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Coffee Machine Gripes

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  • Schaerer
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    La Cimbali M30 bistro dt1
    I have the same problem as the junior off Tim, and this is a problem all cimbali’s have
    A locking vacuum valve. It’s not a big problem, and cimbai tried to fix this by using another vacuum valve but that one was worse than the first, and kept leaking. Turn open the steam tap is indeed the best and quickest solution.

    Also the pressure discharge pipe is a bit sh*tty, it works well if you point it well to the drip tray,
    But if you use the cleaning detergent, the foam will overflow the backside of the drip tray, and the detergent will leak in the machine.

    Further, there was a element relay built in what gave a big “klick” when the machine had to heat the water. (Every 4 1/2 minute or so) I removed it and build in solid-state relays (they shift without sound)
    And I also took the 24 v vibration pump out and replaced it for a 220v procon rotation pump.
    The machine is quiet now.

    Leave a comment:


  • towe0609
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Was reading this old thread and think it is a good way to get to the real issues with equipment - not just rehashed sales spin ...

    Nuova Simonelli Oscar

    Gripes -
    1. Have to open steam up everytime you turn on or she doesnt come up to temp properly - a minor issue really.
    2. The drip tray has to be tilted up to remove, leading to spillages if really full. It is not that easy to clean either (sharp corners you cant get into, difficult to remove grill etc)
    3. Front 2 screws attaching the casing attach to the plastic casing around the group, rather than the frame - build quality issue
    4. I find that you have to turn the steam knob too many times to crank her fully open (not sure how this compares to other machines)
    5. I find she jumps around on the bench a little, particularly if updosing, requiring two hands to lock in the portafilter. Again have not used other machines to compare - just my experience.
    6. The switches (the brew switch being the most important) are a bit crappy - the push button variety. You get used to them, but they could be better.

    Im soon to get a Giotto (Oscar is off to work), so am looking forward to experiencing the differences between the top and bottom of the Hx range.

    Tim

    Leave a comment:


  • smoky
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Sunbeam Cafe Series 6900:

    1. Could have stronger steam
    2. Could have standard PF
    3. Not really a gripe as such, but warming tray could warm a lot better

    Otherwise, a good entry level machine that has both steam and pour facilities at one time a lot around this price bracket dont, and have had comment after comment from freinds who have been treated to my home grown beans and brew with this machine have come back for more often enough, and pay good homage to my coffee. Dont usually brag, but gee, if it has been proven, why not :

    Leave a comment:


  • COFFEECHASER
    Guest replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    As an Expobar owner I would agree with what other Expobar owners have already stated.

    Mine is the Semi-auto office model.

    1) No water level indicator

    2) Have to lift cup warmer to check and fill the water reservoir

    3) Rubber pads on feet split and fall off when you move it

    4) Showerscreen sits fairly low which requires a dosing adjustment

    5) Primitive photocopied manual

    So no huge issues but things I have noted along the way. Still love the machine though.

    Leave a comment:


  • fatboy_1999
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Expobar Minore II

    As with many other machines - some way of knowing the water level without having to wait for the cutout or lift cup warmer and look would be good.

    Manual it comes with is photocopied and very basic indeed. Seems strange to put that much effort into making a great machine and then just chucking together instructions (perhaps its just the English instructions since it is a Spanish machine).

    The lever could be a fraction more to the right. I sometimes feel the right cup during a double pour is too close. IE: Cant always return lever to down position without clipping the cup. Not a big deal, but I notice it.

    Pretty much love everything else.

    Leave a comment:


  • Billi
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Ok, adding to the gripes about Silvia:-
    1. Rubber feet are stick on, or in my case fall off. Should be more securely attached.
    2. Factory Q.C. leaves a lot to be desired. Crap left in the boiler to bung up the 3 way.
    3. Better manual, with link to Coffee Snobs [smiley=wink.gif]
    4. A tamper that fits the machine.


    Bruce

    Leave a comment:


  • robusto
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Originally posted by scoota gal link=1167630604/0#10 date=1167683110


    Originally posted by robusto link=1167630604/0#0 date=1167630604
    -A little more room for pitcher under the steam wand would be appreciated.

    Do you not have your Silvia on the nemox tray, Robusto? I find that it gives the machine a better height and heaps of room for the jug.

    Sorry to be so long replying, Scootagirl --Ive been away. I sit the machine on an attractive wooden board on rubber feet,  which helps. But otherwise its  a problem.

    --Robusto


    Leave a comment:


  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    ECM Giotto premium.
    The only real gripe Ive got with the Giotto is the drip tray.
    1. The tray holds about 1 litre of water, but in reality youd only let it get under half full before empyting it, otherwise youll have water everywhere when you take the tray out. (See point 2)
    2. There are 2 little bits of rubber in the drip tray tray with an unknown purpose in life (possibly noise dampeners??) These little rubber bits grab at the tray when youre trying to remove it, increasing the risk of a spill. Another reason to have to empty it well before its full  
    Ive removed these rubber thingys which has made the tray removal easier, but theres a bit more noise, possibly the drip tray rattling when the pump is going.
    The upside to the tray is the reversible grid, which allows tall glasses to be placed under the pf.
    A very minor whinge would be the lack of a low water warning light or level indicator, the machine shuts off when the water gets low. (Ive been caught once or twice with that feature whilst steaming milk )  Mental note, check water tank more often.
    Apart from those small things, Im very happy with it.

