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  • Keep that boiler filled!

    Hi all, after some advice about maintaining boiler capacity for my Lelit Combi. I guess the same processes apply for other single boiler machines like Silvia etc too.

    So I take it the main enemy of the boiler is steam, excess steaming depletes the boiler without refilling. So Ive got a 300ml boiler to play with, so how long can I steam for before taking a break? If I texure milk enough for 2 lattes I take it Ive still got room to play with as far as the boiler is concerned?

    So after steaming, turn on the brew switch which activates the pump and runs water through the group and tops up the boiler - run for how long? The temps up cause the boiler is at steam temp so the water spits and farts through the showerscreen initially, so it needs a decent run?

    Thanks,
    Kahvi

  • #2
    Re: Keep that boiler filled!

    My understanding of single boilers is that when you fill the boiler after steaming you need to.

    1. open steam wand
    2. press brew
    3. wait for solid stream of water to come out steam wand
    4. close wand
    5 wait for water to run out Ghead
    6. turn off brew switch

    = full boiler

    why ?
    = as the steam is drawn from the top of the boiler if water is coming out the wand the boiler has to be full.

    I also choose to do this simple procedure when turning off, and on and after making shots or steaming milk. but i am anal....

    anyone else got different ideas ?

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Keep that boiler filled!

      Originally posted by 5D515855555C300 link=1286891606/1#1 date=1286922356
      My understanding of single boilers is that when you fill the boiler after steaming you need to.

      1. open steam wand
      2. press brew
      3. wait for solid stream of water to come out steam wand
      4. close wand
      5 wait for water to run out Ghead
      6. turn off brew switch

      = full boiler

      why ?
      = as the steam is drawn from the top of the boiler if water is coming out the wand the boiler has to be full.

      I also choose to do this simple procedure when turning off, and on and after making shots or steaming milk. but i am anal....

      anyone else got different ideas ?
      A 300ml boiler does not have 300ml of water

      Lets say 100 - 150 ml max and to allow the space to generate steam and allow steam and not water to be drawn off. Thus an extended steaming session can leave the elements exposed.

      Any small boiler system, will have issues when doing more than one small to med jug at a time....

      Hint. Take it slow and make sure teh boiler is always primed = SAFE and good for element life.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Keep that boiler filled!

        maheel is 100% correct. your lelit should have come with instructions on how to prime your boiler, which is basically what maheel outlines above.

        I ALWAYS do this when i steam milk and the most milk i have ever steamed is enough for 3 very small caps, even then i think i was pushing it.

        I also prime the boiler if someone else has used the machine (i dont trust that other people will be as careful as i am with my baby!)

        you dont really need to do it after pulling a shot, but it is a good way to get the temperature down if you are pulling multiple shots, and it is a good habit to get into.

        I also check the reserve tank before and after making coffee, and especialyl when cleaning as you use a lot of water...

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Keep that boiler filled!

          1. open steam wand
          2. press brew
          3. wait for solid stream of water to come out steam wand
          So the brew switch? not hot water?

          I gather either will do as long as you are displacing steam and pulling water from the tank, through the boiler and into the drip tray.

          Spose Im just surprised at how manual the process is, and the significance of not doing it right.

          I guess the extra fuctionality of a path that fills the boiler on demand is not in the price range of this type of single boiler machine.

          Thanks for the replys anyways - all helps me gain a better understanding


          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Keep that boiler filled!

            you should confirm what switch with someone that knows the Le comb (supplier ?) the best

            the Single boiler i had you could use either (water or brew) and it did the same thing as the steam drew from the top (or very near)

            IMO if you dont open the steam wand the "air" in the top of the boiler will not compress and not allow the water to fill the boiler. open the wand and the water forces most of the air out the steam wand. its just science i was thinking

            hope it makes sense

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Keep that boiler filled!

              Hi Kahvi (or any other Lelit user). I was reading this post and am now confused about how to prime the boiler. Did you ever find out which switch to use. I have been pressing the water switch and opening up the steam knob until water comes out. But now I am not sure if this is right. Is it supposed to be the brew switch and the steam knob? Does anybody know the answer as the instruction book does not say anything about using the brew switch except for making coffee.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Keep that boiler filled!

                Originally posted by 73464D4D5A7C74424A574650230 link=1286891606/6#6 date=1288421035
                Hi Kahvi (or any other Lelit user). I was reading this post and am now confused about how to prime the boiler. Did you ever find out which switch to use. I have been pressing the water switch and opening up the steam knob until water comes out. But now I am not sure if this is right. Is it supposed to be the brew switch and the steam knob? Does anybody know the answer as the instruction book does not say anything about using the brew switch except for making coffee.

                This is the most effective way to prime a boiler Mishky. Do exactly what youre doing [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

                2mcm

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Keep that boiler filled!

                  Thanks for your help 2mcm.

                  Comment

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