exagorazo Senior Member Joined: 2 Oct 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: LaSpaziale Vivaldi II Grinder: Mazzer Mini Drip: Aquabrew / Cafejo Roaster: Gene Cafe
Posted Tue Oct 2, 2007, 6:30pm Subject: Huge improvement in steam wand on the LaSpaziale Vivaldi II
Not long ago, I upgraded from an ECM Giotto (which felt like an old friend) to the LaSpaziale Vivaldi II. I quickly discovered that the Vivaldi II had much more power, especially in the steam department. (In fact, my daughter works at a coffee shop and she said that the Vivaldi has considerable more steaming power than the professional machines she uses at work.)
I quickly discovered that these reserves of power were not a good thing for me because the steamer was very difficult to control. Overnight, I couldn't microfoam milk any more and anything beyond the slightest twist of the steam knob sent milk all over the kitchen. At first it was very impressive. The machine could steam 12 ounces of milk in 15 seconds or less. Then it became humorous as this would be barista was usually wiping milk off of various items in the kitchen. Ultimately, it wasn't funny because the quality of my drinks took a nose dive.
I poked around the net looking for a solution and noted that Chris' Coffee offered a replacement steam tip with smaller holes. Needless to say, one was promptly ordered.
WOW! WHAT an improvement. Control is once again easy to achieve and on literally the first try, the microfoam was the best I have ever been able to achieve. Results have been consistent since then. Now, foaming milk is a no brainer every time, even with 2% which has always been the poorest performer for me.
The Vivaldi II is now surpassing my greatest hopes by producing the finest espresso based drinks we have ever had. This machine, with that one essential tweak, deserves every accolade it receives.
Posted Thu Oct 4, 2007, 6:01pm Subject: Re: Huge improvement in steam wand on the LaSpaziale Vivaldi II
I had the same experience. The stock tip just had too much power. The new tip still has 4 holes, but the holes are smaller. Still very fast, but it takes just enough longer to give good control. Much easier to get perfect microfoam every time.
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