Vivaldi II...sold out again!
Vivaldi II...sold out again!
I just checked Chris' website and he sold them out again!
Already.
I cannot believe how quickly this machine is flying off the shelves.
Already.
I cannot believe how quickly this machine is flying off the shelves.
Oh, so now you want to embarass me? Like I can't do that myself?
An old GF gave me a Briel machine for Christmas long ago. I loved it, but what did I know. A few years later I tried to upgrade to some multi-tool grinder/brewer unit that SBUX was selling, but it was a POS so it went back for a refund. And the plastic Briel kept plugging away.
The article in Forbes Life in March got me inspired to upgrade and get a real one. Started roasting, and finally stepped up to the S1 after loads of internet research. Looks like I timed it just right too.
An old GF gave me a Briel machine for Christmas long ago. I loved it, but what did I know. A few years later I tried to upgrade to some multi-tool grinder/brewer unit that SBUX was selling, but it was a POS so it went back for a refund. And the plastic Briel kept plugging away.
The article in Forbes Life in March got me inspired to upgrade and get a real one. Started roasting, and finally stepped up to the S1 after loads of internet research. Looks like I timed it just right too.
You're not the only one, you otta' see what machines some of us started with. I still have one of my first machines, it's in the laundry room closet but it comes out for travels on rare occasion. It's an old Krups Nuovo of some sort with a real brass PF (non-pressurized) - got to love the good ol' days when cheap machines were built better. Besides that, I can microfoam as well on this crappy unit and give the S1 a run for its money (although it's 50 times slower). Actually for the money, this little clunker stomps all. Ahh, the good ol' days...4vDesmo wrote:Oh, so now you want to embarass me? Like I can't do that myself?
there, now I've embarrased myself.
What is this, the 3rd time now?
It would probably sell out even faster if people bought it strictly on performance. Seems like a lot of people would rather have an aesthetically pleasing machine over performance, go figure.
I have not have the opportunity to compare machines in person, but does anything even come close to the VI-VII performance to price?
It would probably sell out even faster if people bought it strictly on performance. Seems like a lot of people would rather have an aesthetically pleasing machine over performance, go figure.
I have not have the opportunity to compare machines in person, but does anything even come close to the VI-VII performance to price?
Yes, it's the 3rd time. That means 300 machines, two more waves and there will be as many VII's out there as the orginal model. This shouldn't take long considering the rate this newer model is selling.
As far as the competition goes, I can't think of any right now...the closest thing would be the GS3 since it has dual boilers, the same exact rotary pump and an option to be plumbed in. All that can be had, however, at closer to 5k after the plumb in kit (anything from Marzocco is not cheap) and all the repairs that comes with one. I guess we can throw the Brewtus II in there but that's a whole different animal and it's like comparing apples to oranges. The Brewtus II is marketed as the best espresso machine for the home user and it deserves that honor considering the features. It has dual boilers, E61 group, runs on 15A, a vibe pump and it does not have to be plumbed in. The plumbing in part scares most people. The Brewtus is pretty close in price to an S1 but it's in another class where it rules. So yeah, the S1 is truly in it's own realm.
I guess the Brewtus II would be something like my Anita on growth hormones, more stable temp control? I'm guessing...
and also that second boiler but although I've heard that steaming isn't very powerful at all on the Brewtus', then again that's not why they added that 2nd boiler, it was for independent temp stability and it seems to do the job since most people like the machine.
As far as the competition goes, I can't think of any right now...the closest thing would be the GS3 since it has dual boilers, the same exact rotary pump and an option to be plumbed in. All that can be had, however, at closer to 5k after the plumb in kit (anything from Marzocco is not cheap) and all the repairs that comes with one. I guess we can throw the Brewtus II in there but that's a whole different animal and it's like comparing apples to oranges. The Brewtus II is marketed as the best espresso machine for the home user and it deserves that honor considering the features. It has dual boilers, E61 group, runs on 15A, a vibe pump and it does not have to be plumbed in. The plumbing in part scares most people. The Brewtus is pretty close in price to an S1 but it's in another class where it rules. So yeah, the S1 is truly in it's own realm.
