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Date: 02 Dec 2006 17:08:55
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: My upgrade progress
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I thought I had my list down to just a couple, then my mom called and is
wanting to be much more giving than usual. So I'm looking up the scale
a bit higher, in hopes of making this my last upgrade. (yeah, right!
<G >)
So now I'm really leaning hard towards the Izzo Alex. Damn, this is one
sweet machine from the description. Rotary pump, pourover or plumb-in.
BIG honking boiler (2 liter). Here's a very nice writeup about it:
http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/Izzo-Alex.htm
Look down the page and there is a downloadable PDF that really goes into
detail with lots of pictures. The US version is slightly different and
there is a thread about this machine on home-barista.
I'm also going to upgrade my grinder. While I was looking at the Macap
M4 stepless, I'm also looking on Ebay. I'm even bidding on a Mazzer
Super Jolly.
I'm also watching a La San Marco SM90 or 3 that are there to see what I
might do with them. BTW, does anyone know much about these models?
I've found few reviews of anything La San Marco, but the few have been
pretty positive.
I'm wondering how these compare to the Mazzer Mini or Macap M4.
Lloyd
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Date: 02 Dec 2006 18:17:00
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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In article <lloydparsons-81E840.17085502122006@individual.net >,
Lloyd Parsons <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote:
> I thought I had my list down to just a couple, then my mom called and is
> wanting to be much more giving than usual. So I'm looking up the scale
> a bit higher, in hopes of making this my last upgrade. (yeah, right!
> <G>)
>
> So now I'm really leaning hard towards the Izzo Alex. Damn, this is one
> sweet machine from the description. Rotary pump, pourover or plumb-in.
> BIG honking boiler (2 liter). Here's a very nice writeup about it:
>
> http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/Izzo-Alex.htm
>
> Look down the page and there is a downloadable PDF that really goes into
> detail with lots of pictures. The US version is slightly different and
> there is a thread about this machine on home-barista.
>
> I'm also going to upgrade my grinder. While I was looking at the Macap
> M4 stepless, I'm also looking on Ebay. I'm even bidding on a Mazzer
> Super Jolly.
>
> I'm also watching a La San Marco SM90 or 3 that are there to see what I
> might do with them. BTW, does anyone know much about these models?
> I've found few reviews of anything La San Marco, but the few have been
> pretty positive.
>
> I'm wondering how these compare to the Mazzer Mini or Macap M4.
>
> Lloyd
Well an update. I'm now the proud owner of a gently used Mazzer Super
Jolly!
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Date: 03 Dec 2006 00:19:39
From: Barry Jarrett
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:17:00 -0600, Lloyd Parsons
<lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote:
>Well an update. I'm now the proud owner of a gently used Mazzer Super
>Jolly!
good choice!
--barry "got a few"
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Date: 02 Dec 2006 18:45:05
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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In article <e064n293dvq1pjpbnlid99h26ojmtaecc6@4ax.com >,
Barry Jarrett <barry@rileys-coffee.com > wrote:
> On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:17:00 -0600, Lloyd Parsons
> <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote:
>
> >Well an update. I'm now the proud owner of a gently used Mazzer Super
> >Jolly!
>
> good choice!
>
>
> --barry "got a few"
Thanks.
I got it for about $250 with the inflated shipping you see on Ebay these
days. From reviews, most were selling for $300, so it is a good deal.
And the seller takes returns if it doesn't work or isn't as advertised.
I figure a burr set will be needed 'cause it is used, but they are
cheap. Seems to me that it is quieter, BIGGER and better than the
smaller Mazzers and Macaps from the reviews I read.
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Date: 03 Dec 2006 00:32:34
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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oh, duh... just read about your circuits in another post.
Todd94590 wrote:
> do you have a 20A circuit to power the new beast you're planning
> on getting?
>
> We are 11 weeks into a complete kitchen redo-- knocked the south wall
> (load bearing) out 8 feet, room is now 300 sq.ft., and one day we'll be
> able to call it our 'kitchen.' We now have 12 seperate circuits, where
> the old kitchen had 3. And yep, we're over budget. And over time, by
> a long shot; job was supposed to be done before Thanksgiving... will
> be a miracle if it's done before Christmas now.
