Espresso Machines — Coffee Forum

what equipment are you using?

askthecoffeeguy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:46:14 +0000

Just curious to know what espresso equipment folks are using at home, and if they think they are getting the most out of their machine?

I for one have owned a Baby Gaggia and a Gaggia Classic in the past, and both machines served me well

But when I started roasting my own coffee at home, I decided I needed something a little more high end, to pick up on the subtle nuances of the single origin coffees I have been working with, so here's my list of home equipment:

Coffee machine: Bezzera Domus Galatea single lever E61

Grinders: Rocky Rancilio & Mazzer Super Jolly

Roaster: Gene Cafe domestic drum roaster

Tampers: Various but Coffeelab and Espro tampers

I'm not trying to create a competition here to see who has the most bling equipment, I merely would like to create an easy access thread for folks to discuss what they've got and why they enjoy using it

Cheers,

Pat

Italian Beauty - La Goretti Machines

Lwowiak — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 02:20:47 +0000

I thought I was fixed for coffee machines, but then instagram starts showing some lovely pictures and I came across this beauty:

https://www.lagoretti.com/

Love the look of these machines and no doubt one could make a good coffee with it.

Diadema machine is dead - bugger!

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 13:56:48 +0000

Hi guys, I've got a Diadema 'Junior' which is still making a noise but not pumping through any water...

Now those of you who know me will realise that unlike most of you, I have absolutely no technical expertise (remember my background was from publishing!).

I rang Cosmorex in Canberra (I'm based in Adelaide) and they said they could ship me a new pump, but it also 'could be the capacitor'. Have taken the lid off (even that stretched my technical capabilities :D ) and a friend of mine with a meter said it's actually a solenoid coil not a capacitor, but still seems to be holding charge ok (.97)... so presume the pump is stuffed, except if it's still making a noise, could it be something else - for instance I haven't descaled for ever ???

Problem is, I don't know any good repairers in Adelaide; do I buy a new pump from Cosmorex and get them to ship over (around $250) in the hope that I can fit it myself & this will fix things, or do I need to bite the bullet and start investigating couriers from ADL to Canberra and back?

The problem is that it's obviously pretty heavy, so if there was any way I could fix it myself that would be great but as I mentioned, I'm not the most technically competent of people!!

All and any thoughts/ideas much appreciated!

pic attached

Smart profiling on a lever machine

DrD — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:06:47 +0000

Hi everyone

interested to know if anyone of you cool people with a lever had ever considered purchasing something like this to totally impress yourself and friends with real-time pressure-profile monitoring:

https://www.naked-portafilter.com/product/smart-espresso-profiler/

It's kinda got me drooling over a lever and being able to nerd out big time with espresso making ;D

Thanks, Dan

ECM Controvento

Cuir Beluga — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:30:54 +0000

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone has the depth measurements of the ECM Contravento from the back of the machine at its farthest point to the front of the front feet, if that makes sense!

I am basically trying to work out if I can fit one on my kitchen bench, if it is just a dream or if there is some kind of work around.

Thanks, Sue.

Sunbeam EM4800C repair

UNM — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:06:24 +0000

Just picked up a sunbeam em4800. Not the highest spec machine, but the price was right (free). Apparently there is a problem with the pump and I happen to have a spare ulka ep5...

I don't know if anyone here has ever worked on these, but if so and there are any gotchas, please let me know. So far it looks pretty straightforward, but I haven't taken anything apart yet.

And I have now seen my first pressurised filter basket!

Condensation inside machine

Cuir Beluga — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 13:56:59 +0000

Hi all.

Saturday morning just gone I picked up my machine from a service.
She feels like a new machine but I have a couple of issues.
I now am getting condensation inside the inner walls of the casing. This morning after it had been turned off for an hour or so it was wet on the cupboard top underneath.
It also still has a slight leak, occasional drip, from the steam arm.

It looks like a trip back to the repair place is on the cards but was just wondering if there was anything obvious I could check first.

Thanks.

La Pav Europiccola

Cuir Beluga — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:26:41 +0000

I have a little Europiccola that needs some attention.

