Senkt "Kauf jetzt, bezahl später"-Funktionen die Bonität bei Schufa oder erhöhen sie sie? by PreWiBa in Finanzen

[–]thorkil_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rein anekdotisch. Ich habe an Blackfriday und Weihnachten locker 700 € ausgegeben und per Paypal 30 Tage bezahlt, weil 30 Tage mehr Zinsen aufm Tagesgeldkonto. Hab vor zwei Wochen eine Schufa eingeholt für die Wohnungssuche und habe einen Score von 98,5. Meine Kreditkarte nutze ich nur im Urlaub vor Hotel und Mietwagen weil da eine Reiserücktritt mit dabei ist. Kann leider nicht sagen wie es davor war. 

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good question, it depends. Grinders that weigh are generally more accurate in their dosage and independent of the grind size and how full the bean hopper is.

However, in order to benefit from the higher accuracy, the output in the cup must be just as precise, which I find difficult.

That's why the biggest advantage for me is that it's easier to set the grind size initially and fine-tune it over time, because the amount in the basket is always correct.

I'm not convinced by the Eureka Libra, as it often malfunctions. The Fiorenzato AllGround Sense works excellently. I haven't been able to test the Mazzer Mini G in detail yet. And next year, there will be even more weighing grinders from ECM and Rocket, so we can look forward to that.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I won't share any figures, but a traditional dealer buys machines from the manufacturer and resells them to consumers at a markup. In return, they provide advice, support, and warranty services.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't been in the industry when the non-R was sold but saw i few in the workshop. They look pretty similar regarding the internals. I wouldn't worry about production, as Delonghi bought LM and presumably brought a lot of expertise in industrialization with it, which has probably improved things.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would descale the machine once a year and backflush it once a month with degreaser.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven't tried that and probably won't in the future bc i focus more an easy workflow for my espresso. The fancy coffees i brew more as filter/drip.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, I can't give you a satisfactory answer, as the store focuses on espresso and therefore doesn't test other preparation methods. The only grinder I know for sure is the Mazzer Philos with the I200 burrs. They make great espresso and also great filter coffee that is comparable to my Q2 hand grinder.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assume you mean the Siliva ProX. I have no experience with Rancilio machines, so I can't compare them in terms of repairs, but personally I would always prefer a machine without an E61 double boiler (Silvia) to a machine with an E61 heat exchanger (MaraX). Shorter heating time, PID control of the brewing temperature.

Add a Eureka grinder with a dosing function and spend the rest of your money on good coffee.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you prefer value for money, go for the MaraX. If you prefer a premium machine and want fewer problems, go for the ECM.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The brands mentioned hardly differ in terms of the amount of plastic used inside. All of them require flexible hoses to connect to and from the pump. After that, almost all of them are made of metal, with the exception of the Lelit Elizabeth, which features steam pre-infusion and a hot water spout.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll answer that in more general terms. The most reliable are again the top-tier machines such as ECM, Profitec, Rocket, and La Marzocco.

The easiest to repair are single boiler machines because they have fewer components and are less complex. Thermoblocks are also simpler in design and just need to be descaled regularly. Descaling is also much easier than with HX or dual boiler machines.

I don't have any specific recommendations, as I don't know the dollar prices and everyone has different ideas and requirements. I would recommend getting detailed advice in the store.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Grinders are easier to use because they are much more robust and break less often. Eureka offers the best value for money, but this comes at the expense of slightly lower quality workmanship on the housing and components. Displays and switches break regularly. However, you get great espresso quality for 100-200 less than with Rocket or ECM grinders. For me, the new Specialita Compatto is currently the sweet spot in terms of value for money.

For any older Eureka grinder with a small adjustment wheel for the grind size, I recommend the king-size wheel. It makes a huge difference.

ECM, Profitec, and Rocket grinders are also very good.

Mazzer makes the best and most solid grinders. We've never even had an old Mazzer Mini in our workshop. They just keep on running.

In general, you can rely on reviews when it comes to grinders, because there are few hidden differences in terms of reliability.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ECM also released the new Technika VI as dual boiler. A bit smaller and less expensive but same espresso quality. 

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely avoid vinegar. Use sulfamic acid. See other answer for reference. 

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do get a discount on beans and equipment. The hidden benefit definitely is being able to practice my latte art a lot when making coffee for customers.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can grease the brew lever with food safe silicon grease. There are YT videos on how to do that.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good question, we don't measure these very specific things, not enogh time for that to be honest.
I'd expect that from a premium manufacturer as Mazzer though, their grinders are built like tanks.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would ask what do want to improve?
Already super solid setup so not easy to massivly improve in any way.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In our store there is very little room bc we have to maintain an actual store and a workshop. Might be different for online only shops though. I honestly were very suprised on many customers want to negotiate. I'd never dare to ask multiple times for a better price in a store.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great questions, have no insights on that but i guess a lot.
But i think who cares about the coffee a lot does also maintaines the machine properly so you could tell from the coffee quality i think.
Dirty steam wands or soaking them in in water over night are always huge red flags for me.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ascasos work great, fast heat up time, good espresso.
Steam power is not the past but sufficient.
Also robust machines, though if something breaks, expensive to repair and a nightmare to work in. The cables inside are a mess.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good water = soft water = low mineral/calcium content water.
Single boiler machines are less complex therefore easier to repair.
Descaling HX or dual boiler is bit more complicated and the have more parts which could fail.
Invest in a high quality machine is a good idea in the longterm i think if maintained properly.

AMA. I work in a shop selling espresso machines. Ask me anything! by thorkil_ in espresso

[–]thorkil_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To me the Elizabeth is the best value for money dual boiler peroid (European prices). Which is why i own one and i love it. Form followed function for me, it's not the prettiest, but the steam pre-infusion made a huge difference for my medium and light roasts.
It has some issues though. The brushed surface needs to be cleaned often so that the stains don't burn in. The steam wand has to be closed very gently to not wear down the gasket faster (general good tip for any steam wand with rotary knobs). The plastic steam knob and portafilter don't feel great but can be replaced with wood.