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Hi there, just for the fun of it - here‘s my office unit. Lately did a little service, it‘s such a neat and fun piece to work on. Very accessible despite its compact footprint. If anyone has questions about the 0835 (or other Quickmill-specific groups) just let me know...!

For sale is my Bezzera Strega lever espresso machine. Excellent condition with the odd very faint scuff mark to the chrome if you look hard, perfect working order. Bought new from Bella Barista in August 2015. I have only ever used Everpure filtration system treated water with the machine. Supplied with Bezzera naked and double portafilters, and associated baskets (not pictured). I think I also have all the paperwork (somewhere) that came with the machine. This is the reservoir version For those who might not realise, the Strega isn’t like any other lever machine. The grouphead is heated, so comes up to temperature very much quicker than a traditional design. The group is filled by the pump directly once the lever is fully down, so it is possible to do a pure lever shot, a lever shot with the pre-infusion of the duration and pressure of your choice (judged by feel), or if you keep the lever in the down position throughout, a totally pump-based shot. In short, it’s a lot of fun, and I found it possible to get consistently very good results from it by playing with pre-infusion techniques. If you like a rich chocolately shot, I can show you how to get one every time with this machine, the right beans and a decent grinder So why am I selling it? Basically, I got offered a brand new LM Linea Mini at a daft price and couldn’t resist. The LM is a great machine, but I'm already missing the feel and satisfaction of pulling a lever shot... Location - London NW2. Collection preferred but delivery might be possible subject to prior agreement, though only over a fairly small radius. Any questions, feel free to ask. I will put it on ebay if it hangs around on here as with the new machine already installed, the Strega needs to be moved on to a new home soon. [ATTACH=CONFIG]34792[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34789[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34791[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34793[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34790[/ATTACH]

I contacted Fracino and was told I never have to descale my machine. I find this hard to believe. Has anyone descaled their retro and how did you go about this?

Looking at the retro lever machine. New models seem to come in 2 variants.Chrome top on the group and a straight lever or black top with twisted lever.Are there any other differences between these two? Does anyone have any strong opinions on these machines? Thank you.

Hi there. I am Gulja from Holland and I am to start a coffee business with a small truck and aiming on local markets etc. I bought the Fracino Retro dual fuel and hope to get some help and hint how to produce the best espresso with this beautifull machine. Also hope to get some hints on how to make larger cups of "normal" coffee, since I believe that would be selling the most in Holland. looking forward to be an active member of this awsome forum.

If a couple of retro items to sell I'll describe as for display use, that's not to say they couldn't be put to use. A Pyrex Flameware stove top purculator circa 1955. Same concept as a mocha pot, but this thing is good for 9 cups plus a Roanware (Bakelite) thermal lined coffee pot circa 1930. Will cost a tenner to send so £30 for both posted mainland.

Figure the best place to start before asking a few questions is to give you guys an idea of my setup and introduce myself. Simon is me, from dublin, Ireland. Been on the road a little over a year and a half but putting things together about 2/3. I work out of a custom '75 Vw bus, Fracino Retro and Cunhill grinder,pourer setup with custom made stand, deep cycle batteries and 3000watt inverter, separate fuseboard so I can run 240v or 16th. It's an ongoing work in progress:) The Retro has served me well over the last 2 years,only thing that let me down was one of the steam wands(threads gone). Most people complain abt the tall handles, I went bigger and carved an old broom handle,added abt an extra 12 inches to the overall height:) I've added a few pics,any questions fire away.

A unique opportunity has arisen for the purchase of a VW T2 Bay window camper which has been converted to sell espresso coffee. The van itself is in excellent condition with a superb engine and very solid underneath. No expense has been spared in fitting this out and the conversion was done by a VW specialist who can vouch for the work and van. It comes with a years MOT and tax exempt. The installation has been done so as not to ruin the vans' looks or integrity, the rock and roll bed still folds flat! The coffee unit has been done so it can function on gas, electric or battery covering every situation. The unit consists of the following equipment: BFC manual retro espresso machine (runs on either gas or electric) Britta water filter Water pump Gas bottle Water container Coffee grinder Fridge Power inverter Electric hook up (located under rear bumper) Also included in the sale: Website, email, twitter and facebook pages All cups, lids sugar, stirrers etc. Coffee Table Gazebo (and weights) Lights I have done a few events and the van has always pulled a decent crowd and makes good money. Its a great talking point and has lots of potential - weddings, events, gigs, shows etc... Unfortunately other business ventures have taken priority hence the reluctant sale. The van alone is worth ££££'s Please email me with any questions.

I bought this thinking it would go nicely on display in my kitchen, and it does. However, I have also just bought an Arrarex Caravel and whilst it is not easy to say, as I think it is just so Art deco drop dead gorgeous, I prefer the Caravel! This is a single boiler machine. On arrival, you fill the water tank, and by turning a button and powering up the machine primes itself. The sculptured knob on the right switches between water and steam. the machine has built in sensors and will only pull the shot/make the steam when it considers the temp to be correct. This does cause a slight delay but it was not an issue to me. you pull your shot, the stop point is determined by you switching it off, but the machine does this automatically after 40 seconds. this machine does not have a three way solenoid, so it does produce the odd drip of water when switched on. The Systemic Kid and Coffeechap have seen this in action. makes a perfectly acceptable cuppa. It has the original box and instruction manual. One pf handle with double and single holders, and a plastic tamper that actually fits. This machines strength, is in its looks and build quality. Both in IMHO are stunning! I really want this to go to someone who values it, therefore, to a forum member, I will sell it for the same price as I paid for it, which is £175 http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/detailed/nivola

Hello from London: I get wonderful tasting cappuccino from my local cafe. When I try to make the same with my home espresso machine (Kenwood Cafe Retro) using exactly the same coffee beans as the cafe (they gave me some), it does not taste nearly as good. Why, and what can I do? Thanks for any useful advice.