I know the seals need doing, hubby was prepared to have a crack at it, but I can't remember if water was supposed to come from the group when the lever is in the raised position and no portafiler in.

Can someone refresh my memory? It's been a while.

Thanks.

Elektra Micro casa sensitive repairer in Sydney

bias — Mon, 27 May 2019 16:50:01 +0000

Hi all

I am in Alexandria and have a really old Elektra microcasa machine.
It is beautiful but no-one wanted to work on it for a burnt element.
I found one and put it in but now it needs a gasket set and a small wiring fix.
I am too old and bad at it to finish it properly.
Any one recommend a kind and sensitive person near Alexandria who can fix such an old but beautiful machine?

Espresso Machine Photo Gallery

Koffee_Kosmo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:37:27 +0000

Espresso Machine
Photo Gallery

Just starting this thread to have a formal place to expose your " Espresso Machine " pride and joy
( Please note - This thread is not intended for rebuilds in progress )
Just the finished product

It would be fantastic to have the posters story if any of the subject at hand

Regards
KK

COFFEE MACHINE FOR FOOD TRAILER

Amandaaaaa — Tue, 07 May 2019 20:28:53 +0000

Hi everyone. I am new here. Thank you for accepting my request to join the forum. ☺️

I was after some recommendations for a coffee machine (would really prefer it under 3,000 aud).

Does any one have any recommendations for one? Preferably something low watts so it doesn’t use too much. Haha

Thankyou so much!! 😊😊😊😊😊

La Cimbali M100 versus Elektra Indie

johnmichelle73 — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:35:12 +0000

I am looking at purchasing the Elektra Indie or La Cimbali M100, would anyone have any feedback for me please on these machines?

New portafilter seal for Caravel

UNM — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:10:40 +0000

Recently I noticed that sometimes the portafilter creeps loose when I am pulling a shot.

It seems to be when pressure is highest and I assume the rubber seal is no longer as sticky as it once was.

What is currently the best place to buy seals, or does anyone have seal dimensions so I can just source one locally from a seal supplier?

I seem to recall a web site giving seal dimensions once, but can't for the life of me remember the URL.

BES920 Purchased - EM7000 Retired - Initial Observations

Honest_Gaza — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 21:02:10 +0000

Well it's been 5 ¹/₂ Years with the Sunbeam EM7000 (13 ¹/₂ Years with the Sunbeam Cafe series starting with the EM6900) but a new era is upon me.
After dipping the toe in the water with a Breville Smart Grinder for Christmas, the transition is complete and I now have a Breville BES920.

Initial observations :

[li]Slightly bulkier than the EM7000[/li] [li]Scared the crap out of me when I first powered it up...very, very noisy...but this appeared to be on initial startup only (thankfully)[/li] [li]Noise on Espresso pour about the same as the Sunbeams[/li] [li]Love the simple method of unlocking the base so it can be slid in and out of position[/li] [li]Love the fact you can refill the water reservoir from the top flap at the front (Sunbeams were from the back)[/li] [li]Dislike the small rubber tab on the Steam Wand...burnt my fingers three times before I decided to take greater care (EM6900/EM6910 were also small Tabs...but EM7000 has a larger tab)[/li] Funnily enough, I originally complained about the long rubber tube of the EM7000...go figure.

[li]Would prefer the Steam Wand on the left like the Sunbeams (right hand to hold the milk jug)[/li] [li]Love the quietness of the Steam Wand (no pulsating like the Sunbeams did)[/li] [li]Missing the Milk temperature guage that the Sunbeam had[/li]
Now we wait and see about reliability.

I bet you feel silly now.

MJ74 — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 01:04:14 +0000

For all those who invested over a hundred dollars in a machine...

I'll just leave this piece of Murdoch journalism here.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6238033/amp/The-89-espresso-machine-Kmart-mums-turning-lavish-budget-friendly-coffee-stations.html

EM7000 Purchased - EM6910 Retired - Initial observations

Honest_Gaza — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 17:42:43 +0000

As alluded to on other threads, my EM6910 finally gave up after 5 Years.

