The
Isomac Venus espresso/cappuccino machine fills the void between lower cost
espresso machines and the higher priced professional grade machines. This
means it is perfect for home and small office use. While there are a few
direct competitors priced a little lower than the Venus, this machine
stands out because of it slightly larger size and top to bottom stainless
steel construction. The Venus is a beautiful machine to say the least. The
polished housing, chrome cup railing on top, and the heavy-duty switches
and indicator lights make the fancy professional grade machines look over
their shoulder.
But
Isomac did not skimp on the inside of the machine either. A look under the
hood shows a large brass boiler, brass fittings, stainless steel mesh
protecting the water tubing, and top grade wiring and electrical
fittings.
Okay,
so we have dazzled you with the look and the build of the machine, but no
worries, the machine performs well too! In performance tests the Venus did
very well in both steaming capacity (great for latte, mocha, and
cappuccino lovers) and its ability to pull excellent espresso shots.
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Heavy Duty Pump System from Start to Finish
The Venus uses a 52-watt vibratory pump that provides the exact pressures needed to deliver perfect espresso. The lines from the pump, to the boiler, and from the boiler to the grouphead are all commercial grade items, with a big, beefy piece of cast brass helping to complete the trip. Other machines may feel the need to advertise their BAR rating; the
Venus doesn't have to - it's a given the machine has the power to spare.
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No Nonsense Controls
The Venus features Four commercial-grade toggle switches with integrated indicator lights.
The power switch is on the upper right far corner of the control
panel. The three switches on the left side of the control panel:
control the brewing, hot water, and steaming functions of the machine.
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Brewing
Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge on the front of
the machine will monitor brewing pressures to ensure you are getting the
best espresso shot.
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Straightforward Powerful Steaming
The Venus doesn't come with froth-aiders or steaming gimmicks. Instead it features a
two hole, chrome plated, brass steam wand that pushes out ample amounts of steam, which is capable of getting 7 ounces of milk up to proper temperatures in under 35 seconds. With the
Venus, you don't get gimmicks or helpers - you get a serious, powerful machine that helps you become a serious, skilled
Barista.
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Quality Brass
Parts
Inside the Venus you see something akin to more pro-consumer and commercial grade machines: brass everywhere. The
Venus uses a 10 brass boiler, brass lines, and chromed brass grouphead to help maintain proper heat distribution so crucial to producing perfect espresso.
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Commercial Grouphead
The well-designed grouphead for the Venus was influenced by Isomac's commercial line of espresso machines. Solid brass and chrome plating offer good temperature stability and consistent shots of espresso, not to mention durability. The filter screen evenly disperses water over the coffee grounds for proper extraction.
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Large 10 Brass Boiler
It features one of the biggest boilers in the consumer marketplace - 10 ounces filled to the rim. This has many benefits for the consumer - better temperature stability, quicker recycling times, and when that boiler gets up to steaming temperatures, you'll think you have an old style steam locomotive in your kitchen.
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Commercial-Grade Portafilter and Filter Baskets
The Venus ships with a heavy chrome plated portafilter with a dual spout and two commercial sized 58 mm filter baskets - the exact same ones used in the
Isomac commercial line.
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Removable Water Reservoir
This machine features a 3 liter capacity removable water reservoir that can be filled while the machine is operating, or removed for filling at the sink. |
Heated Cup Stacking Surface
On top of the Venus, there is a polished stainless steel cup-stacking surface that is
heated. If you're serious about being a skilled home barista, you will know that having warmed cups is a prerequisite to perfect espresso, and the
Venus handles this job effortlessly.
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Removable Drip & Cup Tray
The drip pan and cup tray are made of stainless steel, and they are removable for easy cleaning. |
Stainless Steel Casing
One look at the Venus' outer hull and you know you own a serious espresso machine. No fancy designs or accruements for the
Venus - just polished stainless steel, everywhere. |
Instant Hot Water
This machine can replace your kettle under most circumstances with its hot water on demand feature. Simply activate the hot water switch and open the steam knob to get hot water instantly. Use hot water for making tea, Americanos, or other hot beverages. |
Pressure Release System
Just like the commercial machines, the Isomac Venus features a three-way solenoid valve that instantly releases any built up pressure in the portafilter once you complete an espresso shot. This allows for instant reloading of the machine for another shot, and no mess or fuss when removing the portafilter. |
Safety System
The Venus is equipped with three thermostats, including one specifically used to prevent the boiler from overheating if the machine is left unattended for long periods of time. |
Accessories
Two stainless steel filter baskets for making either single or double shots of
espresso, coffee tamper, measuring spoon, and an instruction manual. |
Product Specifications:
- Color:
Stainless
steel
- Power:
1200 watts
- Size: 15.75"H x
10.25"W x 13"D
- Weight: 27
pounds
- Body Material:
Stainless
steel
- Warranty:
One
year parts/labor
- Origin:
Italy
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