Thread: Coffee Enthusiasts

Originally Posted by joelkerr

Thanks for the advice and suggestions everybody, it was super helpful!

After emerging from the coffee grinder rabbit hole (which is a pretty fun place to be, I admit), we've decided to go with the Sette 30 AP. I think it will serve our needs, as we won't be switching to different grinds often, or possibly at all. If we decide that we need to fine tune more, I read in the forum (thanks Dieseld!) that the parts can be upgraded to that of the 270.

I won't be able to pick one up for a couple weeks, but I'm already looking forward to the change in the morning coffee routine!

On to the next question: the espresso machine. Any suggestions for manual espresso machines? Years ago I had decided on Il Pavoni, but at the moment I'm leaning toward the Rok. Anyone have any experience with this?

I have a ROK, but it is far inferior to the La Pavoni. Far. It is almost impossible to get the water temperature correct. There is too much heat leaching from such a small chamber for the water. To be sure, it is a novel and interesting iteration of a manual espresso machine, but cannot hold a candle to the La Pavoni. I own the La Pavoni Professional and have been extremely satisfied. I know others here have different lever machines and have been very satisfied with them. The common denominator is that they have boilers.

Thanks Midway! Very good to know. I think I'll stick with my original decision and save up for a La Pavoni.

Originally Posted by Midway

I have a ROK, but it is far inferior to the La Pavoni. Far. It is almost impossible to get the water temperature correct. There is too much heat leaching from such a small chamber for the water. To be sure, it is a novel and interesting iteration of a manual espresso machine, but cannot hold a candle to the La Pavoni. I own the La Pavoni Professional and have been extremely satisfied. I know others here have different lever machines and have been very satisfied with them. The common denominator is that they have boilers.

Originally Posted by joelkerr

Thanks Midway! Very good to know. I think I'll stick with my original decision and save up for a La Pavoni.

I have never used a Pavoni, but can echo Midway's thoughts on the Rok. Don't get me wrong I quite like my Rok. But it is a very different beast from the Pavoni. Tem control is an issue as noted, but that can be overcome to some extent with some pre-heating. But that's a pain.

Bottom line, I like the Rok, but would never even consider it in the same breath as something like a Pavoni.

Get 'em both!

Ha, well, I just might. The Rok is quite inexpensive, so I could buy it to use until I can afford the La Pavoni

Originally Posted by joelkerr

Ha, well, I just might. The Rok is quite inexpensive, so I could buy it to use until I can afford the La Pavoni

I can't speak to the Rok, but when I looked into it and the Flair, I went with the Flair.

7

Perk.....every morning

And you like the Flair? I'm curious about that one, too.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I can't speak to the Rok, but when I looked into it and the Flair, I went with the Flair.

Originally Posted by joelkerr

And you like the Flair? I'm curious about that one, too.

I am now too - I hadn't seen that one before!

Just from watching a video on their website, I think it looks *much* more user-friendly than the Rok. I find I need to apply pressure on the arms of the Rok to the point that I used to worry about breaking it. That single-arm mechanism at least looks to be a superior design.

Damn.

Now I want one of those too. Thanks a lot guys!

Originally Posted by joelkerr

And you like the Flair? I'm curious about that one, too.

I like it a lot. I've found it really easy to use, quite consistent, and easy to clean. You could get the pressure gauge, but I've just gotten used to how much pressure seems right.