Izzo Alex Duetto II discussion thread

[TC]

Hi Pete,

We're a VST free zone so I can't be 100% certain. That's said, none of our other triples fit, so I'd doubt it.

Cheers

Chris

[Pete39]

Thanks Chris - I remember that you are VST free and I haven't fully decided to get one yet. Am keeping your EP HQ baskets in mind, just exploring the possibilities. Borrowed an 18g VST from a local cafe here not long after I got the Duetto and got lots of nice pours, but nothing amazing flavor-wise. The wheels continue to turn ...

Pete

[CoffeeBloke]

The 20g just fits

[Pete39]

Thanks CB. That's the answer I was getting from the measurements I could find, but it was pretty close!!

Do you use the 20g? What dose do you find is good?

Pete

[CoffeeBloke]

Sure do! Within 18 to 22 is fine in the cup but I find with my duetto the bigger doses flow more consistently to time and the puck is dry on completion. I normally use the 20g either for two medium strength small lattes or a short macchiato pulled as ristreto and it is brilliant. Like the rest of the VST threads on this site, I do agree that they're very sensitive to technique but the flavour is better than the stock duetto baskets in my humble opinion and when used with a fitted tamper, they're easy and consistent. I also find my 20g VST easier to use than my 14g if that helps.

[bigbully]

20g perfect in the duetto.

[Pete39]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

Pete

[Ausnadian]

I am having issues with the low water alarm, I take it that it is a light sensor that when covered by the little white level marker sets off the alarm. I just recently did maintenance on the machine and removed the water tank to clean, since putting it back in the low water alarm isn't working (I know the switch at the front and have never touched it to make the alarm sound) and then it has issues sucking water into the boilers, which letting them cool a bit seems to resolve.
Does this makes sense, I have tried a number of things like pulling out the water level marker and putting it back in, but so far to no avail. Any one else had issues like this they could fix?

[Ausnadian]

Just had a revelation, <face palm>, I put my finger over the low water sensor to cover it completely with the tank out of the way, and no alarm went off, so I guess I have a dead sensor!

[SurfingAndy]

Hi All,

I am having a great time with my Alex Duetto II. Love the machine.

1. I think my boiler pressure has fallen over the first month or so. I recall it being close to 1.5 max when I first got this machine, but currently it is maxing at about 1.2. How do I increase this (and will it help with my microfoam?!)

2. Second, when doing cleaning the grouphead using the blind puck. I notice that the flush is not coming out at driptray - like it says it should in the manual. Rather, the pressure appears to build and there is a serious amount of suction building in the grouphead. It makes it reasonably difficult to take out the portafilter, and normally results in the detergenty water and coffee granules exploding over the machine. This cannot be right, but I am following the instructions to the letter. So help would be appreciated. Also - how often do you recommend cleaning (using for around 4 coffees daily). How often do you recommend a complete descale?

3. What else have I noticed? I never used to use single shot pucks, but have started recently. Seems to require a much coarser grind than the double-shot. Is this expected?

4. Do the Duetto users here find they get better results by starting to stretch the milk using only a "slightly opened" steam wand (e.g. 1/8th turn), or starting on max? I have regularly seen both in all sorts of tutorials, and am yet to find my way!

Thanks for any tips (especially about the cleaning, before I knacker this nice piece of kit!),

Andy.

[TC]

Hi Andy,

You can increase the temperature of the steam boiler to 126 deg if you need to. Start with dry steam and enough pressure to force a whirlpool.

Re pressure issues on backflush, this is not normal. Please have your machine checked as the exhaust valve may require a clean.

Cheers

Chris

[CAELBLUE1]

1. My steam pressure sits on 1.25 and then drops as I run it. 1.25 bar at 123 degrees.
2. Using the blind I run the group head for a fairly decent time before I shut it off. If I don't run it long enough then I fail to get any sizeable blow through the outlet and into the tray. Try running the group head a bit longer maybe.
3. I never use the single portafilter so can't comment.
4. Stretching milk I start with a small open of the steam and then increase as I found it easier to control microform development.

Chris will provide better advice but thought I would share my experiences.

[scottydog]

Well I have solved my steam troubles. As Chris has mentioned at least once before (in the Izzo Duetto Wet Steam problem thread) - an oring had become dislodged and was blocking the wand - at the top end. I took the wand off and had a poke around with a needle.

The o-ring looked pretty sorry for itself. Also - two other random blobs of vitron was also blocking the o-ring (hopefully there is no more). I have no idea where these came from - they certainly appear to be a somewhat uneven shape - so I imagine they are just rubbish.

I have attached a pic so you can all see why my steam appeared no more than a wimper. I was starting to get a little frustrated with the steam being pretty pathetic - not to mention soundling like a turbo engine... now we know why!

[kenwahoo]

Whilst I am happy with my Alex I do wish that the power switches were at the front. Not all of us can site the machine and still access the switches at the side rear. In v 3 the leds have been reduced in size. Now it would have been great if Izzo had combined the power switches with the leds in the front by using led switch buttons.

[Pete39]

Whilst I am happy with my Alex I do wish that the power switches were at the front. Not all of us can site the machine and still access the switches at the side rear. In v 3 the leds have been reduced in size. Now it would have been great if Izzo had combined the power switches with the leds in the front by using led switch buttons.

Couldn't agree more. Mine's out of warranty now and I'm looking at putting switches on the front panel. Just got to get one of those round tuits.

Pete