Comment

Comment by jules on February 4, 2010 at 6:55pm

You can not get a better machine than MArzocco liner get 1 with paddel groups but stay away from the hybrid group head, The FB80 just dosent stak up to the work horse that the liner is, any barisat worth there salts would pick the liner, they are easy to maintain and a a dream to work behind but the steam nob needs its pin changed regulary and some times the actual knob, altough the strada will be avalible outside of europe soon which is barista inspired (hoffman and guillam).
They are the best machine

Comment by Kevin Selig on July 9, 2009 at 8:20pm

I agree with every point Rich makes. This industry is about relationships and trust rather the simply buying something based on a name. On a side note, if you have not made a purchase yet, I would suggest looking into LaSpaziale machines. We have been selling them here in the midwest for over 5 years now (over 50 units placed) and I can count the number of service calls we have had on one hand. Each unit is Hand produced to order in Italy by a single technician. They also use a dry steam system and have a 2 screen brew head. You can look them up at LaSpazialusa.com. Good luck, buying an espresso machine is like chosing a good car!

Comment by Rich Abker on June 26, 2009 at 6:34pm

There are several things to look for when buying an espresso machine, that are sometimes over looked. Without getting in to favorites, I would suggest that you consider the following: 1) Is the brand that you are seriously considering buying a popular brand in your market? If not, it may not be easy to service, repair, or easily get the right parts. If you can find it easily, and their is a designated dealership, then ask questions of the owners and baristas who have them, as well as the service outlet. 2) What is the smallest espresso machine that you can operate with, and still keep up with periodic slams. Do not buy a three group unless your total volume, or large slams push you into one. It is easier to trade up for an espresso machine, than to try and trade down, because generally speaking, the market will have many more one and two group espresso machines available, than three or four groups. 3) Try to have your coffee roaster representative help you bargain for a better price. If they are not knowledgeable on this subject, they should be! Coffee roasters do a lot of networking for sales leads. They buy equipment for their own retail shops, and espresso training rooms, so they have price bargaining power! Establish a good working relationship with your roaster, and you will not regret it.

Comment by Michael Canton on June 24, 2009 at 8:49pm

Ok guys, I need your help immediately. It's time I order the espresso machine for my new cafe and after 8 years of espresso machine experience I have come close to making my decision. However, I am curious to hear all of your opinions before I make the most important purchase for the cafe. I appreciate all of your thoughts. I'll let you know what I purchase in 3 days!

Comment by Jason Haeger on April 29, 2008 at 5:47pm

Matt, it's exactly like the one I started that you deleted to be replaced with Trainers & Education.

Comment by Matt Milletto on April 1, 2008 at 8:57am

This group is pretty close to the Trainers & Education group I started months ago, but I'll see where it goes.