I have come tot the decision that it is time to find a home for the Saeco Incanto Sirius and step up my game a bit with either a Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic machine. I have decided to skip out the whole HX Machine and go straight to the double boiler options so as to avoid disappointment and try and avoid wanting to purchase another machine again in the near future. I am  pretty set on getting a Mazzer Grinder but the choice of machine seems to be an issue. 

My options so far are:

Expobar Brewtus

I have found two suppliers in South Africa with prices around 10-12K

• Double Boiler Machine
• E61 Clone Brew Group
• Pre-Infusion 
• Digital Temp Control
• Brew Presssure controler with gauge
• Low Water cut off
• Steam Pressure controller with gauge

La Spaziale S2

Still trying to get hold of the distributor locally but looks like a very nice machine, not sure what the price will be

• Dual Boiler# Steam Boiler 2.5 liter
• Steam Boiler Element 1250 Watts
• Group Boiler .45 liter
• Group Boiler Element 800 Watts
• Swivel Stainless Steel Steam ArmTwo Portafilters: One Single and One Double
• Direct Plumbed
• Rotary Pump
• Volumetric Dosing
• Volumetric Dosing Adjustable Through Touch Pad
• One Degree Group Temperature Adjust ability Indicated by LED Display
• Group Temperature Adjustable Through Touch Pad
• Electronic Boiler Refill
• Built-in Safety Thermostat
• Semiautomatic Hot Water Delivery
• Manual Steam Valve
• Fault Diagnosis Alarms
• Dual Manometer
• OPTIONAL 7 Day Programmable Timer
• Color Black, Red, or Grey
  

  La Marzocco GS3

Available locally for Food Services (I think), cost is around 45K depending on the exchange rate, machine looks awesome but not sure if all the hype is worth the extra money, machine looks beautiful though.

• Dual boiler technology with saturated brew groups
• Stainless steel boilers and brewing groups
• PID (Proportional, Integrative, Derivative) temperature control
• "Cool Touch" Stainless steel steam wand and hot water wand
• Multifunctional keypads and digital display
• Internal Pump (same as on our commercial machines, but internal!)
• Brew water pre-heating system

Synesso Cyncra

I recently came across this machine which competes head to head with the La Marzocco, am not sure of pricing as yet but am trying to find out.

• DigiZone™ control.
• Outstanding thermal stability.
• Pre-infusion feature.
• Cool touch steam wand.
• Superior componentry.
• Stainless steel elements & brew tanks.
• Designed & manufactured in Seattle, USA.

I will let you know when I have a final decision and what my views are of my new machine.

 JohnB