This is your guide for comparing the La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi vs Dream. We're digging deep to uncover all of the important information and sharing it with you to help you pick the right espresso machine.
We're going to discuss...
- What makes the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T similar.
- The key differences between these machines and what they mean for you.
- How to determine which machine is best for your home or business.
Quick Summary
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II
Offering volumetric dosing and user-friendly commercial features, this is a great option for home users as well as small offices and restaurants that need consistency. Go for this model if you're looking for professional features that beginners to intermediate users can operate.
La Spaziale S1 Dream T
With multiple dosing options and functions geared toward professional atmospheres, the S1 Dream T can easily transition from a prosumer home espresso machine to a commercial environment. This is the best choice if you own a small business with a sharp focus on espresso beverage service.
See our guide to commercial espresso machines below...
https://majestycoffeeschool.com/best-commercial-espresso-machine/
Model Comparison
First, let's clarify which models we're going to compare in this guide and why.
Let's start by identifying the different configurations of the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream. For each model, there is one direct-connect and one pour-over version:
Direct-Connect
- S1 Vivaldi II
- S1 Dream
Pour-Over
- S1 Mini Vivaldi II
- S1 Dream T
Because the fairest comparison to the S1 Mini Vivaldi II would involve a machine of the same general type, we'll be using the S1 Dream T to create the most comprehensive guide.
To learn more about the general differences between the S1 Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream models, see our guide on the La Spaziale Vivaldi vs Dream.
What is a pour-over espresso machine?
The pour-over feature refers to the water reservoir inside of the machine that the user refills by hand when it gets low. In contrast, direct-connect machines (like the regular S1 Vivaldi II and Dream T) are plumbed into a water source for an automatic supply.
As pour-over machines don't require any particular proximity to a water line, the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T offer some portability.
However, it's important to keep an eye on the water tanks so that they don't run dry and interfere with the machine's functionality.
You'll also want to closely monitor water filtration or a water softener system, which we highly recommend to deter scaling issues from breaking the machine down.
Plumbed-in machines make hooking up a water softener simple so that you don't really need to give it a second thought. Pour-over machines require more frequent maintenance in this area.
On to the other similarities between the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T...
Similarities
Volumetric Dosing
The S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T are both volumetric espresso machines. If you're unfamiliar with the term "volumetric," it means that these are automatic machines that measure out a programmed water volume when you initiate the brew cycle.
All you need to do is press the button to begin brewing and the machine will take care of the rest, dispensing the same amount of water to create shot after shot with the correct volume.
It's a great system for beginners, intermediate-level baristas, and experts as it's easy to ensure consistency and even multitask as the machine can be relied upon to end the brew cycle at the appropriate time.
Output Capacity
Capable of delivering 20 espressos per hour, the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and S1 Dream T are the perfect solutions for many small businesses.
If your coffee sales volume matches this type of output and you're not planning to expand, you probably won't get much benefit from an espresso machine with a larger output.
This output capacity is also more than enough for the average home user, making these machines ideal for the home kitchen.
Pressure Gauges
Gauges to display both the boiler and brew pressures come standard with these espresso machines.
The dual manometers on the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T offer a split panel for viewing the pressures side by side.
Making machine operation even easier, the boiler pressure gauge indicates when the machine is ready to brew and steam.
Monitoring the brew pressure can also provide you with brew ratio insights. If the pump pressure is inadequate, you'll probably be tweaking aspects of your brew ratio.
Pump Type
These machines contain a vibratory pump, which works differently than a rotary pump but produces the same quality espresso.
Whereas a rotary pump works essentially by pushing water through a closing gap inside of a rotating disc contained in a larger chamber, the vibratory pump moves water with an electromagnetic piston pushed back and forth by electrical currents.
Again, these systems produce the same quality espresso, but the rotary pump is known to be quieter and long-lasting.
The bonuses of the vibratory pump are that they're smaller, low-cost alternatives that are easy to replace.
Machine Size
At approximately 15 inches high, 16.5 inches wide, and 16.5 inches deep, the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T are both economical on space.
They're designed to be unobtrusive in home kitchens as well as small business environments with enough equipment competing for counter space already.
Tank Size
The water tanks in these espresso machines are equal as they both hold about 2.4 liters of water.
This is a fairly standard and decent size for home users and small business owners alike. Working with the machine at a moderate pace, you won't need to refill the tank too often throughout the day.
Pre-Infusion Chamber Option
Pre-infusion is a system of gently saturating the coffee bed in the group head before the pump engages to apply full pressure in the active brew cycle.
As the coffee particles are evenly saturated, the result is a well developed espresso with all of its nuanced flavors extracted.
