Designed for easy maintenance and usability, Appia provides excellent extraction results with no hassles, although might be too big for home users.
Positive Product Points
Designed for easy maintenance and usability, Appia provides excellent extraction results with no hassles. It can go from ristretti to 6cl cups easily. Takes no time to foam huge amounts of milk, thanks to its steam power. As it is not compact, everything is easily accessible while open, allowing easy checks and interventions. Quality of components is good.
Negative Product Points
Big and heavy from a home user point of view. Takes long to warm up its large boiler and hydraulic circuit. Needs some tricks not to run too hot.
Detailed Commentary
When I bought mine it was second hand but in mint condition. So all I had to do is set it somewhere plumbed and enjoy. This is what I did, and I'm still enjoying. At first i had to make some room. At that time it wasn't possible in the kitchen, so i set it up in my basement. Had to do a little plumbing also. Et voilą! Very easy to operate i could focus right away on coffee. No hassles of water dance or flush routine to have excellent results.
And it showed its potent on revealing flavors and aromas, especially floral and fruity ones, in my favorites coffee. It is also tolerant on your technique, thanks to its SIS preinfusion and great group head. Foaming milk requires training as it is really fast! Less than 20s for a cappucino. Just foam while the extraction is going on.
You just need to pay attention on the settings. Coming from factory this machine is set up pretty hot and requires large flushing not to burn your first extraction. But with correct thermosiphon restrictors and pressurstat settings, you can almost forget any flush routine.
