Single group espresso machine for on-the-go - Barista Exchange2024-03-29T13:25:58Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/single-group-espresso-machine-for-on-the-go?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1249715&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThanks, everyone! I'm still…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-23:1688216:Comment:12497152011-08-23T12:49:44.997ZTroy Lucashttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/TroyLucas
<p>Thanks, everyone! I'm still checking around with other industry pros for their advice, too, and getting many different reactions. I appreciate everyone's feedback from the direct working knowledge of how things have gone when you get busy and how easy it is to repair in the field. Yeah, Mitch, my Appia has been apart numerous times in the field and I've learned the tricks to make that process go a lot faster when trouble-shooting. </p>
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<p>Still looking and still considering A LOT…</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone! I'm still checking around with other industry pros for their advice, too, and getting many different reactions. I appreciate everyone's feedback from the direct working knowledge of how things have gone when you get busy and how easy it is to repair in the field. Yeah, Mitch, my Appia has been apart numerous times in the field and I've learned the tricks to make that process go a lot faster when trouble-shooting. </p>
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<p>Still looking and still considering A LOT of options...thanks!!!</p> I've been catering for many y…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-23:1688216:Comment:12488632011-08-23T00:30:19.021ZMitch Buckner - Bella Caffehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MitchBucknerBellaCaffe994
I've been catering for many years with an Astra Gourmet. Its a small enough machine that its easy to move around but it still can handle the crowds I work. I've done weddings before for upwards of 250 people in 2 hours without any problems (at least I personally cant go much faster!). Im pretty hard on my machines, I've had them freeze & bust, I've had to fix them in the field before because a tie down in the trailer broke after hitting an extra large pothole, etc & they're always easy…
I've been catering for many years with an Astra Gourmet. Its a small enough machine that its easy to move around but it still can handle the crowds I work. I've done weddings before for upwards of 250 people in 2 hours without any problems (at least I personally cant go much faster!). Im pretty hard on my machines, I've had them freeze & bust, I've had to fix them in the field before because a tie down in the trailer broke after hitting an extra large pothole, etc & they're always easy to work on. The case is off in seconds & you've got everything out in the open. I've had to replace procon pumps in the field or fix leaks. Now the fact that I have to fix the machines isnt an indication of the quality of the machine, just an indication of how hard I am on them! I spend most of my year on the road & setup in some pretty crazy places. I've had to pull my trailer out of a muddy field before. I once had someone misswire the power in my concessions trailer & fried a few boards. That kind of stuff! I once did a show that got so cold that while the machine was on & hot, the pressure guage still managed to freeze & bust! But I've always been able to fix them pretty quickly & easily. I've had NS & Simonelli's in the past too & they arent as easy to work on. It takes a good 30 minutes just to get the case off! So, for the money (and not that much money) I love the Astras & am currently using 3 of them (and all of my Astras have been purchased either used or refurbished). They're made in California & use plumbing that you can get at any hardware store. They are avilable either plumbed or pourover Hey Troy, Its highly recommen…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-19:1688216:Comment:12445402011-08-19T15:51:05.829ZMickaelhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Mickael
Hey Troy, Its highly recommended to use a flo jet or other pump device to supply positive pressure to the machine. Just putting the hose in the bucket can cause extra wear on the pump and the check and expansion valves, it works, but not good for the machine. The last one I installed was on a cart and the owner was mad that he bought the tank version after I told him we could of plumbed the "plumbed" version to the cart (the cart had a shur-flo system supplying the sink). Too bad your not in…
Hey Troy, Its highly recommended to use a flo jet or other pump device to supply positive pressure to the machine. Just putting the hose in the bucket can cause extra wear on the pump and the check and expansion valves, it works, but not good for the machine. The last one I installed was on a cart and the owner was mad that he bought the tank version after I told him we could of plumbed the "plumbed" version to the cart (the cart had a shur-flo system supplying the sink). Too bad your not in Oregon. I have a plumbed Vivaldi in my show room. Good luck. Troy,
You would need to use…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-18:1688216:Comment:12442512011-08-18T21:34:30.755ZPhil Robertshttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/PhilRoberts
<p>Troy,</p>
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<p>You would need to use the FloJet on the Vivaldi. I was skeptical when I first started using it, but I came to love the portability of the thing. I used to carry around a single group Appia, but ended up switching to the Vivaldi. The main reason being that it is so small, and I could use the pour over model and not have to add the FloJet to the mix. I still had to bring water, But I ended up buying the 2 or 3 gallon jugs of water that are rectangle shaped and fit in the…</p>
<p>Troy,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You would need to use the FloJet on the Vivaldi. I was skeptical when I first started using it, but I came to love the portability of the thing. I used to carry around a single group Appia, but ended up switching to the Vivaldi. The main reason being that it is so small, and I could use the pour over model and not have to add the FloJet to the mix. I still had to bring water, But I ended up buying the 2 or 3 gallon jugs of water that are rectangle shaped and fit in the trunk a little easier.</p>
<p>Really, the only issue I have with the Vivaldi is the size of the steam wand. I have since removed 16oz lattes from the menu, which I never liked doing in the first place, and had an excuse for not serving them for the customer that they weren't completely turned off by. For some reason, they accept "We don't serve a 16oz because the steam wand isn't long enough to fit down in the larger pitchers" better than "We just feel that our espresso tastes so great on its own that we don't want to cover it with all that milk." ;)</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>-phil</p> Mickael and Phil, we currentl…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-18:1688216:Comment:12438522011-08-18T20:38:54.896ZTroy Lucashttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/TroyLucas
Mickael and Phil, we currently use 5 gal bottles without pressure on the line with our Appia as it draws it's own up the hose as needed. This works great for us, and I do own a FloJet but don't use it if I don't have to(just one more piece of equipment). Will the Vivaldi do this on the plumbed(non pour-over) version? You all have high remarks for the Vivaldi, so I'm gonna have to find one of these things and play a bit.
