Just noticed this 24H flash sale, not sure when it started or when it expires, so decide quickly! ('RRP' is $1271)
This machine is a single boiler, in the same class as the Rancilio Silvia, but has a built in pressure gauge, and a slightly larger boiler. Classic brand that is easy to get spares for.
Be wary of this company.
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/99228
Google them first before plonking down cash.
You might want to read this from the Coffee Snobs website: try post #20
http://coffeesnobs.com.au/general-coffee-related/33700-exper…
A friend of mine has an ISOMac she's not too happy
-it suffers steam block in the group head.. (aka steam needs to be pumped out between making milk and taking shots otherwise the steam goes through first ruins the coffee and results in disgusting bitter burnt gross coffee)
-difficult to get the right quantity of coffee in the group-head(The old fill wipe tamp technique fails))
-the above also results in handle being launched off into your nice china cups and breaking them
-Above results in requiring the group to be heavy handed in use and machine bends under said weight
End game: save for an ECM or get a Ranchello
With regard to the Silvia, the 'steam block' is unavoidable in a single boiler machine unless the espresso is made first, and difficulties with getting the right quantity of coffee are inherent to relatively high level machines. However, the Silvia does not seem to have the issue of the handle breaking cups or the machine bending when tightening the handle- mine certainly doesn't
Looks like a poor mans Rancilio Silvia. Seriously for the same $ you can get the Silvia!
Leaving aside the issues about the source of this machine, I have one of these at home and I'm quite, quite happy with it.
I'd describe it as an upmarket-looking version of a Silvia rather than a poor man's version. I like the chrome, old-school switches, lights and little pressure gauge. It almost makes me look like I know what I'm doing…
I've never experienced flying-group-handle-syndrome (FGHS). Very weird! My machine certainly doesn't bend when I'm tightening the handle. Perhaps all the coffee is leading to muscle loss? If my kitchen blew-up, I suspect that my Venus would still be standing solid. OK, my kitchen is crap - but you know what I mean.
No, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a nice HX machine - and you do have to come to terms with the idiosyncrasies inherent in a single boiler machine. As Papagoose suggests, the easy option is to make the coffee first (I normally do 3 double shots to split between 2 adults and a couple of teenagers each morning) and only then ramp up the steam. I'd never want super-heated steam through my puck, thank-you very much!
If a company can fix a Silvia, they can fix this. It is the VW Beetle class of coffee machines (no, NOT the current travesty) along with the Silvia.
Bottom line? If you want a basically 'manual' machine, I'd consider it alongside the Silvia. I think that it looks 'da bomb' on my kitchen bench (helped by the rest of the kitchen looking tired). At $625, I'd be tempted… But then I've already got one 'spare' Silvia from the Grinders promotion. Must not be greedy.
For those who are on the fence with this deal, please refer to this review. It's quite thorough.
http://coffeetimex.wdfiles.com/local--files/isomac-venus/Iso…