Izzo Alex Duetto Walkthrough

Gail takes us through the finer points of the Izzo Alex Duetto and Izzo Alex semi-automatic espresso machines. We love the fact that you can switch between plumbed-in and reservoir at the flip of a switch!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Izzo
• Izzo Alex
• Izzo Alex Duetto
• espresso machines

[joesl8]

Question: Does the plumb line work with the water line to the back of the refrigerators and does this water need to be purified before going into the espresso machine? I was also wondering if your order the 15amp Duetto, are you stuck with the 15amp or can you stitch it to 20amp? And is there a noticeable difference in performance? Last, is the Duetto "worth" the extra dough as compared to the Rocket Cellinini (my first choice before seeing the Duetto)? Thanks again for the info!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joesl8 Generally you can plumb it to the fridge's water line, but we do recommend you get a plumber's advice if you're planning to slice and dice your water lines. You can switch the machine between 15 & 20 amp via the PID and it will impact recovery time, as well as it will cycle boiler heating vs. heating them simultaneously. For most home use, you don't really see much of difference. I think the value is there if you want to do single origins, estate beans and have very specific temps. - Kat

[menghazard]

I have a question about steam mechanism in the group head. Does alex duetto has spring, direct, or powered pistol? I need to read about this later.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@menghazard Steam mechanism? Not sure what you're asking here. - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

Looking into puchasing this machine over the Rocket Evoluzione but still on the fence especially comparing pricing. The PID is a big advantage with the Alex Duetto ii it seems. Not sure if I would even know how to use the PID when I get it. It would be great to see a video showing how to use the PID as it relates to various types of roasts.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan It's going to be more specific to beans, not roasts. I think that if you are looking at single origins/estate beans, it could be a benefit to be able to brew at 198F vs. 202F, etc. The majority of blends, however, won't really show that much difference. And the ability to adjust on the fly is limited -- just because your boiler temp is now at x degrees doesn't mean all of your waterworks are. - Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan Yeah, this is a walkthrough of the first version of the machine, the II has some upgrades to it. Since the PID is integrated into the boiler and it has an offset also programmed, you will be setting it for a specific temp and that's where it's at in the boiler. Since the Silvia is a retrofit, you have to kind of hack it to get it to do the same thing ;) - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Is there an internal thermometer monitoring the temperature of the boiler water on this machine? I was noticing in another video (Rancilio Silvia) you set the PID at say 215 which is high. Can you keep this machine's PID set at 204? I should also note that the machines being shipped currently have no burn steam and hot water wands.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan I responded on your other comment :) - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

It seems really daunting to decide between a universal grinder that can do espresso as well as drip and french press grinds easily. Would the best home setup be the Alex Duetto ii with a Baratza Vario grinder? I hear so many people talk about a heat exchanger machine like the Rocket as being perfect for home use. It seems as though the newer coffees warrant the PID which a heat exchanging machine like the Rocket Evoluzione can't accomodate.