick response! Considering that nothing is perfect, please, can you tell us is there any mayor downside of this machine?

Best regards,

Nino

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Permalink Reply by Bambi Clark on September 8, 2010 at 11:29pm

Just bought one about 3 weeks ago and I love it. I also have an 8 year old Epoca that is doing great.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel King Pizzutti on September 9, 2010 at 12:12am

I think Brady is a Certified Rancilio Service Technician. Maybe he will chime in? I don't have any advice, since I've never used this machine myself. But maybe you could message him and see if he had any experience with? I'm not trying to impose on anyone, but I thought I'd offer that suggestion. I hope he doesn't mind :)

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Permalink Reply by Jason on September 9, 2010 at 6:42am

I agree with you that nothing is perfect, but I can't honestly think of any problems. I have only used Rancilio my whole time in the coffee industry, so I guess the arguement can be made that I don't have anything to compare them to. They are a little pricier in general then some other brands, but I still think they are reasonably priced. They are a solid machine and they have made probably hundreds of thousands of drinks for my customers. We do normal cleaning each night and do a minor overall of screens, etc., each spring before our busy season and that's it. We work with a very good service company. Every so often something goes on a machine and we replace the part, but I think that is to be expected given the age of our machines and how much they are used. Good luck!

Aleksandra Kuraica said:

Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for the quick response! Considering that nothing is perfect, please, can you tell us is there any mayor downside of this machine?

Best regards,

Nino

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Permalink Reply by Brady on September 9, 2010 at 3:00pm

Its a solid machine.

Earlier models had some small issues - stuff like leaky flowmeter caps, but that's been resolved. I've had outstanding shots off of them and several of my clients have been happily using this model on their bars for years.

Make sure service support for Rancilio is good in your area. It always pays to check, nothing worse than having to pay a tech to drive several hours for service (except perhaps having no support available at all).

Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel King Pizzutti on September 9, 2010 at 3:18pm

Thanks Brady for chiming in. I hope you don't mind I named dropped you.

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Permalink Reply by Brady on September 9, 2010 at 7:11pm

No worries... I'd meant to jump in earlier.

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Permalink Reply by Robyn Zaharko on September 10, 2010 at 12:19am

Hello Aleksandra,
This is my wife's account. She found your post. I am the rep for Rancilio in the west. First, I appreciate everyone's comments on the machines. I obviously believe in the product myself but it is always great to hear about pleased customers.
I write to answer a possible question brought up about service. We have trained service companies throughout LA. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email. dberquist@rancilio-na.com
Consider the Classe 6 E2 Tall unless you are looking for the display and/or autofrothing ISteam. It has the same functionality and looks but will save a bit over $1k list.
Oh, and yes Jason, the machine is nothing without a great operator.
Thank you all, Don B.

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