Hi, Now using a Brewtus 2 (8 years old) and Compak K10 Fresh grinder
Started with a stove-top in early/mid 1980s (from the duty free after a trip to Italy) when finding fresh high quality coffee beans was impossible. Quickly moved to Olympia Cremina lever machine (Zabars $300?) and then through a Sylvia and various grinders (including Mazzer Mini). The brewtus has been good, and I'm getting really good results now since going to the weighing method (20 grams in, 20 grams out, using lunar scale) and Global Customized Water A/B kit for 75-125 TDS. It's had a few problems over the years and I've given it out (to WLL and Faema) for service. I'm not a tinkerer so I'd rather have a machine that worked with fewer repairs and service over time. I find my shots are usually great but not as consistent as I'd like. I think that has to do with the temperature - I set mine to 93c but i know it's often getting up to 95 or 96 (i can check that by setting the temp higher and seeing that it immediately shows it is at that temp). So a new machine would need more accurate temp control and i'd like it to be quieter and i want to be able plumb it in (although then i'd need to figure out how to get the right water automatically which would probably require an expensive filter kit - reverse osmosis plus TDS add-back would be ideal but i'd probably not spend the money on that system). so: 1. PID 3. Rotary Pump 2. Plumbable (double boiler goes without saying) Now I know I could have my brewtus modified for those but it's not worth the investment on an old machine that frankly i do not think was built with the "best possible" components to begin with and would wear out in other departments. The new Brewtus i read about coming out soon may be an option, otherwise it would probably be one of the units other forum members mentioned i.e. LM GS3 or if i'm feeling really prosperous (not likely) i'd love to go with one of the even more expensive "S" machines (Synesso, Slayer, Speedster) There are many others in the brewtus range that are good I think, but i dont' know that there's significant differences between them in terms of their ability to make good coffee - i'm less sure about their build/longevity. A friend has a vivaldi/spaziale and has had fewer issues than me and the coffee is very good. (but i would not go that way due to non-58mm standard portafiler) >From a grinder perspective i like mine but it's too tall - i think i should have gone with the Malkohnig and if someone asked for a suggestion today i'd suggest looking at those 2 as well as the new less expensive and smaller Baratza (sette 270?). Good luck, and I'll hit this group back when my brewtus needs service again as at that point i'll likely figure out which machine to get instead of getting the b2 fixed. Alan. On Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 8:12:27 AM UTC-4, M_Stephen wrote: > > Hi Everyone, > > I find myself in a similar quandry that I am sure that has plastered these > pages since day one. I need help/advice on buying a new espresso machine!! > I think I want a machine with the following; > > > 1. Double boilers over heat exchanger > 2. PID Control > 3. Pre infusion > 4. Suburb build > 5. Value > 6. Ease of maintenence > 7. Makes damn good espresso > > Over the years we have made and comsumed coffee in many different ways. > We had a super expresso machine that we used for five years or so and > finally died a slow death. We purchased a nespresso machine with mixed > results and abanded that approach. Decieded to go in a new direction; > purchased a Vario grinder, a Bonavista 1900 drip machine, scales, pour over > equipment, Chemex, etc. We started experimenting with the equipment and > ordering different coffees from around the country. Currently we can make > you a great cup of coffee, however we are missing our espresso drinks. > Granted with the super espress machine that we were not getting a great > espress, however we were putting the beans in the machine and pushing a > button and voila a cup of coffee. I say coffee because we dosed up the > water to get a full cup, not understanding some of the more interesting > chemical and physical characteristcs of the coffee bean. > > Now with a little knowledge I consider myself dangerous! I understand > extraction in more depth. I understand coffee roasting on a different > level. I understand some of the physics of how espresso machines work and > some of the relative chemistry of water and the effects on coffee. I > understand the theory of espresso a little bit. What I dont know is what > machine to purchase. I want something that once I start making express and > relatated milk drinks that I can progress and make excellent drinks. I am > of the compulsion that i dont want to wake up and find that I have brand B > and wish that I had brand A. > > I would value any sort of advice or personal history of how you guys ended > up where you are. I will not list the machines I have researched and what > I think I want to buy in fear of coloring your feedback, I do however > realize what forum that I am seeking advice. Looking forward to hearing > from you, thanks in advance. > > Mark > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brewtus" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/brewtus. 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