Purchased the EM7000 today for $700 (unfortunately 1 week too late to benefit from the Sunbeam Free Grinder deal).

Initial observations include :

[li]7000 is slightly deeper than the 6910 (approx 4cm), so sticks out a bit further from the wall[/li] [li]7000 Espresso function is definitely quieter than the 6910[/li] [li]loving the temperature guage of the 7000 Steam wand[/li] [li]would prefer the little rubber TAB that was included on the 6910 Steam wand (7000 only has the rubber tube)[/li] [li]7000 water reservoir is lower and deeper than the 6910 so that probably explains the deeper body[/li]
After the initial problems I had with the 6900/6910, the last Machine lasted me just over 5 years with no issues. Hopefully, this one will also last at least 5 Years.

Lever Espresso Machine Photo Gallery

Koffee_Kosmo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:19:32 +0000

[size=36pt]Lever Espresso Machine
Photo Gallery [/size]

Just starting this thread to have a formal place to expose your " Lever " pride and joy
( Please note - This thread is not intended for rebuilds in progress )
Just the finished product

It would be fantastic to have the posters story if any of the subject at hand

Regards
KK

Rancilio Silvia - Steam coming out one of the tubes in the water tank

ckarcher — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:33:14 +0000

Hi, when I hear my Silvia up to steam, steam comes out one of the tubes and bubbles into the water tank. It’s regularly descaled and backflushed. What is wrong with Miss Silvia?

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Getra ME-709 Steam Problems

getra — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:58:16 +0000

Hi all,
I have purchased 18 months ago, a new Getra ME-709 automatic coffee machine (same as Merol and Pronto ME-709 models or China model No SB-CM709). It has been working fine but just recently, it has been failing to deliver steam from the wand, just spitting water with a little steam. It's not producing sufficient steam to suck up milk using the (milk delivery and frothing device) to froth the milk anymore. But the machine still makes great coffee and the delivery of hot water is all ok...

I would dearly love to source a service/repair manual so as to determine and fix my ME-709 problem but I have exhausted all avenues on the internet. Can someone direct me to where I can source one please?

My research has given me some insight into the workings of automatic coffee machines and their boilers, thermoblocks, solenoids, thermostats, NTC sensors operation etc but still need some direction to fix my problem...

I have performed basic resistance tests on the steam thermoblock components including heating element, thermostat, NTC sensor thermistor, overload thermistor and the hot water/steam delivery pipes and solenoid and they all appear to test ok?? Maybe the main board has a problem??

I have not performed any "live" voltage tests as of yet...

I have purchased an infared heat temp gun to check the thermoblocks temperatures but still waiting its delivery..

I would be so grateful to any responses......

Kind regards
Gary

Rocket Appartamento upgrade

dundas112 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:14:49 +0000

Hi All,

Recent purchase of a Rocket Appartamento which is an upgrade from my sunbeam EM7000.
Out of curiosity, would it be worth replacing the standard baskets with say VST or similar and replacing the shower screen with IMS one.
And any recommendations on not what to do with the machine

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

La Marzocco Linea Mini Home use 1 group release

cosmic_couple22 — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:27:42 +0000

La Marzocco have been talking about this one for quite a while and have just released it to the US market. Still very pricey at 5K US but I am sure there will be some take up of this machine when it is released here. No bells and whistles just a solid simple workhorse, so anybody wanting a prosumer machine might want to check this one out.

http://sprudge.com/first-look-at-the-new-la-marzocco-linea-mini-73298.html

Chester

My Machine stops at cleaning process

badisr — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:07:47 +0000

Hi Guys,

Hi Guys, I've a Deloghi ECAM 23 and didn't descale it for a while and last morning when i power it up it keeps flashing the Temperature Cleaning light ? normally when I start it, that auto Cleaning light flashes a few seconds then the machine start quick rinse then the machine is ready to use, but this time is not going any further, so any help please?