While the S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T do not come with electronic pre-infusion, you have the option of a pre-infusion chamber that mimics the function.
Articulating Steam Arms with 4 Hole Steam Tips
The S1 Mini Vivaldi II and S1 Dream T elevate the art of milk steaming with articulating steam wands.
With a full range of motion, the steam arms can be repositioned to angle the pitcher and texture the milk.
A four-hole steam tip will create even better results, producing high quality microfoam in no time.
Key Differences
Temperature Control
The systems that these machines use to regulate temperature are different but equally effective.
The S1 Mini Vivaldi II's programmable offset differential lets the user set the group temperature in increments of one degree Fahrenheit.
The process is simple and the results are accurate as La Spaziale measures and programs the brew and steam temperature difference into the machine.
The S1 Dream T utilizes a PID control system to provide accurate temperatures adjustable by one degree Fahrenheit.
Commonly installed in industrial equipment, a PID controller is something of a self-regulating system based on an algorithm that provides continuous measurements to ensure that temperatures are always in the appropriate range.
Display
The S1 Mini Vivaldi II contains an LED display. This is where you'll see your adjustments made to the group temperature.
The S1 Dream T's digital display on the waterproof touch pad provides icons for functions like a timer, a shot counter, language settings, and four programmable coffee profiles.
In terms of user friendliness and functionality, the S1 Dream T's display is particularly sophisticated.
La Spaziale S1 Dream T Manual Dosing Option
The S1 Dream T's manual dosing button in addition to the volumetric buttons gives the user multiple brewing options and the fun of variety.
Selecting manual dosing will require a certain amount of training as the user will need to know when to end the brew cycle, but the advantage is full control of the process.
With the manual option, it's easy to get creative and pull longer or shorter shots on demand.
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II Steam Lever
It's not uncommon to see twisting steam valves on espresso machines like the one on the S1 Dream T.
While this type of steam trigger isn't difficult to use, the steam lever on the S1 Mini Vivaldi II is perhaps more intuitive for the user.
It will automatically engage and disengage the steam wand with a simple push into the on and off positions. It's an ergonomic upgrade that makes machine operation as comfortable as possible.
La Spaziale S1 Dream T Barista Lights
Barista lights next to the S1 Dream T group will help you see what you're doing with high accuracy.
Lighting in the work space may not always be ideal. As shadows and light diffusion can reduce visibility even in a well lit room, the barista light feature is a welcome enhancement.
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II Built-In Diagnostics
Machine maintenance can be hard to keep up and diagnosing problems can be frustrating to say the least.
That's why owners of the S1 Mini Vivaldi II love the machine's built-in diagnostic system.
Should an issue occur, the machine can alert you right away. You'll be able to attend to problems faster and keep your machine running smoothly.
La Spaziale S1 Dream T SD Card Reader
An SD card reader in the S1 Dream T lets you easily read and write coffee profiles and machine programming.
A major plus is that it's easy to download and install software updates from La Spaziale's website via the card reader.
For greater convenience, La Spaziale places the card reader port in an accessible location, right on the front of the machine.
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II Pump Safety Mechanism
Supporting the S1 Mini Vivaldi II's self-maintenance system is a safety cutout on the vibratory pump.
This safety cutout can increase the machine's longevity by helping to protect it in the event of an issue.
La Spaziale S1 Dream T Programmable Hot Water Spigot
The S1 Dream T's programmable hot water spigot automatically delivers an exact amount of water on demand.
When you're preparing an Americano, you can rely on the machine to fill the cup to the correct level when you push the hot water button.
The spigot is even adjustable, which means that you can swivel it in different directions to better accommodate cups.
Price Considerations
We are dedicated to bringing you the best espresso equipment at prices that fit your budget.
Our La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is available in Red or Black for $1,895 as well as in Wood for an additional $350.
We also offer the S1 Dream T in Red or Black for $2,095 or in Wood for $2,345.
So Which Should You Buy?
In many ways, these machines are quite similar. As volumetric models with the same smaller output capacity, they make great options for prosumers as well as businesses like small restaurants and offices.
With a manual dosing button, a programmable hot water spigot, and an SD card reader, the S1 Dream T can be the ideal option for many businesses that want the ability to easily customize espresso drinks.
The machine's features also make operation incredibly efficient and as intuitive as possible.
The S1 Mini Vivaldi II is a little more basic in what it offers, but its built-in safety mechanisms are top-notch. Overall, it makes a great home espresso machine or a machine that beginners can work on.
Bottom line: Most likely, personal preference will play a large role in determining which machine you pick. We think you'll love your La Spaziale either way!
For fast service and the best prices online, check out the La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II and the S1 Dream T here on Majesty Coffee...