Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

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Date: 29 Nov 2006 20:50:56
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
to these two machines.

They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
brewing.

Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
these models?

Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
reasons to consider upgrading that also?

Date: 02 Dec 2006 12:12:52
From: CSME9
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

"Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote in message
news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> to these two machines.
>
> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> brewing.
>
> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> these models?
>
> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> reasons to consider upgrading that also?

I have a 3 year old isomac tea, heating element replaced at 5 months
(myself), new pressure stat at 14 months (myself) and now needs a new vacuum
breaker valve which i will replace myself. The gauges are nice but not
critical they let me know when boiler has reached temp and shot pressure.
Quick mill was not avail when i purchased but If i had to do it again i
would opt for the quick mill Andrea as most parts that typically can go bad
have been upgraded and the boiler is insulated with swivel steam wands.

Will

Date: 02 Dec 2006 08:33:01
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <85ech.5689$ql2.4975@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net >,
"CSME9" <wsotomay@earthlink.net > wrote:

> "Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> > OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> > certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> > to these two machines.
> >
> > They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> > But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> > brewing.
> >
> > Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> > there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> > these models?
> >
> > Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> > reasons to consider upgrading that also?
>
> I have a 3 year old isomac tea, heating element replaced at 5 months
> (myself), new pressure stat at 14 months (myself) and now needs a new vacuum
> breaker valve which i will replace myself. The gauges are nice but not
> critical they let me know when boiler has reached temp and shot pressure.
> Quick mill was not avail when i purchased but If i had to do it again i
> would opt for the quick mill Andrea as most parts that typically can go bad
> have been upgraded and the boiler is insulated with swivel steam wands.
>
> Will

Thanks for that info. I'm going over a couple of towns away early next
week. Someone I met on Coffeegeek has an Anita and Macap M4 so I'll get
to find out first hand whether I will end up upgrading or not.

I'll take my MDF and a bag of fresh roasted beans and try to do a
comparison brew using her equipment and then a brew using my MDF.

Since I started this, my upgrade fever has risen, so I've added a
grinder to the mix, bumped up the budget and pinned my selection down to
3 machines.

Espresso machines :
Bricoletta - This is really a nice machine and it turns out the 20 amp
circuit isn't a problem for me. I already have it, just have to change
the plug.

Quick Mill Anita - This is the one I'll get hands on with next week.

Quick Mill Alexia - Single boiler E61. I don't do many milk drinks and
this one doesn't come up to steam temp very fast and no hot water. But
it is about $200 cheaper than the Anita.

Looked at but not on the list:
Expobar Lever, Expobar Office Pulser, refurb Brewtus and Tea II.

Grinders : Probably will end up buying on Ebay or some such to save
some money. In the running are the Macap M4, Mazzer Mini, Rossi RR45
and La San co SM90.

I'm not concerned by size of grinder as I live alone and use a seperate
cart for my espresso machine and grinder, so counter space isn't an
issue.

Date: 01 Dec 2006 22:02:52
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

Hey Lloyd,
this reply is OT-- you retired as a Chief, huh?

I served 9 years, got out as E-5; extended 3 years for shore duty
and taught C school at e Island. Was up for E-6, but knowing that
I was planning on civilianhood, I elected to work on my resume and
getting the skill-set for that rather than studying for the exam (or
even
completing the courses for advancement).

I sill live in Vallejo, CA-- home to the former e Island. My rate
was DS (data systems), which has gone away, merged in to other rates.
Besides, technology has advanced so much that the NTDS equipment
is passe in todays' world.

