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  • My preference is the rok. It seems like it’s been around for a long time so I’d expect parts to be available.

    Thermal losses are always going to be an issue without a heat source. But add a heat cup and portafilter you’ve covered the bases well.

    The only thing I don’t like about the robot is the arms.

    I love the lever design of the flair but it seems really fiddley

  • Thermal losses are always going to be an issue without a heat source

    True, but you'll probably see a split between those that claim to have so little thermal mass that losses aren't an issue, or those who claim that they have better temperature stability due to more thermal mass (which would likely require pre-heating).

    I've not used any of the popular offerings (Robot/Rok/Flair), but with my La Pavoni I need to hold down on the portafilter when using the lever to prevent it tipping forward. The base of the Flair does look a bit longer so probably more stable, but probably worth checking that it's not an issue (I mean, you'd hope that would get addressed at the design stage, but you never know!)

  • My la Pavoni is from 1965 and still going strong. Spares readily available. It is a little charmer and extremely simple once you get the knack.

    Looking forward to trying the Faemina once it eventually gets here. Though from the state of it, it’s going to require a more serious overhaul.

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