If given a choice which would you buy and why?

[milowebailey]

So if you had a choice between the following which would you choose and why?

Ponte Vecchio Lusso lever


and a Conti Twin Star 1 - 2 group

[ScareYourPassenger]

Neither are a good fit for me.

The Ponte is quite basic and I love dialing in by temp using a pid type control. I like lever machines but would want something that exudes a bit more of the Italian style.

The Conti is a behemoth! I wouldn't want the power bill or the bulk hanging around unless I had a cafe.

[blzrfn]

I voted as if you were offering to buy one of these machines for me to use.  If I were spending my hard earned money I would have to agree with dibbs SYP.  I don't like the aesthetics of the Ponte and I'm not a fan of automatic espresso machines so neither of these is very attractive to me.

[Warrior372]

What machines do you currently have / plan on keeping?

[milowebailey]

What machines do you currently have / plan on keeping?

Currently have:
Gaggia Achille
La Pavoni Europiccola
Sama Export
Astoria 2 group lever
2 or 3 Gaggia Espressos

Plan to keep:
Gaggia Achille I like it... good shots and good steam, 58mm portafilter, HX lever.

Not sure about the rest yet.  New lever seals incoming on the Sama and La Pavoni.  Astoria is going out for powder coating this week... not pulled a good shot with any of these yet, they all need work, but should have a the two small ones back together by the weekend (Mrs. Milowbailey is out of town.... hence the hunt for a new toy).

I miss having a commercial machine... I got spoiled having one for that quick, really good shot.

[mp]

That is a tough one to answer ... what purpose did you have for this espresso machine?

 

[grinderz]

Making espresso?

[mp]

Making espresso?

Naturally ... for 1 person ... for a party of 50 or more people?

Is it to use a church functions or reside in the Milowebailey residence?

Is speed or taste the determining factor in the purchase?

Capice?

 

[expy98]

how long does it take the Achille to heat up for that quick shot?  I voted neither...

[milowebailey]

Making espresso?

Naturally ... for 1 person ... for a party of 50 or more people?

Is it to use a church functions or reside in the Milowebailey residence?

Is speed or taste the determining factor in the purchase?

Capice?

 

Great questions.

This is to use in the Milowebailey residence.  (the Gaggia Achille is at the cabin and will likely stay there).

The primary purpose is to make at least two double shot espresso (expresso for Shaun ) drinks.... could be straight shots, americanos, Milwaukeattos©, or lattes.  Of course quality is super important.  It must do all of them well.

Must be able to pull a shot and immediately steam microfoam (I've been frustrated this week with my Gaggia Espresso running out of steam and having to wait until the machine makes steam).  It might be a short term machine until I get the Astoria 2 group running.  I have the latte art class at SCAA to prepare for.

I will also probably keep one of the small levers, depending on which one I like the best once re-built.

My future goal is likely a Synesso or Speedster... but I need to save a little lot more for one of those.

The Achille, because it's an HX machine fits the bill (warm up, isn't part of the equation).  It can pull a shot then steam, then pull another shot then steam again.

Space isn't a huge deal as I have the roasting cave in the basement that I've had a 2 group machine the last 3 years.

[expy98]

2 shots a day, Lusso.  Even 10 shots a day, not sure why that'd require
a commercial 2 groups. 

But that's like saying you don't need a V12 w/ twin turbos and can get by w/
an inline 3 cyl to go fetch beer...

[mp]

I see you may be leaning heavily to the Conti ... therefore why not get that one.

You're body will give out making coffee drinks before the steam will.

When are you acquiring this fine piece of machinery?

 

[mp]

But that's like saying you don't need a V12 w/ twin turbos and can get by w/
an inline 3 cyl to go fetch beer...

Exactly.

(Going back to your analogy you could walk to the store and fetch beer.)

You're making a very logical decision by saying that. It has none of the emotion that comes in having what you want instead of only what you need.

Sounds like Larry wants a big beast that can make more steam than a locomotion.

Why not let him get what he wants instead of what he needs.

 

[milowebailey]

I see you may be leaning heavily to the Conti ... therefore why not get that one.

You're body will give out making coffee drinks before the steam will.

When are you acquiring this fine piece of machinery?

 

Thanks for all the input.... keep it coming.

I don't know when I'll buy one or even if I will right now.... both are available and the Conti is actually less money after I move the Rossi grinder that comes with it.  But I have some cash from the Rancilio 2 group I just sold....

One other factor is that since I'll likely not keep this too long which one could I move the easiest without loosing money...

[expy98]

because Larry is obviously torn over the decision thus the goal is to make it as agonizing
as possible...