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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on August 30, 2009 at 8:37am

Your problem is the Illy coffee you should be using my espresso blend and rotating in the Intelly and Gimme.

I'm not a big fan of the prosumer machines I would suggest a Rancilio Epoca single group.

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Permalink Reply by ZakiWarfel on August 30, 2009 at 8:40am

Jason Shipley said:

Your problem is the Illy coffee you should be using my espresso blend and rotating in the Intelly and Gimme.

I'm not a big fan of the prosumer machines I would suggest a Rancilio Epoca single group.

I'm really looking for recos on machines, not espresso blends. I have espresso blends I like. Intelligentsia being my favorite, followed by Gimme, then Illy. Why are you not a fan of the prosumer machines?

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Permalink Reply by Luis Zaman on August 30, 2009 at 10:14am

I have a Izzo Alex Duetto 2 (from chriscoffee) and I love it very very much. More than the Rancilio Classe 6 that I have played with many times. The only step up I would go from here is a 1 group Synesso.

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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on August 30, 2009 at 10:34am

The Alex Duetto II is also my number one choice in your price range and stated usage. It can be direct plumbed or use tank simply flicking a lever. H-B user reviews and intensive temp testing indicate it's a rock solid stable consistent performer. I do not have a Duetto but it's on my short upgrade list. (Currently have HX Fiorenzato Bricoletta direct plumbed on kitchen counter.) While I do not believe the Alex Duetto would pull superior shots to the Bric', which is every bit on par in the cup with my Linea's, the Bric' like any HX requires temp surfing. No biggy to hit target shot temp within 0.5f of target once surf mastered (especially with Eric's group digital temp adapter) but a dual boiler would be so much sweeter.

Of course I'd take a GS3 over a Duetto:-)

Luis Zaman said:

I have a Izzo Alex Duetto 2 (from chriscoffee) and I love it very very much. More than the Rancilio Classe 6 that I have played with many times. The only step up I would go from here is a 1 group Synesso.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on August 30, 2009 at 1:59pm

My issue with the prosumer stuff is durability in your use in an office environment with multiple users.

I love my GS3

You really should try our espresso, Metroplis', Alterra, PT's... you're missing out if you're not exploring all the great stuff on the market.

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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on August 30, 2009 at 2:26pm

IMO there's a substantial quality difference between the top level prosumer models versus entry level prosumers like Gaggia or Silvia and especially consumer junk like Saeco, Krups etc. Quite often prosumer models use exact same components as commercial. Big difference is both boiler size and voltage and hence production capability. Even so a smaller boilered (1.5L) 20A 110v HX like my Bric' is capable of non-stop straight shots pulled every 35sec post shot flush and wiggle. Non-stop, as in doesn't fade even running the WBC temp torture testing. What it is not capable of is commercial steam power.

Jason Shipley said:

My issue with the prosumer stuff is durability in your use in an office environment with multiple users.

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Permalink Reply by ZakiWarfel on August 30, 2009 at 4:43pm

Jason Shipley said:

My issue with the prosumer stuff is durability in your use in an office environment with multiple users.

I love my GS3

Jason, FYI, next time when someone asks you for a recommendation on a machine, starting off trying to sell them on your espresso line probably isn't the best way to respond. I'd probably be more receptive to try your espresso line if two things happened:
* You actually gave a recommendation for one of the machines I asked about, or suggested an alternative and why
* You follow up with a "Oh, btw, if you're looking for another good espresso blend that's on par w/Intelligentsia, you might try our blend [NameOfYourBlend]." and offered some type of incentive.

My initial reaction was "well, this guys is like a used car salesman. He's not interested in answering my question, just pushing his coffee on me." Just something to think about in the future.

I'm always interested in finding great espresso blends, but the approach you took isn't necessarily one that left me interested.

You really should try our espresso, Metroplis', Alterra, PT's... you're missing out if you're not exploring all the great stuff on the market.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Shipley on August 30, 2009 at 5:28pm

Used car salesman? I was also joking it really is my belief that people should find a great local roaster. I forget that my sense of humor is sometimes not well expressed through my writing. I just couldn't resist throwing you a shot about the Illy, it amazes me that you would put that on par with Black Cat.

ZakiWarfel said:

Jason Shipley said:

My issue with the prosumer stuff is durability in your use in an office environment with multiple users.

I love my GS3

Jason, FYI, next time when someone asks you for a recommendation on a machine, starting off trying to sell them on your espresso line probably isn't the best way to respond. I'd probably be more receptive to try your espresso line if two things happened:
* You actually gave a recommendation for one of the machines I asked about, or suggested an alternative and why
* You follow up with a "Oh, btw, if you're looking for another good espresso blend that's on par w/Intelligentsia, you might try our blend [NameOfYourBlend]." and offered some type of incentive.

My initial reaction was "well, this guys is like a used car salesman. He's not interested in answering my question, just pushing his coffee on me." Just something to think about in the future.

I'm always interested in finding great espresso blends, but the approach you took isn't necessarily one that left me interested.

You really should try our espresso, Metroplis', Alterra, PT's... you're missing out if you're not exploring all the great stuff on the market.

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Permalink Reply by ZakiWarfel on August 30, 2009 at 5:33pm

Jason Shipley said:

Used car salesman? I was also joking it really is my belief that people should find a great local roaster. I forget that my sense of humor is sometimes not well expressed through my writing. I just couldn't resist throwing you a shot about the Illy, it amazes me that you would put that on par with Black Cat.

I happen to like Illy for an import espresso. But as I said, it's my number three, behind Gimme and Intelligentsia. It's also about availability. I have to have Intelligentsia and Gimme shipped to me, whereas I can pickup Illy at the local Wholefoods. And all three are better than Lacolomb, which is our local brew here.

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