I guess the Brewtus II would be something like my Anita on growth hormones, more stable temp control? I'm guessing...
and also that second boiler but although I've heard that steaming isn't very powerful at all on the Brewtus', then again that's not why they added that 2nd boiler, it was for independent temp stability and it seems to do the job since most people like the machine.
Ditto on the grinder, plus a bunch of accessories. The add-on volume has to be significant.
I really wasn't considering it because of the plumb-in. I liked the look of the S1, liked the quieter rotary pump, etc, but the simplicity of pour-over kept me looking elsewhere. But once I was past that mental hurdle, it was the only one I wanted.
Of course I still haven't plumbed it officially - it is a temporary setup until I figure out a way thru the wall or granite countertop. But it is working, and I haven't had to fill a reservoir yet
I really wasn't considering it because of the plumb-in. I liked the look of the S1, liked the quieter rotary pump, etc, but the simplicity of pour-over kept me looking elsewhere. But once I was past that mental hurdle, it was the only one I wanted.
Of course I still haven't plumbed it officially - it is a temporary setup until I figure out a way thru the wall or granite countertop. But it is working, and I haven't had to fill a reservoir yet
Steve,4vDesmo wrote:Of course I still haven't plumbed it officially - it is a temporary setup until I figure out a way thru the wall or granite countertop. But it is working, and I haven't had to fill a reservoir yet
Please tell me you didn't install it in your plane!
I hope you're not "flying" around with the S1 and pulling shots while on auto-pilot...
I got the last one just before Memorial Day. There was one left in the showroom at Chris' Coffee on May 25th, so my wife and I just drove up there to visit; it's only about 1.5 hrs from the house.
Mary stayed with us for 2 hours while we looked a number of machines, but in the end, I came home with the Vivaldi (only a month old) all shiny, calibrated and ready to roll!
Mary stayed with us for 2 hours while we looked a number of machines, but in the end, I came home with the Vivaldi (only a month old) all shiny, calibrated and ready to roll!
No pics.. Darn, I'm usually the one to remember those things.. But what a nice day I had visiting! The showroom is exactly as you see it on the website, minus the Vivaldi ;) The building is in an industrial park. It's pretty nice, somewhat rural, yet with traffic, if that makes any sense.
Mary is wonderful, as usual, just like everyone says. Very relaxed, knowledgeable, interested, and caring. She stayed with us even though it was the Friday before a holiday and the rest of the staff were now out having a cookout in the sunshine and eating lunch.
Chris is larger than life, full of stories and facts with a quick wit. He's energetic too. As he talked, he weaved his way around the showroom, towel drying here, opening a steam valve there, or running a flush. These are folks you can talk to very easily and happy to welcome you into their business. Even the warehouse workers were all very nice.
I also had the priviledge of meeting Jim Gallt of PID fame who happened to be visiting. He talked of temperature stability and how the PID works. Jim joked that he has too many machines and may have to put some on ebay. I took it all in, as Mary and I pulled equisite shots on the S1. She taught how me to steam milk, and about 10 seconds later I had frothed my first pitcher on the happily humming machine.
All those machines! Overall, the Vivaldi just stood way out from the others in terms of ease of operation and beauty. I'm sure they're all capable in their own way, but one way or another, they weren't for us. The Vetrano was doing the hot water dance, the Alex was VERY noisy for a rotary, and the Elektra just looked like a BIG hulking HX to me. The PID'd Alexia was cute, but the Silvia just looked too small. Of course there were the huge commercial machines as well, which were amazing to see. In contrast the Vivaldi was sleek, stylish heavy, powerful and just waiting for you to walk up to it and pull a shot. No noise, no HX flushing, no guage-watching. Just a quiet available friend. The black plastic sides and driptray add an element of "warmth" that the the stainless units lack. I pretty much knew I would buy it in the first few minutes, but I had to check out the others to be sure. I also knew my wife could operate it easily.
I'm usually NEVER a "floor model" buyer, especially for such an important purchase, but this time I'm glad I could it acutally test the machine first. Those of you who can only view and order them online should take comfort in knowing that you're getting a beautiful, boxed, brand-spanking-new, solid, espresso machine that will definitely perform as advertised. It's worth the wait. And the folks at Chris' will stand behind this machine, no question.