Anyhow, welcome back to the world of keeping your feet on terra firma
all the time. I've been out since late '95 and grew my hair real long
:)

Todd in Vallejo

Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> In article <1164883600.216644.164710@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
> "Todd94590" <Todd94590@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi Lloyd,
> > I'm preferential to the Quick Mill, owning an Andreja myself. I love
> > it
> > and will never have to upgrade again. And, it's something that I'll
> > be able to pass down to my 12 year old daughter when I'm too old
> > to remember what coffee is (she is also going to inherit my 1992
> > harley sportster 1200 too).
> >
> > The Gaggia MDF will work well. Unless you want a different dick,
> > I wouldn't worry too much about the grinder. But you could ask
> > Santa for another one-- personally I would like a second grinder
> > (actually, a third, as I have a solis for coffee, a gaggia for
> > espresso)
> > My reason is that of different beans, the staple bean is Celebes,
> > but I have a good supply of many others. A drawback to living very
> > close to Sweetia's.
> >
> > Todd in Vallejo
> >
> I wouldn't dare live close to them, I'd be broke! ;-) BTW, if you llke
> Colombians, get some of SM's Colombia Excelsio. Really good with a
> natural sweetness that is amazing.
>
> I actually started looking at the Andreja. I liked the quietness of the
> rotary pump and direct-connect seems like something I would really like.
> I just can't make up my mind whether I would like it enough to go that
> route. In another reply, I mentioned I like taking my rig with me on
> trips to the big city, and a direct connect would be awkward at best.
>
> thanks

Date: 02 Dec 2006 08:22:01
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

Actually I retired as Senior Chief and I come from a long line of Navy
people.

My granddad was Navy, although we don't know just how long he was in.
The story is that he joined under the 'cabin boy' program at 15, but no
one knows how true that is and he's gone now.

My dad retired in '57 as Chief, I retired in '83 as Senior Chief, and my
youngest daughter has 18 yrs in and just made Chief. She's stationed
with the Central Command in Tampa.

My oldest son was in for 7 years and various uncles and cousins were in
the Navy, with a few in the Army. One of my son-in-laws is a career
ine with nearly 30 years in now.

In article <1165039372.597657.252070@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
"Todd94590" <Todd94590@gmail.com > wrote:

> Hey Lloyd,
> this reply is OT-- you retired as a Chief, huh?
>
> I served 9 years, got out as E-5; extended 3 years for shore duty
> and taught C school at e Island. Was up for E-6, but knowing that
> I was planning on civilianhood, I elected to work on my resume and
> getting the skill-set for that rather than studying for the exam (or
> even
> completing the courses for advancement).
>
> I sill live in Vallejo, CA-- home to the former e Island. My rate
> was DS (data systems), which has gone away, merged in to other rates.
> Besides, technology has advanced so much that the NTDS equipment
> is passe in todays' world.
>
> Anyhow, welcome back to the world of keeping your feet on terra firma
> all the time. I've been out since late '95 and grew my hair real long
> :)
>
> Todd in Vallejo
>
> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> > In article <1164883600.216644.164710@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
> > "Todd94590" <Todd94590@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Lloyd,
> > > I'm preferential to the Quick Mill, owning an Andreja myself. I love
> > > it
> > > and will never have to upgrade again. And, it's something that I'll
> > > be able to pass down to my 12 year old daughter when I'm too old
> > > to remember what coffee is (she is also going to inherit my 1992
> > > harley sportster 1200 too).
> > >
> > > The Gaggia MDF will work well. Unless you want a different dick,
> > > I wouldn't worry too much about the grinder. But you could ask
> > > Santa for another one-- personally I would like a second grinder
> > > (actually, a third, as I have a solis for coffee, a gaggia for
> > > espresso)
> > > My reason is that of different beans, the staple bean is Celebes,
> > > but I have a good supply of many others. A drawback to living very
> > > close to Sweetia's.
> > >
> > > Todd in Vallejo
> > >
> > I wouldn't dare live close to them, I'd be broke! ;-) BTW, if you llke
> > Colombians, get some of SM's Colombia Excelsio. Really good with a
> > natural sweetness that is amazing.
> >
> > I actually started looking at the Andreja. I liked the quietness of the
> > rotary pump and direct-connect seems like something I would really like.
> > I just can't make up my mind whether I would like it enough to go that
> > route. In another reply, I mentioned I like taking my rig with me on
> > trips to the big city, and a direct connect would be awkward at best.
> >
> > thanks

Date: 30 Nov 2006 18:17:55
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net >,
Lloyd Parsons <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote:

> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> to these two machines.
>
> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> brewing.
>
> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> these models?
>
> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> reasons to consider upgrading that also?

