Not the latest machine but a good benchmark I have used the La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi S1, at home, nearly every day for about two years and it handles like a commercial machine (well it almost is).
La Spaziale are a respected Italian commercial espresso machine manufacturer and this is their youngster one-group.
This is the hand fill version but there is a plumbed version.
Its features:
-One group (120 cups an hour – if you’re very good)
-Powerful Steam Arm – quick on and off lever
-Hot water for tea and infusions
-Automatic dose setting (one and two cup settings)
-Electronic coffee regulation
-LED temperature indicator - change the boiler temperature to suit different coffees.
Technical: There are forums dedicated to this machine (it’s a bit of a geek’s machine) so I won’t go over the top on technical stuff – you will see confusing references to the vibrating pump – the effect on coffee and it being nosier than a rotary pump?; the retro fitting of pre-infusion units etc to improve (or not) your espresso – etc, etc. However, my strong advice is that it is fantastic as it is and your time is better spent enjoying the coffee you make with family and friends - get the grind right and practice your frothing (intended subjects of later blogs).
Highlights:
-It operates like a professional machine.
-Consistent brew temperature
-Deep portafilter for better consistency (where you put the ground coffee).
-Automatic dosing – once set up – press and go
-Good steam pressure with a separate boiler
-On – off lever for easy frothing.
Disadvantages:
-It’s bigger than most home machines
-Less attractive – more macho
-Maybe more than you would like to pay (RRP £1,518 - June'09)
-You may need (telephone) support to set up
-Your friends will be jealous
Overview
This machine gives you the cafe experience in your kitchen – it doesn’t compromise on performance – which most home machines do in one aspect or another.
The deeper portafilter (same as on the professional models) means that the tamping (getting the pressure right when pressing in your ground coffee) is easier.
The powerful steam wand will allow you to create you perfect cappuccino, hot chocolate or even latte art.
In my opinion, if you are serious about your coffee, you should look at this machine first. Then, if it’s not for you - price, size etc - only then look for an alternative. Although it is at the more professional end – it is very good value when you consider the quality and results you will get. You won’t be disappointed.
Best Coffee Beans, which supplies a very large range of coffee equipment will be able to give further advice about the best semi-automatic espresso coffee machines available for the home.
If you go for a La Spaziale Vivaldi, don’t compromise on the grinder – I will cover these later but two good choices are the new Mahlkonig Vario Coffee Grinder or the La Spaziale Top Coffee Grinder.
Tips:
-It looks best in black.
-Use a filter jug to fill the water reservoir to avoid scale building up in the boiler.
-Leave the portafilter in the group head when not being used. This prevents your coffee being cooled by a cold portafilter.
The plumbed version is suitable for pubs and venues where a single group machine is sufficient. It is a slightly different specification.
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