Owning the La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II
The Mini Vivaldi II from La Spaziale is an industrious dual boiler machine, boasting several innovative features and commercial certifications, including NSF. The Mini version features a vibration pump and large 3 liter water tank that is accessible from the front for easy refilling; while the standard Vivaldi II removes the reservoir and adds a rotary pump with exclusive plumbed operation. The Mini Vivaldi II has a 0.45 liter brew boiler, as well as a 1.2 liter steam boiler, and a powerful, dry steam can be accessed immediately by pulling a lever. La Spaziale has packed a lot of innovation into both versions of the Vivaldi II. Both machines feature programmable timed brewing for both a single and double shot; both dispense water from a dedicated wand at the press of a button; both feature a 4-hole steam wand perfect for microfoam; and both utilize La Spaziale’s patented coffee delivery system, drawing dry steam from the highest point in the boiler to heat the group head.
The Vivaldi II’s crowning feature is easily the temperature regulation control pad integrated on both the standard and Mini versions. A temperature selector enables you to choose a brew temperature in 1°C increments ranging from 91°C (195.8°F) to 97°C (206.6°F). Plus, you can even make adjustments to the group’s temperature. It’s basically espresso mission control. To soup it up even more, each Vivaldi II can be optionally equipped with a 7-day on/off timer; the Mini can be outfitted with a passive pre-infusion chamber so it can function like the standard Vivaldi II; and there’s an ESE pod adaptor kit available (though, we don’t recommend you spring for a Mini Vivaldi II just to use pods). La Spaziale includes a comprehensive, full color manual with each machine to make it easy for users to learn the ropes and begin experimenting. Their machines are protected from overheating by a built-in safety thermostat, and feature fault diagnosis alerts for simple troubleshooting, which, we love, because there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to brew an espresso on demand. One difference about the Vivaldi II’s in comparison to other commercial machines: they use 53mm portafilters in place of the standard 58mm. There’s no difference in the quality of the coffee, the 53mm basket is just slightly deeper, and, of course, will require a 53mm tamper. If you like the sound of this, but need a plumbed machine, take a look at the standard Vivaldi II.
Temperature Regulation & Management
The Mini Vivaldi II’s temperature selector enables you to choose a brew temp, in 1°C increments ranging from 91°C (195.8°F) to 97°C (206.6°F). Internal sensors activate the heater when a temperature drop of at least ½°C is detected. This functionality provides an extremely precise temperature reading in both the steaming and brew boilers, resulting in enhanced performance.
Programmable Dosing Volume
The Mini Vivaldi II’s programmable volumetric dosing feature allows programming of the single and double cup control buttons to dispense whatever quantities of espresso the user desires. Select your ideal shot volume and then easily brew shot after shot with one touch. A dedicated button also allows you to easily dispense hot water as you please for Americanos and the like.
Dual Boilers
Superior temperature control starts with the Mini’s 1.2 liter steam boiler and 0.45 liter brew boiler. Both boilers are completely independent, turning on and off according to the needs of each, and can be on at the same time. The boiler control button can toggle the steam boiler on and off to conserve energy.
Water Reservoir
The pull-out 3 liter fresh water reservoir includes an in-tank water softening pouch called the "Oscar" (short for Osmotic Scale Reduction). The Oscar uses ionic exchange to replace the calcium and magnesium ions present in your water, which in turn reduces the hardness of your water and slows scale buildup.