I would really appreciate recommendations based on actual experience with the machines, or on research done on these types of espresso machines. I'd love a GS3 or a Synesso, but I have to watch my budget.
Thanks so much friends!
Dante
~~~haven't looked at either of these two lately so I had a look (went to Chris Coffee). All I can say is man, they sure are cramming these machines full of electronic gizmos. I'm coming up on 3 years with a lowly Vetrano, not the DB PID they are currently building, just an old ho hum HE machine (single boiler, natch) but you know what?...never any electrical failure. I'd say this, if you go down the PID road and aren't hip to troubleshooting on your own...buy one new from Chris and get his 2 year warranty...you'll sleep better knowing if you have any trouble with it, at least he has a top notch service dept. to help you sort it out. I've phoned Chris's service dept. in the past a few times and they're uber helpful
Actually, a few days ago, the plastic tip that runs into the drip tray, that carries blow off from the boiler...the over pressure relief valve I believe. Well, the tip of the plastic piece broke while I was cleaning it. About a 1/4" came off, it's a 90 degree piece, so now the over flow pipe runs vertical into the drip tray. Still works fine but I emailed Chris...sent him a camera pic of the part, asked him if I should be concerned. Less than 24 hours later I get an email from Tim with Chris cc'd saying if I want to call them and they'll send a new part out, otherwise I will be fine with what is left, if I want to run it like that
IMO, this is what you need to be concerned with...IOW, who you buy it from, not necessarily which of those machines, although yeah!, it would be nice to hear from owners of each of them, their experience with those machines
That said, I'll bet you'll still get the same great service from their service dept. buying a used machine from Joe Blow, so long as it is a machine they sell/service. others may have better and different ideas
Best,
Jake
Reddick Fla.
Our faults irritate us most when we see them in others.
-- Dutch Proverb