lilia Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Location: Texas Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Cuadra II
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 8:37am Subject: Decisions, decisions…. Need help in deciding between S-Venezia,Livieta & lelit
Hello everyone,
I have been using the Bialetti Moka Express for more than 30 years. I am ready to upgrade with a real espresso machine. I don't know much about them or how to choose one. After some research I found that the ones listed below could be a good choice for beginners. I want a reliable machine able to make a decent good shot. Also, want something that looks nice on my counter. What kind of coffee drinks do I prefer? Strong cappuccino or latte 2 cups per session and 4 per day My budget of $1000 includes the grinderfor the Baratza Preciso Burr Grinder Please help me out to pick the right one: Saeco Via Venezia Espresso Machine Pasquini Livietta T2 Espresso Machine Lelit PL41EMV2 Thanks Lilia
Skylar Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 46 Location: New Jersey Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: lelit espresso Grinder: lelit grinder Vac Pot: B. D. Electric Drip: chemex Roaster: wok roast and popper, heat...
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 9:07am Subject: Re: Decisions, decisions…. lelit
Hello,
I have a lelit espresso and grinder but was unfamiliar with the particular machine you alluded to. Looking on the web I found it on a Canadian site which indicated that they were unable to ship to the US. I see that you are in Texas so unless the state withdraws from the US my guess is you will have to make do with one that is imported to below our common border. In that context I would suggest you consider the deal that is being offered by 1st-line.com. $599 gets you both the grinder and the espresso machine.
I have been happy with my set-up and have used both daily for about three years. About the other two machines I claim no knowledge whatsover. I have no commercial association with 1st-line. I did buy my set- up from them and was satisfied.
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 1:43pm Subject: Re: Decisions, decisions…. lelit
Hi Lilia, Note that I have no actual experience with any of the 3 machines you mentioned, but I read a lot. You might step back and rephrase your question as "What can I buy for $1000 that will give me a good bang for my buck?" You will find any number of threads here and on Home Barista with answers to this frequent question.
The Saeco is a $300 machine with a pressurized portafilter and you could do much better with your budget. The Livietta, by virtually all accounts, is a VERY trouble-prone machine. The old Livietta's were made by Olympia and were identical to the Maximatic and are very good machines. There were some on ebay recently. A used Olympia/Pasquini livietta in good shape would be an excellent machine (not sure if that will be within your budget). The LeLit's have a good rep for an entry level "for real" machine. Do you already own the grinder? Or might you need one. You can usually get a better price with dealers for a combo.
If you like milk drinks, you may be unhappy with the LeLit or the Saeco which are both single boiler machines and you must put them into steam mode (higher heat) once you've drawn your espresso and then wait a few minutes before you can steam the milk. If you want to make a second drink at the same time, you need to let it cool down for 5-10 (?) min before you can draw espresso again. The Liviettas are HX (heat exchanger) machines and you can steam on them while you make espresso. You might look on the Buy/Sell forum here which frequently have used machines (and grinders) in good shape that would fit the bill for you.
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 1:49pm Subject: Re: Decisions, decisions…. Need help in deciding
Just noticed that 1st Line has the Ponte Vecchio lever machine on sale for $900 (200 off). These steam well and make great espresso (not just OK). If you could stretch your budget slightly you could buy a grinder too. With these levers, you can steam at the same time as you pull a shot or immediately thereafter. They are simple, need very little maintenance, and last a very long time. I have a lever and they're not really that hard to get a good shot out of. And this machine has a small footprint for your counter.
lilia Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2012 Posts: 5 Location: Texas Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Cuadra II
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 9:48pm Subject: Re: Decisions, decisions…. Need help in deciding
Thank you all for your advice.
mgwolf, I didn't buy the grinder yet.Wondering if the Baratza Virtuoso (w/ New Precise Burrs-586) is a good Grinder?. Just found a great deal @ jlhufford.com
I checked out @ 1st Line and @ creative cookware for the Ponte Vecchio machines. They are very nice looking machines!. I like the Pavoni ESC8.. What do you think about la Pavone lusso PL-16?. Thanks, Lilia
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,317 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Sun Nov 25, 2012, 10:18pm Subject: Decisions, decisions…. Need help in deciding between S-Venezia,Livieta & lelit
I would get the grinder one up from the Virtuoso, the one called precisio or next one Vario. The steps on the Virtuoso are just too wide. Believe me I know. I got a used Oscar for under 500 and it is an entry level HX. I like the idea of the lever machine now that I know what I am doing. But Oscar is a deal if you can find one.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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