OK, I've added a few to my list on upgrading :

Expobar Office Lever

Expobar Office Pulser - What is the difference between this type of
group and and E61, other than MFG??

The Bricoletta has also earned a spot 'cause it turns out I have 20 amp
service and only need to change out a plug.

Or how about a used Brewtus??

Date: 30 Nov 2006 09:01:55
From: Sylvain Scaglione
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

As Daveb said, don't put too much into gauges. Actually having both is
great when you are adjusting the setup. During normal operation, it's not
an issue.

For the grinder, E61 groups are easier to work than others. So Gaggia MDF
should do, I personnally upgraded simply to have a speedier machine (a used
Super Jolly).

"Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote in message
news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> to these two machines.
>
> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> brewing.
>
> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> these models?
>
> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> reasons to consider upgrading that also?

Date: 30 Nov 2006 10:07:32
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <ekmo8j$g28$1@dns3.cae.ca >,
"Sylvain Scaglione" <scaglion@cae.ca > wrote:

> As Daveb said, don't put too much into gauges. Actually having both is
> great when you are adjusting the setup. During normal operation, it's not
> an issue.
>
> For the grinder, E61 groups are easier to work than others. So Gaggia MDF
> should do, I personnally upgraded simply to have a speedier machine (a used
> Super Jolly).
>
>
>
> "Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> > OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> > certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> > to these two machines.
> >
> > They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> > But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> > brewing.
> >
> > Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> > there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> > these models?
> >
> > Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> > reasons to consider upgrading that also?

Thanks for the reply.

Speed isn't really an issue for me. I grind a couple tablespoons of
beans 4-6 times a day for my cuppa. There are few times when I've
needed to do more.

Date: 30 Nov 2006 02:46:40
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

Hi Lloyd,
I'm preferential to the Quick Mill, owning an Andreja myself. I love
it
and will never have to upgrade again. And, it's something that I'll
be able to pass down to my 12 year old daughter when I'm too old
to remember what coffee is (she is also going to inherit my 1992
harley sportster 1200 too).

The Gaggia MDF will work well. Unless you want a different dick,
I wouldn't worry too much about the grinder. But you could ask
Santa for another one-- personally I would like a second grinder
(actually, a third, as I have a solis for coffee, a gaggia for
espresso)
My reason is that of different beans, the staple bean is Celebes,
but I have a good supply of many others. A drawback to living very
close to Sweetia's.

Todd in Vallejo

Lloyd Parsons wrote:

Date: 30 Nov 2006 10:14:32
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <1164883600.216644.164710@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
"Todd94590" <Todd94590@gmail.com > wrote:

> Hi Lloyd,
> I'm preferential to the Quick Mill, owning an Andreja myself. I love
> it
> and will never have to upgrade again. And, it's something that I'll
> be able to pass down to my 12 year old daughter when I'm too old
> to remember what coffee is (she is also going to inherit my 1992
> harley sportster 1200 too).
>
> The Gaggia MDF will work well. Unless you want a different dick,
> I wouldn't worry too much about the grinder. But you could ask
> Santa for another one-- personally I would like a second grinder
> (actually, a third, as I have a solis for coffee, a gaggia for
> espresso)
> My reason is that of different beans, the staple bean is Celebes,
> but I have a good supply of many others. A drawback to living very
> close to Sweetia's.
>
> Todd in Vallejo
>
I wouldn't dare live close to them, I'd be broke! ;-) BTW, if you llke
Colombians, get some of SM's Colombia Excelsio. Really good with a
natural sweetness that is amazing.

I actually started looking at the Andreja. I liked the quietness of the
rotary pump and direct-connect seems like something I would really like.
I just can't make up my mind whether I would like it enough to go that
route. In another reply, I mentioned I like taking my rig with me on
trips to the big city, and a direct connect would be awkward at best.

thanks

Date: 30 Nov 2006 01:42:14
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> to these two machines.
>
> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> brewing.
>
gauges have only limited amusement factor!

> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> these models?

