Bezzera two group B2000,information needed,please...one and all.

mulquemi

Dear Lovers of coffee and coffee making processes,
I'm in the progress of setting up another Bezzera coffee machine is our staff room at my work (school),things have gone well with a single group Bezzera and I also have a Boeme single group set up as well together with a small Saeco auto (for people who can't be bothered with the coffee handling.)
This latest Bezzera two group unit was acquired from the big E (online),at less the $100,which was fine,no group handles though I have them now.
The problem is upon inspection for confirmation everything was good to go (before connection & energising)I noticed there was no water level controller!!!! What a bugger,well obviously was a problem for it's previous owner and the machines been made redundant and not bothered with (not sure why as they are great Italian engineering).
This leads me to the point of my posting,I need another controller and I can't justify a $300 replacement controller,just hoping some kind person has a functional /second hand unit laying about in the box of bits & pieces I could have ?
Happy to pay a reasonable postage cost + something for your efforts.
The Beoma will leave to it's owner soon and I wish to have the two operational Bezzera's and the small Saeco do the coffee thing for all our lovely and dedicated staff deserve.
What do you think ,do I have any hope  "or am I dreaming".
Cheers,
Mick.
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mycuppa

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that I think you might be dreaming. That model machine is a particularly rare find (but not valuable rare) and in my opinion not worth restoration unless it was for a personal project........by the time you are finished it will have cost you almost as much as a machine half it's age. The controller I think from memory may be similar to other models around that vintage, but the machine itself like other brands of that era is likely to suffer more on-going problems........namely those touch-pads. I would really be surprised if anyone has such a part and if they do, they are unlikely to give it away for much less than it's collectible value - else why bother holding onto something. These days of increased pressure on business and general lack of space (real estate is expensive), nobody can really afford to store bits & pieces - so you find places just throw stuff out if it not likely to be used in the short term.......and who can afford to pay for staff spending hours foraging through messy piles of used bits and pieces.

Brett H

Spot on Jeff and moreover thank you for sharing your hard-won knowledge!  There is a brilliant tech here in Brisbane restoring a couple of old machines and he re-builds many of the damaged electronics in them because replacements aren't 'off the shelf' or in common supply.  In your case sadly you've nothing to start with in the first place.  Good luck mate.

FreshCoffee2

On first thought I would have to agree with Jeff. It is likely you will throw good money after bad. I wouldn't be purchasing a new controller for it, and I would also not be wasting money on any used controller because you have no idea if it will work or how long it will last. Note that in the workshop, we always advise people that bring in non functioning equipment, that the initial quote is only on stuff that is obvious and because the equipment is non functional, that once the machine is rectified per quote to get it functional, that more rectifications and cost may come to light at that point..... On second thought and to take a complete 180 on this....seriously you paid so little for the machine that even at your stated new price for the controller, its a bargain, so I honestly dont know why you wouldnt want to pay new price for it (the controller) especially if that is all that is required at this point to make the machine functional. Up to you, and eyes wide open. Sorry couldnt be more help.

mulquemi

Hello all, Thank you one and all for your input,and I fully accept your opinions,as people in the trade your attitude must embrace logical sequences with respect to your own labour verses the risk of further problems with these types of aged machines. I am fortunately able to operate outside your fundamentals and principles as demonstrated by five (5) used / older machines I have already rebuilt ,all are happily providing great coffee to similar groups of people I'm aiming at with this double group bezzera,different mindset however it can work,my risks are very low ( benefits far outweigh my risks). I will continue to seek suitable replacement water level controller for my Bezzera to live again,anyone with a few odd ones are welcome to assist. Thank you for your advice and support. Cheers, Mick.

FreshCoffee2

on 1444627465:

...Thank you one and all for your input,and I fully accept your opinions,as people in the trade your attitude must embrace logical sequences with respect to your own labour verses the risk of further problems with these types of aged machines..... I am fortunately able to operate outside your fundamentals and principles.... Thank you for your advice and support.....

Well stated....what does not work in commercial circumstances may well work as a private project  And that makes my *second thought* even more relevant. Not trying to be difficult but you paid so little for the machine, that $300.00 for a new auto fill box (if that is all that is required) is absolutely insignificant in terms of the *value* that a functioning 2 group machine can give....in my own personal opinion. I would not touch a used replacement part of this type (commercial or private project circumstance).  Hope it works out for you.

mulquemi

Fresh Coffee, Great title,I like it! Thanks for your instinctive advice,yes a now controller will be the way to go,may as well have a young brain in an older body! I will contact the sponsoring companies and see what they can make available. Cheer's Mick.

FreshCoffee2

Thanks. For that machine, I would advise you to cut straight to the Bezzera importer and seek their advice. Another thought which I think needs to be said. You dont know if the timers work, and I dont see over ride toggle switches next to the groups. Ergo, you could be in a pickle if you buy the controller, then find one or both timers are u/s....unless you know how to rig up over rides... I guess you have that possible scenario in mind...

mulquemi

Hello again, Yes ,have considered a number of probabilities with the touch pads,if all goes pear shape I will have some very reasonably priced spare parts for my operational single group Bezzera!(Hoping for the best while planning for the worst!). I'm thinking positively however,once controller is in position all or some of these things may present and I will tackle them if and as they occur. I'm comfortable with however things go,it's an enjoyable activity pottering with coffee related equipment and knowing if all hell should happen,I have a few other coffee making machines that will carry me safely along.Thanks again for your advice. Cheers, Mick.

mulquemi

Dear Coffee Lovers, Sadly this project has come to a stand still! Consider this a good buy of spare parts for the single group bezzera,how lucky I am! Thanks for your support and advice. Cheers, Mick