    Leave a comment:


  • heretic
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Originally posted by ozscott link=1167630604/0#11 date=1167693925
    Try levelling the machine Heretic - it never happened to me, but someone on this site had that problem once and corrected it by levellling - the front feet are the levellers - you turn them and they go up and down.
    ill give it a try, but ive heard its a known problem with the machine. plus, we have to move it each time we use it so its unlikely to be level each time.

    Leave a comment:


  • tim
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    LaCimbali Junior S1:
    I love my Junior but it does posess a few "idiosyncrasies":

    - Drip tray is too small (this machine is the vibe-pump tank version) requiring frequent emptying unless you plumb it in.

    - Spouts on dual-spout PF are set far apart which is fine unless you want to pour a doppio in which case you need to lift the glass up a little to aviod spillage. (most times I just use the bottomless I had made so its not that much of a big deal).

    - Its a fairly hot bugger so needs quite a big cooling flush (I havent lifted the hood to see if I can tune this a bit).

    - No water level indicator window (although it does have a water level sensor that halts operation and lights up an alert until you refill).

    - I have the machine on a timer for 4:40 AM and sometimes (very rarely) the vacuum valve locks open meaning that the machine will not build pressure (consequently the element stays switched off). All it takes is to open the steam tap and purge, then all is back to normal. Apparently this is common in Juniors and other machines: a minor niggle as it happens maybe once every few months.

    But Ive tried a fair few machines and I wouldnt swap it for anything else (Okay, maybe an LM if I had the kitchen space and money!)

    Tim

    Leave a comment:


  • ozscott
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Try levelling the machine Heretic - it never happened to me, but someone on this site had that problem once and corrected it by levellling - the front feet are the levellers - you turn them and they go up and down.

    Cheers

    Leave a comment:


  • scoota_gal
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Originally posted by robusto link=1167630604/0#0 date=1167630604
    Thinking....thinking...
    Wondered what that noise was! :P ;D



    Originally posted by robusto link=1167630604/0#0 date=1167630604
    -A little more room for pitcher under the steam wand would be appreciated.

    Do you not have your Silvia on the nemox tray, Robusto? I find that it gives the machine a better height and heaps of room for the jug.

    Leave a comment:


  • heretic
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Sunbeam EM6900

    - Make it easier to remove that silly plastic thing from the portafilter
    - Standard size portafilters (I would have thought sticking to standards would be a no-brainer)
    - Change the drip tray so it catches pressure overflow properly instead of forming a pool under the drip tray.
    - I find the steam knob position to be awkward - its on the side where youre already trying to hold the jug. I dont have two left hands! Same for the hot water wand.
    - Some of the plastic parts (especially on the drip tray) seem to have melted/perished and have unsightly bubbles
    - The instructions! Theyre crap - incomplete, unclear and flat-out inaccurate in places.

    Weve found that the pressure gauge is a bit conservative - the coffee we like is deemed "over extracted" by the gauge (same as http://www.coffeeco.com.au/articles/sunbeam.html).

    Herself would change the shape of the steam wand so the end matches professional machines. She also finds the position/movement of the wand a bit awkward and would like the plastic cover to be bigger so theres more to grab. Shed also like to change the noise - its really loud!

    Its worth noting that were happy with the machine and get some good results. It just needs some things sorted out.

    Leave a comment:


  • nunu
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    San Marino CKX:

    Cons:

    1. Runs extremely hot when pressurestat is adjusted slightly higher. Easy rememdy is to tune it back a bit. (500ml flushes vs. about 50-60ml)

    2. Bend in steam arm makes frothing milk in jugs bigger than 600ml very difficult. Angle of bend also puts the tip a bit too close to the drip tray, making frothing in any jug a bit difficult.

    3. Pressure gauge is suspect. Mine has failed, despite attempts to fix it. I first noticed the pressure read lower and lower, now the needle doesnt even move.

    4. Height from grouphead to drip tray is fairly short. I use tallish glasses for lattes, and you have to angle them, making pulling shots a bit difficult.

    Pros:

    1. Can be either plumbed in or use water reservoir. I only use the reservoir, the plumbing in our place isnt the best.

    2. Simple, semi-auto machine. Not a whole lot of electronics to go bad.

    3. Drip tray drain. You can choose to remove the drip tray each time you use the machine, or hook a hose up and let it drain out into the sink. Much easier to keep clean by flushing the tray.


    Im pretty satisfied with the machine. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles that newer HX machines have. Its not plagued with the serious problems that earlier models had. It does have its little niggles that you need to work around, but it produces great coffee, and thats all that matters.

    Leave a comment:


  • lucinda
    replied
    Re: Coffee Machine Gripes

    Gaggia Classic

    - a decent steam wand.
    - A bigger space between the pf and the base for glasses to fit under .
    - a decent pf handle that doesnt break so easily.
    - a hunky Italian barista to go with it (with cahunas).

    Leave a comment:

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