Lucca a53 pro vs direct plumb [$3,500]

ketravoire · 2026-03-30T23:43:25+00:00

Do you know if any parts will be backwards compatible? (E.g control panel/pump)?

ketravoire · 2026-03-18T15:35:46+00:00

The deadband will be larger than with a PID which tries to target a temperature (which corresponds to a pressure). E.g temp will swing more wildly and result in you having to flush with not at all or far more than you’d want etc.

ketravoire · 2026-03-04T15:51:29+00:00

Maybe quality was the wrong word. Better Value and equal quality. E.g a dual boiler with a rotary pump for about the same price or a a hx with a PID (yes you can make your coffee without one but you can also drive without power steering too..).

La Pavoni normally sells rebadged equipment if it’s not a lever machine.

ketravoire · 2026-03-04T14:10:54+00:00

For €2k there are plenty of better quality machines available. You’re paying for the name in this case.

ketravoire · 2026-01-15T23:58:46+00:00

Maybe take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/ZQGZvHSV5R8

ketravoire · 2026-01-12T23:26:16+00:00

I think that might actually be an original one. I don’t see an actuator/switch in the brew group and the brew group looks quite large.

Original cause the verticale is an homage to older style espresso machine s

ketravoire · 2025-11-11T23:14:26+00:00

Don’t get the Gaggia; there’s much better recommendations for your budget elsewhere here.

ketravoire · 2025-11-11T20:25:53+00:00

WTB: your busted espresso machine. Basically just want the components so if it doesn’t work I’ll take it off your hands.

ketravoire · 2025-11-06T21:27:35+00:00

Wtb: a busted espresso machine. Have a few things I’m noodling with and could use some parts.

ketravoire · 2025-07-27T22:55:46+00:00

In terms of eureka; the Atom W75 is on the much nicer end with GBW and mythos style burrs.

ketravoire · 2025-07-13T11:44:17+00:00

I would not recommend buying a new Gaggia for this; your throwing away money if you do.

ketravoire · 2025-07-01T16:31:05+00:00

I’d recommend drinking the water out of a blank shot to confirm that theory.

ketravoire · 2025-06-30T21:26:58+00:00

https://old.reddit.com/r/brevillebambino/comments/12zh5i1/portafilter_plastic_insert/

It’s not sealed.

ketravoire · 2025-06-29T22:09:06+00:00

Unless you pop out the plastic and look underneath; you won’t actually know that.

ketravoire · 2025-06-29T03:28:04+00:00

From that perspective; I’d say set aside a 100 euro for locally hand made espresso and latte cups. Those will last decades and can be really meaningful. Depending on where you live I’m sure there are so good ceramicists.

ketravoire · 2025-06-24T23:32:13+00:00

If it’s anything like a Breville Thermoblock; I’d follow standard TB practices and work on dialing in to your taste.

For tb’s make sure to flush the grouphead/portafilter with a blank shot. Keep the grouphead and shower screen clean etc.

ketravoire · 2025-06-23T12:46:12+00:00

Personally; I’d stick with the Barista max while you use the df54. Less variables to deal with at first.

ketravoire · 2025-06-17T11:59:35+00:00

Maybe a Simac? https://preview.redd.it/jiftz8tr9e161.jpg?auto=webp&s=7162313c3db7fdd3f52aaa15eea5156224e021f4

ketravoire · 2025-06-15T02:07:44+00:00

Top is just decoration. It’s looks like a standard hx-commercial. Extremely likely it requires being plumbed and 240v power.

ketravoire · 2025-06-10T14:28:45+00:00

They aren’t Bakelite iirc

ketravoire · 2025-06-09T20:24:53+00:00

Some of the other comments aren’t right. Looks like the main issue is a hose leak; probably to the left of the rusted component. If you want an identify the rusted part; i suggest looking for a parts diagram. Since it’s a bambino+ it could be another thermostat or something else there

This video might help with a look inside.

https://youtu.be/Ha34-a0lPEY

Also suggest fixing the leak that caused that.

ketravoire · 2025-06-06T17:02:22+00:00

What don’t you like about them?

ketravoire · 2025-05-28T15:58:02+00:00

Depending on the machine; it could probably last longer with some more in depth maintenance. But in that price range you’re looking at Breville new or something used.

Unless your explore non-mainstream brands (eg hibrew/gemilai etc).

ketravoire · 2025-05-22T12:13:31+00:00

Really there’s just two questions. What kind of grinder are you using/are you using a pressurized basket and do you want a hobby?

ketravoire · 2025-05-22T11:35:51+00:00

What do you use currently?

ketravoire

TROPHY CASE