So - it's not always the equipment?.
After chatting with my wife about my plans to purchase a new steam pump, clean all the lines out etc - she said 'just buy a new machine'. That was quite unexpected, but much appreciated. She then quickly did a google search for highly recommended semi-auto espresso machines, called the good guys and got them to price match a Barista Express for $650 and within an hour it was in the boot of the car. Unreal!! I mean, I would have probably posted on here, poured over recommendations for weeks and still be undecided what to buy. Kinda glad it was all done so fast. Anyway - after setting up the machine yesterday and wasting a bit of coffee, I made a couple of milk drinks today. Perfect steamed milk, no issue whatsoever.
Still dialing in the new beans, but pretty confident I'll have that nailed soon. Shame it's a 54mm portafilter rather than the 58. Happy to have a new machine to lean and play with, but gotta admit I'm still a bit attached to the 6910. But, it'll be up for sale soon. One thing re the grinder - from what I've read the built in grinder on the Express is 'Ok' - acceptable but hard to make small changes that are often required. Is my exiting Sunbeam EM480 grinder significantly better than the built in one? Was thinking of selling the 6910 with the EM480 but may actually just hang on to the grinder. Anyone got experience of both?
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Em6910 Steam power (video)
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Thanks LeroyC - I've read quite a few threads where a number of users had cleaned/descaled their 6910's including clearing the hole on the tip - which resulted in poorer steam. I noticed one suggested to stick a paper clip in the tip to reduce the size of the opening, which I might just try! Anyway, I'm leaning toward getting a replacement pump and fitting it, but before I do, is there any way to identify if it's actually the thermoblock that's a bit clogged? Is there anything else that can go wrong with the block? I've done plenty of descaling, including running it through the steam pump and block - and never seen any gunk come out. I'm in Melbourne and can pick up a pump for about $60 AUD. There was a local guy that I bought a 6910 from who bought/repaired/sold all sorts of coffee machines, wish I could remember his name or contact details. Anyone in Melbourne know a good place for spares/repairs?!Originally posted by LeroyC View PostYeah that steam pump doesn’t sound right. It should be pulsing with a regular rhythm which it doesn’t seem to be. There’s two main issues that can occur with the steam system on the 6910 - 1. A blockage from scale or some other gunk. This is usually in the thermoblock but can be anywhere in the system. 2. Pump failure. When there’s a blockage the pump usually struggles to run and can sound muffled. It can also be irregular while it tries to push water through, but it’s mostly the muffled sound that’s the clue. And a full blockage will stop it from running altogether. Your pump sounds like it’s running at full volume, but just not with that nice regular rhythm you’d expect so my guess is that the pump is the problem.
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Yeah that steam pump doesn’t sound right. It should be pulsing with a regular rhythm which it doesn’t seem to be. There’s two main issues that can occur with the steam system on the 6910 - 1. A blockage from scale or some other gunk. This is usually in the thermoblock but can be anywhere in the system. 2. Pump failure. When there’s a blockage the pump usually struggles to run and can sound muffled. It can also be irregular while it tries to push water through, but it’s mostly the muffled sound that’s the clue. And a full blockage will stop it from running altogether. Your pump sounds like it’s running at full volume, but just not with that nice regular rhythm you’d expect so my guess is that the pump is the problem.
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Ok, so not much response so far, but here's the results after running through with Vinegar solution, then 2 runs of descale solution. Should note that the fluid coming out looks really quite clean, no sign of gunk. I don't think the pump is working correctly, in that there doesn't seem to be enough grunt to push sufficient water to the thermoblock to convert to a steady stream of steam.
Would like to hear your thoughts, especially if you know what a pump should sound like and the rate that it should be outputting water.
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Em6910 Steam power (video)
My milk steaming skills seem to have evaporated! In the past I've been able to get decent steamed milk but had really cut back on milk drinks over the past few months so haven't used the steam want much at all. Just got some fresh beans and scales and getting back into both espresso and milk drinks.
Couple weeks ago I did a full system clean using the sunbeam descaling tablet, followed by the cleaning tablet in the portafilter. Fully flushed everything. So now, getting back to steaming milk and there seems to be very little power, hardly enough to get the milk swirling. Steam temp +10, tried wetter and dryer settings but still unable to steam, basically just getting hot milk. Yesterday I ran some vinegar solution through the system and opened the steam and hot water outlets. (reduced steam temp etc) Ran steam on and off for an hour. Definitely seemed to improve the steam power, but really struggling to steam correctly.
'm open to the idea that I may have to re-learn the skill, but I wanted to get you guys thoughts on the steam output from the video I've linked to. I've read about how the steam should be, but never sure if my machine was producing correctly. I've read about some issues with the steam not being a continuous flow, with the pump surging. Would love to hear your thoughts on what you can see (and hear) in the video. I'm back to +10 and -0.1 settings. Oh, and bog standard full cream supermarket milk.
Appreciate your insights!

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