Purchase decision help requested

Post by **mikemalter** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 6:37 pm

I am just about to purchase a Vivaldi II and Cimbali conical grinder, and I have a few questions.

First, 1-St-line and Chris Coffee are advertising the same type of Cimbali, however, Chris says his is a hybrid model with modifications to it and is a little over $200.00 more than the one on 1-St-Line. Does anyone know the actual difference between the two? On the 1st site, they say the blade speed is 1600 rpm and on Chris they list 1400 - can that be? Also, on Chris they say their model is a combination conical and flat and from what I have read that is an ideal combination. On the 1st site, they do not list this information. Can these machines be that different?

I'd also like recommendations on conical type tampers if you have any thoughts.

Will need a scale?

What about a timer? I have read that the shot settings on the Vivaldi are so dialed in, that timing shots on a regular basis is not necessary.

Thanks for any answers to my questions and any other thoughts you may have.

Post by **Niko** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 9:55 pm

Welcome to the S1 Cafe, Mike!
Happy Thanksgiving too!

The VII is a very nice machine (as you have read everywhere, I'm sure) but choosing a grinder is just as important. Others will say the grinder is more important but I disagree because coffee grinds out of any grinder taste bad without an espresso machine

I don't have any personal experience with the Cimbali Grinders but I have heard the same thing on how conical burrs are the way to go. The rotation speeds are correct in saying that one spins at 1600 vs. 1400, that's because conicals don't need to rotate fast at all to get the job done.

You won't "need" a scale but you will WANT one for consistency if you only grind per dose as needed.
As for the volumetric dosing, it's great for running tests on the machine but not ideal when pulling real shots for me since the shot ends as soon as it blondes, that changes with different bean types, some shots are done at 18 seconds while others are good at 23 and so on, etc.. A timer is really good to have, you can pick one up at your local "Whole Foods" for about $10 (I noticed you're in the Bay Area also).

Also, I love your avatar...I assume it's you and I'll have to say that it is very nice to actually see what someone looks like behind the keyboard (or PF in this case). I'd post my picture but I don't want to scare anyone

Post by **coffeeowl** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:03 pm

Hi!

Scale is good for dose cosistency and I think you'd like to time your shots.
What is a conical tamper?

Post by **Niko** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:25 pm

He probably means "convex" tamper...I'm assuming.

Post by **coffeeowl** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:23 pm

Hm...

if 'convex' is the case, then ask Niko ;)

I recently came to conclusion that probably a flat tamper will do better.
So far I have Vivace Ergo Packer, which works fine however I have a complaint: it's aluminium and I want a stainless steel, for it is better

and heavier

I'd love David Schomer to read this forum :D

EDIT: here's a truly cool picture

Post by **bluesman13** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:08 pm

Niko wrote:
I'd post my picture but I don't want to scare anyone

wait, you mean that silhouetted ice skater wasn't you??

:D :D :D

Post by **coffeeowl** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:36 pm

bluesman13 wrote:
Niko wrote:
I'd post my picture but I don't want to scare anyone
wait, you mean that silhouetted ice skater wasn't you??

:D :D :D

it was a gorgeus girl

Post by **jeffb** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:08 pm

I have an "original" S1 and a Cimbali Jr.........apparently Chris Coffe has taken the burr set from the Cimbali Max and built it in the Cadet Body with a few other changes..........

see this discussion

http://www.home-barista.com/forums/la-c ... 47-20.html

I have purchased an Isomac Tea and Mazzer Mini from Chris before upgrading to my present set-up and actually called Chris with questions.

Due to the service I would continue to buy from him and if I had your question, would call him personally.......he's rather "East Coast", but very willing to help.

Good Luck!

Post by **Niko** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 9:54 pm

bluesman13 wrote:
Niko wrote:
I'd post my picture but I don't want to scare anyone
wait, you mean that silhouetted ice skater wasn't you??

:D :D :D

Mmm...
No, that wasn't me - my silhouette would look more like a 200lb gorilla doing a spin-a-rama

Post by **mikemalter** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:26 pm

Niko and Coffeeowl, thanks for the replies. Yes Niko was right, I meant a convex tamp.

So I called Chris coffee today to order, and they are closed on Saturday, so I guess I'll try to catch up with them this week.

I am wavering between the plumed and non-plumed version of the S2. Any opinions there?

Thanks.

Post by **Zzyzx** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:30 pm

mikemalter wrote:
I am wavering between the plumed and non-plumed version of the S2. Any opinions there?

Thanks.

Plumbed without hesitation.

I was a bit unsure myself when deciding. After hooking it all up, it was so easy.

Post by **mikemalter** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:34 pm

Did you have to drill through a counter? Also, I already have a "T" valve on my water, one for the side water dispenser on my sink, and the other for my fridge.

Did you bring in a plumer or do it yourself?

Post by **Zzyzx** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:45 pm

I drilled the side of my counter. I have a granite counter top and decided to run it down through the cabinet.

I did it myself, I was intimidated by the thought of a plumbed in machine, but believe me it was extremely simple.

Post by **mikemalter** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:49 pm

Do you have a 15 or a 20 amp model? Looking at your outlets, it looks like a 15 watt.

Post by **Zzyzx** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 1:01 pm

I have the 20amp model. That outlet you see is a 15amp with my Macap plugged in.

BTW, I also converted one of my 15amp circuits to a 20amp, again very easy.

The S1 Cafe - Helping Your Espresso Dreams Become Reality

Purchase decision help requested

Purchase decision help requested

Thanks

Re: Thanks