The S1 Cafe - Helping Your Espresso Dreams Become Reality

I ordered a Mini Vivaldi II from Clive Coffee (they're great to work with) back in January, just after the back order began. It finally came today. It has the Clive custom walnut panels and looks beautiful. This is a serious upgrade - been using a Gaggia Evolution with a Silvia steam wand for the past four years. I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of the Gaggia, but I'm thrilled to have the Vivaldi. I'm going to continue using my Vario that I've had for a little over a year. I'll post some photos soon. I followed the start up instructions from Chris and also set the single and double shot times and pulled one shot through my bottomless portafilter. It was a little spotty and needs improvement but at least it didn't make a mess! Apart from the instruction manual from La Spaz and the initial start up sheet that Chris Coffee includes, are there any resources I should read or look into to become proficient?

-Thomas

Mini Manual

If you got the optional timer you should also read this:
Timer Manual

trappist wrote:I ordered a Mini Vivaldi II from Clive Coffee (they're great to work with) back in January, just after the back order began. It finally came today. It has the Clive custom walnut panels and looks beautiful. This is a serious upgrade - been using a Gaggia Evolution with a Silvia steam wand for the past four years. I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of the Gaggia, but I'm thrilled to have the Vivaldi. I'm going to continue using my Vario that I've had for a little over a year. I'll post some photos soon. I followed the start up instructions from Chris and also set the single and double shot times and pulled one shot through my bottomless portafilter. It was a little spotty and needs improvement but at least it didn't make a mess! Apart from the instruction manual from La Spaz and the initial start up sheet that Chris Coffee includes, are there any resources I should read or look into to become proficient?

-Thomas

Congrats! I have the same machine on order with the Walnut panels, pre-infusion and timer from Ken at Clive. PLEASE post some pics, I am dying to get mine. I also ordered the Vario grinder. After reading several reviews, it seems the Vario is a wonderful grinder, even when compared to the Mini E. Congrats again!

chas wrote:Mini Manual

If you got the optional timer you should also read this:
Timer Manual

Chas, thank you for this information. I will read up on it while waiting for my machine and timer to arrive.

Congrats!!! It's great to see that the "old reliable" mini is still a force out there. I have been loving mine...

Got mine a month or so ago. Finally harnessing the steam power! Enjoy!

Yeah, the steam power is serious! Still getting the hang of how fast it goes with about 4-6 oz in a 12 oz pitcher.

you may want to try blocking off 2 holes with toothpicks, that's what I did for a while until I bought Rocket tip w/ 2 holes.

That's one advantage of the Dream machines. You can adjust the boiler temperature and thus the amount of steam pressure. I tried 2, 3, and 4 hole even versions of each with different style holes with the original S1 and the V2. The currently shipping 4 hole tip with the smaller holes is still my favorite.

And my panels are complete and received ship notice. Can't wait for it to arrive this week!

chas wrote:That's one advantage of the Dream machines. You can adjust the boiler temperature and thus the amount of steam pressure. I tried 2, 3, and 4 hole even versions of each with different style holes with the original S1 and the V2. The currently shipping 4 hole tip with the smaller holes is still my favorite.

So, the boiler temp cant be changed on the mini vivaldi?

cuznvin wrote:

chas wrote:That's one advantage of the Dream machines. You can adjust the boiler temperature and thus the amount of steam pressure. I tried 2, 3, and 4 hole even versions of each with different style holes with the original S1 and the V2. The currently shipping 4 hole tip with the smaller holes is still my favorite.

So, the boiler temp cant be changed on the mini vivaldi?

The steam boiler pressure/temp is fixed. Only the group temp is adjustable.

Well, thank you for that reply. I dont like that it is fixed. Are they now saying that the Dream is OK for people to buy. I was told to hold off until issues were fixed..

I hate the looks of the dream. It's a matte surface instead of a nice shiny chrome, the oversized bezel around the already cheap looking display and the round knob for steam instead of the lever all break the deal for me. To each their own though. My gear will be here Thursday and I will post some pics.