What a great day it was!
Mary is wonderful, as usual, just like everyone says. Very relaxed, knowledgeable, interested, and caring. She stayed with us even though it was the Friday before a holiday and the rest of the staff were now out having a cookout in the sunshine and eating lunch.
Chris is larger than life, full of stories and facts with a quick wit. He's energetic too. As he talked, he weaved his way around the showroom, towel drying here, opening a steam valve there, or running a flush. These are folks you can talk to very easily and happy to welcome you into their business. Even the warehouse workers were all very nice.
I also had the priviledge of meeting Jim Gallt of PID fame who happened to be visiting. He talked of temperature stability and how the PID works. Jim joked that he has too many machines and may have to put some on ebay. I took it all in, as Mary and I pulled equisite shots on the S1. She taught how me to steam milk, and about 10 seconds later I had frothed my first pitcher on the happily humming machine.
All those machines! Overall, the Vivaldi just stood way out from the others in terms of ease of operation and beauty. I'm sure they're all capable in their own way, but one way or another, they weren't for us. The Vetrano was doing the hot water dance, the Alex was VERY noisy for a rotary, and the Elektra just looked like a BIG hulking HX to me. The PID'd Alexia was cute, but the Silvia just looked too small. Of course there were the huge commercial machines as well, which were amazing to see. In contrast the Vivaldi was sleek, stylish heavy, powerful and just waiting for you to walk up to it and pull a shot. No noise, no HX flushing, no guage-watching. Just a quiet available friend. The black plastic sides and driptray add an element of "warmth" that the the stainless units lack. I pretty much knew I would buy it in the first few minutes, but I had to check out the others to be sure. I also knew my wife could operate it easily.
I'm usually NEVER a "floor model" buyer, especially for such an important purchase, but this time I'm glad I could it acutally test the machine first. Those of you who can only view and order them online should take comfort in knowing that you're getting a beautiful, boxed, brand-spanking-new, solid, espresso machine that will definitely perform as advertised. It's worth the wait. And the folks at Chris' will stand behind this machine, no question.
What a great day it was!
I really enjoyed reading about your visit to Chris' and your buying experience. This alone is worth a plane ticket out there for me, I'm going to seriously consider this for the next big purchase to meet the people behind the machines. Also, it would be nice to see the actual unit in person before buying it. It's great to hear you mention how comfortable you were in buying a "floor model" because I normally don't make those types of purchases either.
...and damn, no pictures!
...and damn, no pictures!
- chas
- Vivaldi Dreamer
- Posts: 3050
- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:52 pm
- Location: Central Maryland
- Contact:
Very strange. I've flushed my cache, tried it on different machines, and I get the same result. You can click reload over and over and the home page keeps switching between back in stock and sold out.
However, if you do the same thing on the VII page, it consistently says "Back in Stock".
However, if you do the same thing on the VII page, it consistently says "Back in Stock".
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Except that there are TWO different VII pages, one for "in stock" and one for "out of stock". These are static pages, and will continue to say the same thing reload after reload.chas wrote:However, if you do the same thing on the VII page, it consistently says "Back in Stock".
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/hom ... /vivaldi_2 (sold out)
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/hom ... spaziales1 (in stock)
The home page has a dynamic server-side include for the "featured product" banner. Undoubtedly was meant as a way to have several "featured products", with a random one being displayed when a customer visits the page. But someone has mistakenly left both the "in-stock" and "out-of-stock" listings for the V-II in play, rather than removing one of them. The "in-stock" listing points to one of the static VII pages, the "out of stock" listing points to the other.
It's been weeks now, anyone have any news of the next shipment of VII's? They must be somewhere on the Atlantic already if not waiting on port somewhere.
Chris mentioned on another website that La Spaziale can't make the Vivaldi II's fast enought for him! The supply can't keep up with the demand, I guess it's a nice position to be in if you're Spaziale's shoes....
UPDATE:
Looks like they just arrived on June 20th.
Nice.
Chris mentioned on another website that La Spaziale can't make the Vivaldi II's fast enought for him! The supply can't keep up with the demand, I guess it's a nice position to be in if you're Spaziale's shoes....
UPDATE:
Looks like they just arrived on June 20th.
Nice.