Isomac = terrible --- I've worked on 'em Quick Mill? impressive,
but then, I'm biased.

>
> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> reasons to consider upgrading that also?

heheh, you are so blunt! MDF? OK, but maybe better later -- mazzer,
macap, etc.

Dave
www.hitechespresso.com

Date: 30 Nov 2006 01:41:20
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

Date: 02 Dec 2006 13:31:01
From: Ed T
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

> gauges have only limited amusement factor!

The boiler pressure gauge allows you to set the pressurestat. Without it I
don't think you could easily do it.

The brew pressure gauge allows you to set the OPV. Without it you would
need to purchase an external gauge to ]
perform that setting.

As far as placement on the front of the machine I am not sure which is
preferable for making those adjustments.

Ed.

Date: 30 Nov 2006 10:10:36
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <1164879680.558124.210530@j44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
"daveb" <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote:

> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> > OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> > certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> > to these two machines.
> >
> > They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> > But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> > brewing.
> >
> gauges have only limited amusement factor!

True, but then they don't put flashy lights on espresso machines...

>
> > Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> > there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> > these models?
>
> Isomac = terrible --- I've worked on 'em Quick Mill? impressive,
> but then, I'm biased.
>
I knew your bias ;-)

But thanks for the info as I'll add it to my research

> >
> > Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> > reasons to consider upgrading that also?
>
> heheh, you are so blunt! MDF? OK, but maybe better later -- mazzer,
> macap, etc.

Well, I am a retired Navy Chief, what would you expect if not bluntness?
;-)

Thanks for confirming the MDF. I like it and have gotten quite used to
its quirks.

Date: 29 Nov 2006 19:49:42
From: Cordovero
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

At $999, I'd consider the Bric:
http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/fiorenzato/briccoletta_tank_lever.htm

C

"Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote in message
news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> to these two machines.
>
> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> brewing.
>
> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> these models?
>
> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> reasons to consider upgrading that also?

Date: 30 Nov 2006 10:03:35
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

In article <eklkcp$1ra$1@news.Stanford.EDU >,
"Cordovero" <cordoveroremovexxx@yahooxxx.com > wrote:

> At $999, I'd consider the Bric:
> http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/fiorenzato/briccoletta_tank_lever.ht
> m
>
> C
>
> "Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
> > OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
> > certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
> > to these two machines.
> >
> > They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
> > But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
> > brewing.
> >
> > Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
> > there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
> > these models?
> >
> > Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
> > reasons to consider upgrading that also?

Thanks for the link.

It looks like a hell of a machine, but has one major issue for me. 20
amp service. I could do that at home without major expense, but I like
to take my machine with me when I go up to the city for a few days with
family.

The Bric wouldn't let me do that.

Date: 29 Nov 2006 20:57:36
From: Ken Fox
Subject: Re: Isomac Tea II Vs Quickmill Anita

certainly there are exceptions but there seem to be a lot of problems with
Isomacs and less reported problems with Quickmill products. This may
explain why you used to read posts about people's new Isomacs with some
frequency here and those types of posts have diminished kedly over the
last couple of years. On the other hand, Quickmill seems to be on the
ascent as regards interest here.

ken

"Cordovero" <cordoveroremovexxx@yahooxxx.com > wrote in message
news:eklkcp$1ra$1@news.Stanford.EDU...
> At $999, I'd consider the Bric:
> http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/fiorenzato/briccoletta_tank_lever.htm
>
> C
>
> "Lloyd Parsons" <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:lloydparsons-F37AFF.20505629112006@individual.net...
>> OK, while I'm not at the final stage of upgrading, or even absolutely
>> certain that I will end up doing it, I have tentatively pinned it down
>> to these two machines.
>>
>> They seem similar in reviews and features, unless I'm missing something.
>> But the Tea II has two gauges mounted in a better spot to read during
>> brewing.
>>
>> Is there a reason, other than price to pick one over the other? Or are
>> there other machines I should consider? How's the service history on
>> these models?
>>
>> Also, I have a Gaggia MDF, is there a reason other than 'dick size'
>> reasons to consider upgrading that also?
>
>