VII or mini-VII?

Post by **blgros** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:56 pm

So is the choice here between the mini or not really just a choice between plumb-in or not? (And $200 or not?)

Are there any other real differences between the two models?

Thanks.

Bryan

Post by **JohnB** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:51 pm

Vibe pump vs rotary, smaller steam boiler on Mini, plumb in vs pour over, steam knob vs steam lever (Mini).

Post by **blgros** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:09 pm

OK, thanks John. Guess I didn't read all the fine print.

I know rotary pump is supposed to be quieter, but I've also read the mini's vibe pump is pretty quiet also. Does one perform better than the other, or is more reliable than the other?

And regarding the steam knob vs. the lever, I wonder why Chris went with the lever? I'm guessing the knob gives you more control. Maybe the lever was a way to keep the costs lower on the mini?

Post by **Niko** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:50 pm

The vibe pump is significantly louder than the rotary.
I don't think going with the lever control on the steam was to cut costs, it was rather a nice change to have something different. As for the reliability, the plumb-in version of the machine is proven given the last 4+ years of its existence. The Mini, however, shouldn't be counted out since most of the parts are identical.
I don't see how either machine can perform better than the other, in the right hands espresso should be identical.

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:26 pm

I really like the steam lever! Now that I've had both, hands down, my choice would be the lever.

Although the vibe pump is louder, it's not really that loud. Trust me, if it was that loud, my wife would let me know.

Post by **Niko** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:16 pm

You ought to hear how silent the rotary is, a friend recently fired up a vibe and I've forgotten how loud it can be.
...not that it bothers me, I like the sound of a vibe in the morning

Post by **JohnB** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:38 pm

Chris posted something on CG recently to the effect that the vibe in the Mini is one of the quietest he's ever heard. I agree though, once I got my rotary pump isolated from the frame it is REALLY quiet. I haven't used a steam lever but I do like the look.

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:44 pm

Don't get me wrong, it's not nearly as quiet at a rotary. I'm just saying that it's not that bad.

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:47 pm

Here's a link to my video so you can hear how loud it is. The video is from my digi camera, which is close to the machine. The camera also has a fairly sensitive mic so the sound is exaggerated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I47xwnhviuI

Post by **JohnB** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:52 pm

Christ it sounds like a buzz saw!! I hope its really exaggerated.

Kind of reminds me of those electric clippers I used to torture my kids with before they got old enough to tell me I couldn't cut their hair anymore.

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:16 pm

Yes, it's exaggerated. It's not as bad as the video portrays.

Post by **Niko** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:37 pm

Yeah....right!

Just kidding

I've been meaning to get together with a Mini VII owner one of these days. It'll have to be at my house since the Mini can be moved easier without having to disconnect plumbing, etc..
Then we can do a side by side sound comparison on video. I'm sure the vibe is quieter in the Mini compared to other beastly machines because of the heavy frame and the way it's enclosed.

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:42 pm

I was looking at the vibe pump when I had the clothes off my machine last week. I think with a little brain power (and in my case, that's all I have), I could either insulate or put in a better rubber/buffer system than what's currently being used.

Post by **Niko** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:43 pm

Or you can pop a rotary pump in there...

Post by **zoey** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:47 pm

I'm sure that would be a cheap endeavor.

chas · Post by **chas** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:03 am

Wow! That video sounds just like my V2 if I run the rotary pump with the water turned off...