Mickael and Phil, we currently use 5 gal bottles without pressure on the line with our Appia as it draws it's own up the hose as needed. This works great for us, and I do own a FloJet but don't use it if I don't have to(just one more piece of equipment). Will the Vivaldi do this on the plumbed(non pour-over) version? You all have high remarks for the Vivaldi, so I'm gonna have to find one of these things and play a bit. I know a customer that uses a…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-18:1688216:Comment:12435032011-08-18T15:39:18.382ZMickaelhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Mickael
I know a customer that uses a Vivaldi on weekends at a busy park. He hasn't had any problem with it running out of steam on 15amps. when set to 15amps it will always make sure the group temperature is meant before worrying about steam. And due to the small size boiler it recovers extremely well for a little machine.<br></br>
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<cite>Troy Lucas said:…</cite>
I know a customer that uses a Vivaldi on weekends at a busy park. He hasn't had any problem with it running out of steam on 15amps. when set to 15amps it will always make sure the group temperature is meant before worrying about steam. And due to the small size boiler it recovers extremely well for a little machine.<br/>
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<cite>Troy Lucas said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/single-group-espresso-machine-for-on-the-go?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1242765&xg_source=msg_com_forum#1688216Comment1242917"><div>Well, I've looked at the Vivaldi, but it will only run one boiler at a time on 15A service, which is pretty typical of the electrical service we have available to us. We have a 8000W generator, but don't need to use that most places, but have to insure that coffee water is hot and so is steam. The GS3...well, haven't won the lottery yet. Jay, what can you tell me about equipment leasing? Again, ultimate mobility wanted in our application. I do greatly appreciate the input!!!</div>
</blockquote> Thanks, Jay! I can ask our a…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-18:1688216:Comment:12427652011-08-18T02:31:25.098ZTroy Lucashttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/TroyLucas
Thanks, Jay! I can ask our accountant the specifics. I believe there is some kind of tax depreciation rule left this year allowing capital expenses to be 100% written off in this calendar year, too, if they are purchased in 2011 Again, it's time I give the accountant a buzz.
Thanks, Jay! I can ask our accountant the specifics. I believe there is some kind of tax depreciation rule left this year allowing capital expenses to be 100% written off in this calendar year, too, if they are purchased in 2011 Again, it's time I give the accountant a buzz. Depending on you or your comp…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-18:1688216:Comment:12423842011-08-18T02:14:16.610ZJay Caragayhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JayCaragay
<p>Depending on you or your companys credit, you probably will be able to lease equipment. Basically, you negotiate with a leasing company that essentially buys the equipment for you and you pay a "rent" or lease on the gear. It can also have tax advantages for you, though I suggest you discuss the pros and cons with your accountant.</p>
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<p>In a nutshell, leased equipment allows you to expense the monthly cost of the lease instead of depreciating the equipment over so many years. If…</p>
<p>Depending on you or your companys credit, you probably will be able to lease equipment. Basically, you negotiate with a leasing company that essentially buys the equipment for you and you pay a "rent" or lease on the gear. It can also have tax advantages for you, though I suggest you discuss the pros and cons with your accountant.</p>
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<p>In a nutshell, leased equipment allows you to expense the monthly cost of the lease instead of depreciating the equipment over so many years. If I recall, the expense lowers your exposure to taxes while depreciation offsets the tax owed - don't know if that makes sense but again, I suggest discussing the issue with your accountant.</p>
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<p> </p> Well, I've looked at the Viva…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-17:1688216:Comment:12429172011-08-17T23:36:32.139ZTroy Lucashttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/TroyLucas
Well, I've looked at the Vivaldi, but it will only run one boiler at a time on 15A service, which is pretty typical of the electrical service we have available to us. We have a 8000W generator, but don't need to use that most places, but have to insure that coffee water is hot and so is steam. The GS3...well, haven't won the lottery yet. Jay, what can you tell me about equipment leasing? Again, ultimate mobility wanted in our application. I do greatly appreciate the input!!!
Well, I've looked at the Vivaldi, but it will only run one boiler at a time on 15A service, which is pretty typical of the electrical service we have available to us. We have a 8000W generator, but don't need to use that most places, but have to insure that coffee water is hot and so is steam. The GS3...well, haven't won the lottery yet. Jay, what can you tell me about equipment leasing? Again, ultimate mobility wanted in our application. I do greatly appreciate the input!!! Troy,
The La Spaziale Vival…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-08-16:1688216:Comment:12401732011-08-16T18:58:55.555ZPhil Robertshttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/PhilRoberts
<p>Troy,</p>
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<p>The La Spaziale Vivaldi II will get you what you are looking for while staying within the $2,000 budget. You can call Chris Coffee or The Espresso Guild Cincinnati for better pricing than what is listed online. I have bought machines from both and they are great to work with!</p>
<p>Troy,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The La Spaziale Vivaldi II will get you what you are looking for while staying within the $2,000 budget. You can call Chris Coffee or The Espresso Guild Cincinnati for better pricing than what is listed online. I have bought machines from both and they are great to work with!</p>