Thanks

Faema Compact A has marked it.

paddy2042 — Sun, 13 May 2018 14:54:14 +0000

I recently turned on the power on my Compact A 2 group machine after it had been reconditioned only to hear a clicking coming from the right hand side of the machine. The motor did not come on to refill the boiler as it usually does for a few seconds. The right group touch-pad was dead but the left group touch-pad clicked into action but the motor did not. The coffee cup filled from the water pressure I guess. I know the electronics in this machine are a little old fashioned but as each group is acting differently I am wondering if anyone has any idea what may be wrong.

I look forward to some enlightenment (and hopefully a fix)

Patrick

Guidance to machine

dundas112 — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:21:42 +0000

Hi all,

Long time lurker, but decided to finally join in.
I’ve searched with no specific answers.
I have been suggested to get the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II for its value for money and quality of parts (minus the plastics).
Now I’ve been also looking up the Nuova Musica and now the Isomac Tea Due.
Suggestions, recommendations, why’s and why nots. Any other machines. In the above price range (essentially around/under 2k).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lever Espresso Machines

Koffee_Kosmo — Fri, 13 May 2011 21:16:59 +0000

As the thread topic says, this thread is all about
Lever Espresso Machines

In the last month I was privileged to be invited to Barazi Bezzera to try for the first time in the world the Bezzera Strega HX Lever Machine & make a video of it :o

I have been back a few times and tried my home roasts with the BNZ grinder

I am taken with the difference in the
1) The cup flavour is a little softer and a little more flavour definition than my BZ40
2) The smell is also different in the cup from the 2 machines I tested it against
3) The overall extraction process is not forced & the spring just does its job smoothly

Now I have upgradeitis again
This is the first lever machine that I have used and I mastered it with a little practice in a short time

The question is for other owners of lever machines to explain to me if my newbie observations are correct ? and is there anything else that I have missed

I know that BF & lacehim are converts
Did I mention that I have upgradeitis ::) sorry but should I convert

KK

Extraction time

bravo.palombini — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 23:40:58 +0000

Hallo espresso lovers:
my procedure:
- lever maschine: Londinium R
- 100% dark roasted robusta beans
- 14 g Dose
- standardt 16g londinium basket
- goal: 30 espresso yield
- distribution with supplied tool
- tamping: use dtamp for consistent light tamping
- pre-infusion: until first drop

adjusting grinding: i adjust grinding to taste in the cup

for 30g espresso yield with good taste i get extraction times of up to 50 s

if a go to coarser grind with extraction time towards 25-30s: acidity is high

is there a "red line" concerning extraction time? after which "bad solubles" are extracted?

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La Marzocco commercial machines

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 19:23:15 +0000

HI guys, just doing a bit of initial research for a friend (who's quite partial to La.Marzocco machines) - does anyone know much about the benefits (& disadvantages) of the Linea and the fb80?

Also pricing? Have looked at the websites and obviously they don't list prices - presumably 'on application', but if anyone knows what a new one of either of these is going for, or what you could get a good second-hand one for, that would be great

cheers
A

New Breville Oracle

Lacehim — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:21:19 +0000

Just received an email from Breville promoting their new "oracle" coffee machine. An automatic manual machine?!?

the Oracle

ECM Synchronika

K_Bean_Coffee — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 19:06:43 +0000

I was just unpacking an ECM Synchronika and noticed some very creative cut-out shapes in the chassis.

Does anyone want to guess what they are there for? I have no idea...

K Bean - Coffee Machines

why does my coffee machine smell like cheap perfume ?

askthecoffeeguy — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:15:55 +0000

[size=12pt][/size]Ok I bought a second hand (bought 12 months old) sunbeam cafe series espresso machine not long ago to replace my 'old faithful' which blew up unexpectedly after 5 or so years of faithful service

and apart from needing a descale and a good clean Im pleased to say that its in excellent working condition and it has way more steam power than my old em6910 - so thats definitely a bonus!

but man does it stink! and by stink i mean of cheap and nasty perfume which, no matter how many times I wipe it down, it still smells!

Not sure where the smell is coming from exactly and its only now really noticeable if you stick your nose right up against the machine when its switched on and up to temperature

Im actually pretty stumped as to why this is even though it doesnt bother me too much (ok it did really stink when I first got it) but at least it makes good coffee!

Pat