Izzo Alex Duetto

MaureenMac

Hi All
Wondering if there is anyone with an Alex Duetto who could help. Have an Alex Duetto here in Australia but will be selling before relocating to Ireland. I will most likely buy another Alex when I arrive. Hopefully someone can help with a few queries:

1. Place of purchase (how smooth was transaction/delivery)?
2. Where do you have your machine serviced?
3. Are you aware if machines are bench-tested by the distributor before shipping to Ireland?

Thank you
M

caol ila

Hi Maureen, I think you might have luck if you contact Bella Barista in the UK (http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/brands/izzo-caffe.html), afaik they are the suppliers of the Alex. I had cause to contact them recently about another machine and got a very detailed, helpful reply from Claudette.

Dero

+1 on Bella Barista.

I got an Expobar Dual Leva (Brewtus IV) from them earlier this year and I had no trouble getting it sent to Ireland. I think it cost about £35stg to ship it here. I imagine it would be the same for any coffee machine.

They seem like a good company to deal with, and they definitely bench test (and tweak) the machines before they ship them.

For service I'm not so sure. I had a faulty sensor on my machine. Bella Barista just sent me a new one which I fitted myself. For anything more involved I don't know what the process would entail.

MaureenMac

Thank you for your replies.
Contacted Claudette at Bella Barista who was very helpful. I note from their website that they currently have stock of a great selection of greens although shipping may be prohibitive for large amounts.
I am sure I will sort myself out once I "get home".

caol ila

Thats great Maureen, re the greens, I have an order en route from them, 11 kilo of the new arrivals. Decided to try out the new parcel motel service to avail of cheaper shipping so will see how it works out.

Clinker

Interesting: I quite fancy the Alex as an upgrade from my Gaggia Classic!

MaureenMac

Cannot fault "Alex". I was the first person to have the machine in Western Australia (info from the importer) 2 years ago. One criticism that some have is that the clearance under the group does not allow for "high" cups/glasses. I use ACF cups so have no problem.
I struggled a bit with getting microfoam as it took me a while to get used to the steam power; all is good now and it is great to be able to pull a shot and steam at the same time.
One thing to note: Alex is very picky about water quality so good filtration is a must. If I purchase when we get back to Ireland, will definitely have plumbed in with a good in-line filtration system.
Another beautiful (pricey) machine from Izzo is the "Pompeii" lever. One friend has the single group in red and another 2 group in black - both stunning - but still prefer the red :D

M

MaureenMac

caol ila wrote: »

Thats great Maureen, re the greens, I have an order en route from them, 11 kilo of the new arrivals. Decided to try out the new parcel motel service to avail of cheaper shipping so will see how it works out.

Interested to find out how you get on with the shipping.

M

caol ila

MaureenMac wrote: »

Interested to find out how you get on with the shipping.

M

Saved a few quid and it worked well, collected the greens yesterday, 11 kilos delivered for 17 pounds using the Antrim address supplied by the parcel motel. The first two uses of parcel motel are free. Its a no brainer.

MaureenMac

caol ila wrote: »

Saved a few quid and it worked well, collected the greens yesterday, 11 kilos delivered for 17 pounds using the Antrim address supplied by the parcel motel. The first two uses of parcel motel are free. Its a no brainer.

Great to know. I will be shipping my 2kg Torrefattore and a large amount of greens but will need to stock up at some time in Ireland.
Of course if I win Lotto before packing up, I will not ship anything..........just buy a new roaster and a Kees VDW Speedster/Mirage/Spirit :rolleyes:

M