>
> Once complete, I will post pictures of it (with the andreja smack dab
> in the middle) in a.b.coffee
>
> Todd in Vallejo
>
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Date: 03 Dec 2006 00:24:20
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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do you have a 20A circuit to power the new beast you're planning
on getting?
We are 11 weeks into a complete kitchen redo-- knocked the south wall
(load bearing) out 8 feet, room is now 300 sq.ft., and one day we'll be
able to call it our 'kitchen.' We now have 12 seperate circuits, where
the old kitchen had 3. And yep, we're over budget. And over time, by
a long shot; job was supposed to be done before Thanksgiving... will
be a miracle if it's done before Christmas now.
Once complete, I will post pictures of it (with the andreja smack dab
in the middle) in a.b.coffee
Todd in Vallejo
Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> In article <e064n293dvq1pjpbnlid99h26ojmtaecc6@4ax.com>,
> Barry Jarrett <barry@rileys-coffee.com> wrote:
>
> > On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:17:00 -0600, Lloyd Parsons
> > <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote:
> >
> > >Well an update. I'm now the proud owner of a gently used Mazzer Super
> > >Jolly!
> >
> > good choice!
> >
> >
> > --barry "got a few"
>
> Thanks.
>
> I got it for about $250 with the inflated shipping you see on Ebay these
> days. From reviews, most were selling for $300, so it is a good deal.
> And the seller takes returns if it doesn't work or isn't as advertised.
>
> I figure a burr set will be needed 'cause it is used, but they are
> cheap. Seems to me that it is quieter, BIGGER and better than the
> smaller Mazzers and Macaps from the reviews I read.
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Date: 03 Dec 2006 09:05:33
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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It turns out my whole house has 20 amp circuits, just not the plug.
So I will be changing the plug if needed. But the Andreja isn't
supposed to need that, is it?
In article <1165134260.471444.261340@j44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
"Todd94590" <Todd94590@gmail.com > wrote:
> do you have a 20A circuit to power the new beast you're planning
> on getting?
>
> We are 11 weeks into a complete kitchen redo-- knocked the south wall
> (load bearing) out 8 feet, room is now 300 sq.ft., and one day we'll be
> able to call it our 'kitchen.' We now have 12 seperate circuits, where
> the old kitchen had 3. And yep, we're over budget. And over time, by
> a long shot; job was supposed to be done before Thanksgiving... will
> be a miracle if it's done before Christmas now.
>
> Once complete, I will post pictures of it (with the andreja smack dab
> in the middle) in a.b.coffee
>
> Todd in Vallejo
>
>
> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> > In article <e064n293dvq1pjpbnlid99h26ojmtaecc6@4ax.com>,
> > Barry Jarrett <barry@rileys-coffee.com> wrote:
> >
> > > On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:17:00 -0600, Lloyd Parsons
> > > <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > >Well an update. I'm now the proud owner of a gently used Mazzer Super
> > > >Jolly!
> > >
> > > good choice!
> > >
> > >
> > > --barry "got a few"
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > I got it for about $250 with the inflated shipping you see on Ebay these
> > days. From reviews, most were selling for $300, so it is a good deal.
> > And the seller takes returns if it doesn't work or isn't as advertised.
> >
> > I figure a burr set will be needed 'cause it is used, but they are
> > cheap. Seems to me that it is quieter, BIGGER and better than the
> > smaller Mazzers and Macaps from the reviews I read.
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Date: 03 Dec 2006 09:45:34
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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I've been going through the agonies and pleasure of trying to figure out
what the hell to get as my 'last' upgrade in the coffee world. Here is
one machine that has definitely caught my fancy and is the leading
contender :
Alex Izzo from Chris Coffee. This is one hell of a machine. HX, E61,
pourover or direct-plumbed, rotary pump, BIG honking 2 liter boiler.
All at a pretty darn attractive price.
For those interested in learning more about the Izzo Alex, here's a link
:
http://www.toomuchcoffee.com
Go into the forums and search on Alex, maybe even Izzo. Lots of
discussion, almost 100% positive about the machine and the company.
Also they have a review and a downloadable PDF there that is very
interesting.
Also, there is a thread in the Home Barista forums about it.
