LaSpaziale S1VII vs. GS/3

[chasr]

I put the information together below based on my intimate personal knowledge of the S1VII and from what I have found in Internet Postings and in GS/3 PDF manuals I've been able to locate. This information is subject to update and plenty of editorial comment after my GS/3 arrives on 2/22.

VIIvsG3.jpg

[chasr]

Updated list after a few months of use:

The temp offset on the GS/3 works quite a bit differently than on the Spaz VII. On the VII, you adjust the offset until the water temperature matches what temp you set the machine to. On the GS/3 you set the temp and the actual water temp is what it is. Then you set the offset until the temperature on the front panel display matches the actual water temperature. On my GS/3for example, I set the temp to 95C but the water is 93C. So the offset is adjusted to -2C and then the front panel temp display matches the actual water temperature.

Definitely no flushes required before a shot. I attached a Scace and Fluke 53II to the group and went away for an hour. I came back, hit the shot button, and watched as the digital thermometer temp ramped right up to match the temp on the GS/3 front panel display. Then both stayed in lock step for the duration of the shot.

If the GS/3 loses power when On, the unit returns to the On state when power is restored. The VII always comes on in Standby mode.

Even though the GS/3 appears to have black plastic side panels like the VII, the GS/3 side panels have a thick stainless steel plate attached on the inside. They are HEAVY!

The owner can overwrite the default text at the bottom of the display from LaMarzocco GS/3 to any other text of their choosing. I have seen comments from other owners, none particularly recent, that noted that the L in LaMarzocco is sticky and couldn't be changed; i.e. SW bug. I assumed by now they would have fixed this bug but mine does this, too. NOTE: This is fixed in firmware v1.13

The bottom of the drip tray, although black plastic like that in the VII, is smooth and easy to clean. The one in the VII has a number of ridges making it difficult to keep clean.

I had recently seen a drop in the daily power usage of my VII after insulating the boiler. The GS/3 power consumption with its boiler insulated is about the same as the VII w/o insulation

The water pattern coming through the shower screen looks smoother and more evenly distributed that does that of the VII

During pump on operation, the VII is quieter.

Firmware v1.13 adds a mode for backflushing that automates 15 on-off cycles so you don't have to stand there and do it manually

Water faucet temp is adjustable on the GS/3

Cup warmer on the GS/3 can hold several more cups

Can display and set the temps in C or F on GS/3

Dual PIDs on GS/3 rather than computer / thermostat control

Both boilers are fairly easy to drain on the GS/3

The GS/3 exhibits quick "curse free" reinstallation of the side covers

Optional steam arms for the GS/3 are expensive and a bear to replace. S1 steam arm option reasonably priced and easy to replace.

GS/3 has individually programmable preinfusion on each of four programmable buttons. S1 programmable PI applies same to single and double cup buttons

GS/3 allows volumetric dosing (or not) on all four group shot buttons and on the hot water button. S1 has volumetric dosing on single and double cup buttons

GS/3 firmware is user upgradable with purchase of $10 interface. S1 board must be removed from unit by user and returned to dealer for update

[Endo]

Taste! Taste! How does the taste compare to the S1?

Do I get a free GS/3 for being the first post?

[chasr]

The GS/3 is going to keep me cancer free! I've seen a lot in the news lately about coffee drinkers having less of some types of cancer. I am definitely drinking more coffee since getting the GS/3, so it is a health inducing purchase. I wonder if that will let me write it off on my income taxes?

[chasr]

It's obvious that the Italians use 24 hour time and just don't get the whole AM/PM thing. The optional S1 timer calls the hour between midnight and 12:59AM - 0:xxAM.

On the other hand, the GS/3 continues to refer to the time between Noon - 12:59PM as AM. I haven't checked between midnight and 12:59AM but I am guessing that will show up as PM!

[Niko]

That doesn't surprise me.
Time is never important in the Mediterranean

[EricC]

I must admit that I haven't noticed the AM / PM thing as mine is set for a 24 hour clock.

[chasr]

It's obvious that the Italians use 24 hour time and just don't get the whole AM/PM thing. The optional S1 timer calls the hour between midnight and 12:59AM - 0:xxAM.

On the other hand, the GS/3 continues to refer to the time between Noon - 12:59PM as AM. I haven't checked between midnight and 12:59AM but I am guessing that will show up as PM!

I'll have to try and pay attention to this since I upgraded to v1.13 in case they fixed this and didn't mention it! Has anyone else noticed?

[networkcrasher]

Not sure - I somehow programmed mine to do 24hr time...

[JohnB]

"Both boilers are fairly easy to drain on the GS/3"

The S1V2 steam boiler has a drain plug & the horizontally mounted brew boiler cover unscrews. Doesn't get much easier then that.

"GS/3 has individually programmable preinfusion on each of four programmable buttons. S1 programmable PI applies same to single and double cup buttons"

The S1V2 uses line pressure p/i which allows adjustment of pressure & duration of the p/i. Best P/I system on any machine that doesn't have a manual paddle bar none!

[chasr]

"Both boilers are fairly easy to drain on the GS/3"

The S1V2 steam boiler has a drain plug & the horizontally mounted brew boiler cover unscrews. Doesn't get much easier then that.

I can drain both boilers on the GS/3 and the only tool I need is one Allen wrench. I don't even need to move the GS/3 to do it nor does the machine have to be up on stilts . By using a piece of adequate diameter vinyl tube, compliments of my local beer supply store, I put one end over the threaded drain valve on the GS/3, run the other end to the sink, and open the drain valve. The group boiler just drains into the drip tray. It doesn't get much easier than that.

[JohnB]

Those aren't stilts, they are Supermodel legs! I just slide a pan under my machine & drop the drain plug but I'll admit the allen drain is a nice set up.

Remember how the cup warmer cover sits on foam tape on the S1 isolating it from what little vibration does come through the frame? Would that work on the GS3 to calm the dancing cups or does the cover mount differently?

[JohnB]

I can drain both boilers on the GS/3 and the only tool I need is one Allen wrench. I don't even need to move the GS/3 to do it nor does the machine have to be up on stilts . By using a piece of adequate diameter vinyl tube, compliments of my local beer supply store, I put one end over the threaded drain valve on the GS/3, run the other end to the sink, and open the drain valve. The group boiler just drains into the drip tray. It doesn't get much easier than that.

Both boilers on the Speedster have an extension tube with a drain valve so the only pieces you need to remove are the left side cover (2 finger tight nuts) & the two polished caps on the tubes. Slip on the hose & drain away.