LUCCA A53 Mini V2

What is your current machine? It doesn’t always come up in every thread, but machine can have a huge impact on workflow (and the time commitment). I used to have a gaggia classic (ok workflow) and then a la pavoni (terrible workflow). My current machine (A53 mini) has an infinitely better workflow and takes much less time.  I turn on my machine when I get down stairs and then deal with getting my dogs up. Then I weigh the beans while I’m dishing up their food. The I grind/pull shots while they eat.  I know dogs are 100x easier than small children, I’m just saying there may be other solutions. Another option would be a superautomatic.  All that said, I get it, I have a moccamaster which I use on days when I don’t feel like espresso. If you have the room, you could do that and save the espresso for weekends when you may have a bit more bandwidth. Good luck! Kids are hard work and kudos to you for surviving!

I have a La Spaziale which, like my car, is a Golf GTI. Fun, but still practical. Capable of decent performance, but nothing too crazy. It’s consistent and works great, but you read stories online about reliability that keep you up at night. Been lucky with both so far 🤞

Hey😀 I’m currently have a La Spaz. Dream T. This should have been my final upgrade . There is nothing wrong with the machine. It makes my Espresso as it should, tastefully, nothing to complain about . Suddenly I have the chance to upgrade to a ECM synch. 2. A 2 months old machine my colleague wants to get rid off .. He’s more into pour over .. It’s not cheap, but it’s still a price 25% less than it would cost from a store .. I think it’s one of the best looking machines on the market , with a lot of specs. Including flow control.The rotary pump would be so nice compared to my vibration pump. The quality of the machine is amazing outside and inside .. But on the other hand , I’m still quite satisfied with my La Spaz. The money I will use, could also go to my family’s Holliday .. It’s quite a big amount to use for us.. Should I do it??

I’m not really use the volumetric function.. I have a scale and a timer .. if I did many back to back shots, I would probably use it 😊 The vibration pump is a bit annoying, in the morning , but it’s the sound silent rotary pump that makes it so nice .. But it’s not really the biggest game chancer😃

A Lelit Elizabeth fits your budget and is a double boiler. It might do just fine at this slow pace, I honestly don't know. But I don't think it would fit your "conversation piece" ask. Though I think you could make the cart the conversation piece, it doesn't have to be the machine. Or invest a bit more for a custom powder coating and/or painting of the machine, maybe. The Lucca A53 Mini is also a small dual boiler with some curves, but more expensive.

> If you are aware of a great espresso machine that exceeds my budget please feel free to still share. IMHO the minimum level of equipment to use in a commercial business would be La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi (sold in the US as Lucca A53 mini), with a Eureka Atom 65 grinder. If you are going to serve both decaf and regular espresso, then you'll need a second grinder. If you want an ultra low cost setup to use at home to learn the ropes, then maybe DeLonghi ECP series machine, modified for non-pressurized brewing, and a Kingrinder K6 grinder. But it won't be usable on a coffee cart.

Your budget is extremely tight. The least expensive La Marzocco model intended for light commercial use would be the Linea Mini that sells for $6600. You might want to consider La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II (also sold in US as Lucca A53 Mini) that costs $2500. It's a popular machine for light commercial use. You'll need to check if your repair shop can maintain it for you. You will also need a grinder (two grinders if you will be serving both regular and decaf). You have enough shelf width of a small machine, but probably not enough for the grinders. Given you lack of Barista experience, a super auto might make more sense, but one suitable for even light commercial use will cost much more than your budgeted amount. Check our Jura's Professional line of machines. You should ask your repair shop if they have any leads on used machines.

If you like your Vivaldi, get the Vivaldi II which is plumbed in. Otherwise, most E61 dual boilers with rotary pumps will do what you want. Lelit Bianca, Profitec Drive, ECM Synchronika II just to name a few. Or if you want to bust your budget to get an expensive machine with minimal features, the LM Micra.

I really enjoy my La Spaziale Dream. If you can get over the 53mm portafilter, you get a DB rotary pump. Adjustable steam and brew temp to the °F. Large drip tray. 10s adjustable PI.