On another note, after I get my Super Jolly and new espresso machine, I
will sell my Silvia and maybe the MDF grinder. While I have a feel for
what the Silvia is worth used, I don't have any feel for what a used MDF
is worth. Any suggestions?
thanks
Lloyd
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Date: 04 Dec 2006 01:55:04
From: Todd94590
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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no, the Andreja performs fine on a 15A circuit. in the new kitchen
configuration there will be ample circuits throughout-- will have the
espresso, two grinders, and bunn coffee maker on one circuit.
my home was orig. knob & tube, with 20A fuses and pennies behind the
fuses... slowly I'm changing all the circuits to romex. oh, what fun.
Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> But the Andreja isn't supposed to need that, is it?
>
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Date: 08 Dec 2006 06:35:50
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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Howdy Lloyd!
Finally had a chance to read this thread & looked at the machine. It's
a beaut alright, in fact it could sit on my counter anytime you get
tired of it. ;)
I see only one 'potential' problem; since the boiler is located just
above the electric motor I'd be concerned about pump or motor failure.
Commercial machines that I've had put a heat shield between the boiler
& pump. Some commercial machines even have water-cooling to help extend
the life of the motors.
Good luck & be sure to keep us posted.
Robert Harmon
Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> I thought I had my list down to just a couple, then my mom called and is
> wanting to be much more giving than usual. So I'm looking up the scale
> a bit higher, in hopes of making this my last upgrade. (yeah, right!
> <G>)
>
> So now I'm really leaning hard towards the Izzo Alex. Damn, this is one
> sweet machine from the description. Rotary pump, pourover or plumb-in.
> BIG honking boiler (2 liter). Here's a very nice writeup about it:
>
> http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/Izzo-Alex.htm
>
> Look down the page and there is a downloadable PDF that really goes into
> detail with lots of pictures. The US version is slightly different and
> there is a thread about this machine on home-barista.
>
> I'm also going to upgrade my grinder. While I was looking at the Macap
> M4 stepless, I'm also looking on Ebay. I'm even bidding on a Mazzer
> Super Jolly.
>
> I'm also watching a La San Marco SM90 or 3 that are there to see what I
> might do with them. BTW, does anyone know much about these models?
> I've found few reviews of anything La San Marco, but the few have been
> pretty positive.
>
> I'm wondering how these compare to the Mazzer Mini or Macap M4.
>
> Lloyd
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Date: 08 Dec 2006 08:53:22
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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In another thread I have listed the things I am upgrading in this
project. The Alex as you saw here, a Mazzer Super Jolly and a Gene
Cafe. You know what they say, 'in for a penny, in for a pound' ;-)
While I won't do anything for the first few days but try to dial in the
grinder/Alex combo, I am thinking about insulating the boiler.
Here's the way I'm thinking. If I insulate the boiler quite well, all
around it, then it will reduce energy consumption and reduce the heat in
the kitched or room that it will be in. But at the cost of the 'cup
warmer' not having much affect.
OTOH, if I insulate the sides and bottom of the boiler, then the cup
warmer is back up to temp, but I have reduced the radiated heat output
somewhat. And, I've reduced the heat that will get to things under the
boiler.
Is my thinking flawed?
And where would I get insulation suitable for this?
Another thing I am working on is where to put all this. I am fortunate
(unfortunate?) to live alone and can just use rooms as I like, so the
kitchen is a good starting place.
But I also have a room off the dining room that used to be a very small
1/2 bath. When I remodeled a number of years ago, I took all the bath
things out and the room has sat idle since then.
I'm thinking I could put a counter and bar sink in there, put a smaller
range hood over one area and move all my coffee stuff in there. Neatens
up the kitchen and would allow for fully plumbing in of the Alex. And
with the range hood, I could roast in there also.
I suspect whether I do this or how quickly will depend on the weather.
If the Farmer's Almanac is correct and it will be a cold dry winter,
then I will probably make some progress. OTOH, if it warms up, my fat
butt will be on the golf course! ;-)
> Howdy Lloyd!
> Finally had a chance to read this thread & looked at the machine. It's
> a beaut alright, in fact it could sit on my counter anytime you get
> tired of it. ;)
>
> I see only one 'potential' problem; since the boiler is located just
> above the electric motor I'd be concerned about pump or motor failure.
> Commercial machines that I've had put a heat shield between the boiler
> & pump. Some commercial machines even have water-cooling to help extend
> the life of the motors.
