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Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

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  • Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

    The more I search the more I get confused but I am now at the stage where I am down to two or three machines for my home needs. The basic criteria is traditional look, volumetric, rotary pump, and something which I will be proud of when in my new home kitchen (later).

    The shortlist includes the Epoca Volumetric 1 Group. This machine needs plumbing in but I am currently a renter and that aint easy with taps in the wall. So, I have a plan which involves a custom made tank feeding the machine until it gets to its home properly plumbed in.

    Can anyone tell me if they have experience and/or advice for using this interim setup? Also, any experiences on the Epoca Volumetric? Other machines I have missed??? (I cant do exposed group heads due to the theme etc of my home kitchen where everything is sleek and modern)

    I am hardly a pro-barista but I grew up with family friends who had a popular coffee roasting business so I have adored coffee since I was a boy. I have self taught myself where friends tell me my coffee is magnificent so time to buy a new machine to replace my old one which lasted well over ten years - so an Epoca is still good value on a yearly basis...

  • #2
    Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

    I would hardly call an epoca a "traditional look" machine, all that plastic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Have a second hand one and have used it off a tank and it works ok, makes good coffee and that is all that matters I suppose. Plenty of other machines in the field that I would think look better (expobar ruggero for example). Good luck with the search.

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    • #3
      Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

      I guess I was told traditional relates to the head not being exposed. So yes I agree there are other machines out there but the combo is hard to find! I loved the idea of the Expobar Megacrem but the fit and finish didnt stack up when I saw one in the metal. Otherwise great gear.

      Perhaps I should have said modern look.

      Is yours an Epoca tanked model or have you set up a separate tank of sorts? Any info on that would be great.

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      • #4
        Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

        Most larger machines with Procon styled vane pumps will pull from a tank even if mounted a few feet below the machine. You will most likely need to adjust the pump relief valve up in pressure (not the 3 way valve) as the input pressure rather than being mains pressure is now nil. Vibe pumps are a bit of a problem but even these can be overcome. Usual filtration requirements apply and depending on how interim the tank is to be even fitting a low water cutout might be a good idea.

        As to machine choice have fun

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        • #5
          Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

          Hey mate,

          I also rent. Have you considered using an existing fitting such as a dishwasher tap (we dont use our dishwasher, so lucky for me), or a laundry fitting?

          Alternatively just ask your landlord if he/she is ok with putting a T-piece into the water lines under your kitchen sink and attaching a tap (cost=10 dollars from bunnings)? You can then run a line and plumb in the machine.

          You probably already thought of this but just incase you didnt.

          Cheers.

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          • #6
            Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

            Separate tank positioned above the machine not a tanked model. Personally I would keep looking at different machines if looks are important but as I said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Also the ruggero is a different look to the megacrem (less stainess and a choice of colours)

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            • #7
              Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

              Well update wise I bought the Epoca and ended up setting up a tank on top of my kitchen cupboards with the line running down the end to the machine. Perfect. The tank is a modded walter filtration setup I got from Bunnings, hence uses ceramic filter. A bit of stuffing around got be the required brass fitting in place of the filter lever tap.

              I setup a drains tank using the original hose, garden hose fittings, and a plastic jerry can, all sitting neatly behind by kitchen bins.

              Life has never been so good. :P

              Machine has been, well, a bit unreliable given two tech visits in three months but none had anything to do with the tank etc. One was a blocked heat exchanger orifice (when brand new), and recently a new control board.

              Since getting it back this time I have had to re-play with settings etc and havent got it perfect but before that the coffee would bring tears to my eyes it was so good. Alas I havent been able to get my fave milk recently but I keep looking. In the meantime my god of mornings has the name Giancarlo - HIT me with that caffeine ;D 8-)

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              • #8
                Re: Rancilio Epoca Volumetric on a Tank?

                Hi Pete:

                I am exactly in the same boat as you were one year ago. It looks you are happy with the your tank setup. I was wondering whether you could provide more info. on the modded tank, the water filtration setup, the filter, and the required brass fitting you used. I would like to copy what you have done to solve this plumbed in to water tank convertion. thank you!

                zz

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