La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II

Vinitasse

Yup... it's a mouthful and with a name that long it has to be Italian

I am about to take the plunge on one of these and would like to hear from anyone if they think/know I am making a mistake... much like standing at the altar and waiting to hear if anyone knows of any reason why we should NOT be wed in holy matrimony. If all is good I will proceed with said purchase... till death us do part ;-)

Thanks

Bruce

Lacehim

They did look good, it was on my short list until AM pointed out the lusso to me! 🙂 The only thing that concerned me at the time was the fact that there only seemed to be one place to buy, and I was concerned with parts. Only heard good things about them from owners, and even saw a video of someone on CS steaming milk no handed.

beanflying

Zero direct knowledge on it but it was prior to my "little" Lever addiction problem on my short list with the then Minore 3. The smaller PF diameter should be seen as a positive based on my use of them. Generally more forgiving and sweeter more rounded than 58mm. Minor downside locally would be make sure your happy with the backup and after sales support on offer. Either that or buy a 55mm Lever ;D

shape_shifter

I don't think you are making a mistake on this. It was on my short list when I was considering rotary pump based machines. I also think the small PFs give a better taste to what I produce than the larger ones after now having both as well. In the end a lot came down to immediate need and money of course. Given the choice again I would still give it a go.

mycuppa

Perhaps best advice Bruce is to find someone who has a machine, take your own grinder and then run your coffee through it. Surprising how a machine can make a difference in the cup. Even 2 machines of the same brand side by side can taste slightly different. For me personally, with a machine I need to be happy with how it "works" and "tastes" more than how it looks, price or perceived levels of support (+/-).

Brett_H

That's sage advice Jeff! This is a great looking machine. I gather that the only difference between the Mini and the VII is the tank and vibe pump? Is there a reason that you'd go for that option as opposed to the rotary? I'm only asking because I too have been machine shopping recently... for no better reason than extraction temp experimentation. I'd love a rotary for less noise but unless I'm going to grind the beans in the neighbours kitchen, this is kind of a redundant feature for me! My next machine would come locally most likely so tasting the results specific to a single machine is an option. This would be impossible if one was importing but with the money saved (all things being equal), the chaces of offloading and not being out of pocket (sould it not fit the bill) are better than average I'd imagine.... Unless of course you posted here that the machine's a dog and produces Starbucks! That'd wipe out some of your resale market... 😉

UNM

mycuppa wrote:

Perhaps best advice Bruce is to find someone who has a machine, take your own grinder and then run your coffee through it.

Never thought about it before, but now I do, that is one of those things that seem so obvious, you would be dumb not to. If you are thinking of changing one item of equipment and don't test it with all the others that are not going to change, you leave yourself open to disappointment.

Lacehim

UNM wrote:

Never thought about it before, but now I do, that is one of those things that seem so obvious, you would be dumb not to. If you are thinking of changing one item of equipment and don't test it with all the others that are not going to change, you leave yourself open to disappointment.

Great advice, but where I live there just isn't anywhere to go to test equipment. Nearest is in Brisbane and not all models are stocked or on display. If you have the opportunity to test and play with your own grinder go for it! You would be mad not to.

Koffee_Kosmo

I dont know anyone with La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II To tell you the truth I haven't seen one in the flesh Still some good reports on the net from owners KK

Vinitasse

Thanks for all the great advice. It would seem that I should proceed with the wedding plans and get myself a shiny new Mini Vivaldi. And the only reason I would go for the Mini, with its vibe pump and 3l tank, is because plumbing it in is not an option unfortunately. In any event, as soon as I can negotiate a fair price I will take the plunge and will make sure to post pics. Thanks again, Bruce

Brett_H

Fantastic! A review of it would make great information given there is very little written about them on 'free range' Australian sights.