>
> Good luck & be sure to keep us posted.
>
> Robert Harmon
>
>
> Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> > I thought I had my list down to just a couple, then my mom called and is
> > wanting to be much more giving than usual. So I'm looking up the scale
> > a bit higher, in hopes of making this my last upgrade. (yeah, right!
> > <G>)
> >
> > So now I'm really leaning hard towards the Izzo Alex. Damn, this is one
> > sweet machine from the description. Rotary pump, pourover or plumb-in.
> > BIG honking boiler (2 liter). Here's a very nice writeup about it:
> >
> > http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/Izzo-Alex.htm
> >
> > Look down the page and there is a downloadable PDF that really goes into
> > detail with lots of pictures. The US version is slightly different and
> > there is a thread about this machine on home-barista.
> >
> > I'm also going to upgrade my grinder. While I was looking at the Macap
> > M4 stepless, I'm also looking on Ebay. I'm even bidding on a Mazzer
> > Super Jolly.
> >
> > I'm also watching a La San Marco SM90 or 3 that are there to see what I
> > might do with them. BTW, does anyone know much about these models?
> > I've found few reviews of anything La San Marco, but the few have been
> > pretty positive.
> >
> > I'm wondering how these compare to the Mazzer Mini or Macap M4.
> >
> > Lloyd
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Date: 08 Dec 2006 15:29:25
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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Lloyd Parsons <lloydparsons@mac.com > wrote in
news:lloydparsons-335DD9.08532208122006@individual.net:
> Here's the way I'm thinking. If I insulate the boiler quite well, all
> around it, then it will reduce energy consumption and reduce the heat
> in the kitched or room that it will be in. But at the cost of the
> 'cup warmer' not having much affect.
Howdy Lloyd!
They look 'cute' sitting up there on top of the machine, but I don't rely
on the cups being warmed by passive heat. Instead, I use a bit of hot water
from the boiler in the cup(s).
Robert (Always in hot water!) Harmon
--
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
Remove "Z" to reply via email.
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Date: 08 Dec 2006 09:36:35
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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In article <Xns9893608B64FE2rhharmonZhotmailcom@207.217.125.201 >,
Robert Harmon <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com > wrote:
> Lloyd Parsons <lloydparsons@mac.com> wrote in
> news:lloydparsons-335DD9.08532208122006@individual.net:
>
> > Here's the way I'm thinking. If I insulate the boiler quite well, all
> > around it, then it will reduce energy consumption and reduce the heat
> > in the kitched or room that it will be in. But at the cost of the
> > 'cup warmer' not having much affect.
>
> Howdy Lloyd!
> They look 'cute' sitting up there on top of the machine, but I don't rely
> on the cups being warmed by passive heat. Instead, I use a bit of hot water
> from the boiler in the cup(s).
>
> Robert (Always in hot water!) Harmon
So do I. With Miss Silvia, my temp surfing is to get hot water into the
cup to get the boiler to kick on. Then by the time I finish grinding
and tamping, it is ready to go.
I figure that I will do that with the HX flush and should provide the
same result.
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Date: 09 Dec 2006 09:14:45
From: Danny
Subject: Re: My upgrade progress
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Lloyd Parsons wrote:
> In another thread I have listed the things I am upgrading in this
> project. The Alex as you saw here, a Mazzer Super Jolly and a Gene
> Cafe. You know what they say, 'in for a penny, in for a pound' ;-)
>
> While I won't do anything for the first few days but try to dial in the
> grinder/Alex combo, I am thinking about insulating the boiler.
>
> Here's the way I'm thinking. If I insulate the boiler quite well, all
> around it, then it will reduce energy consumption and reduce the heat in
> the kitched or room that it will be in. But at the cost of the 'cup
> warmer' not having much affect.
>
> OTOH, if I insulate the sides and bottom of the boiler, then the cup
> warmer is back up to temp, but I have reduced the radiated heat output
> somewhat. And, I've reduced the heat that will get to things under the
> boiler.
>
> Is my thinking flawed?
>
-snip-
My (large) boiler is well insulated, but with 24/7 operation it still
gets hot enough to keep the cups warm. It reduced the idle power
consumption by nearly 50%.
--
Regards, Danny
http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/EU ordering for Malabar Gold blend)
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