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  • New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

    Saw this in the paper on the weekend. Been on sale in italy for a while,

    its plumbed in, also pour over. 2 LITRE.

    HOT WATER AND SEPERATE STEAM BOILER FOR PERFECT SETTINGS SIO IT SAYS.

    built in grinder and the add said it was rolls royce.

    all stainless etc.

    no details on internals but said it had twin boilers, so im guessing its not too bad.

    but as you see no guages re pressure or anything.

    does anyone know anything about this machine. ???

    Its $3900 australian retail so you would think its pretty flash.

    I googled it and couldnt find much.

    SMEG SCM1


    My friend has always wanted a built in machine but as they were not plumbed he has resisted, he is tempted but i said you need more details. Waiting for SMEG to return the call. Not a good start.

    I must say I like the look of it. Maybe the pressure etc is digital via the display. not sure ??


    it has automated wash program to remove scale build up. Is that a FIRST ??

    any feedback appreciated.

    cheers all


  • #2
    Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

    Dont know anything about the machine, but it mustve been hiding behind the door when good looks were being handed out.

    Sorry, but it looks like a cross between a money safe and a commercial drink dispenser. That plain-jane area on the right is hideous.

    Come to think of it, this SMEG should qualify as the ugliest of all coffee machines.

    The name, too.... the fabricated expletive from the British TV comedy, Red Dwarf.



    Comment


    • #3
      Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

      Just some random thoughts designed to be helpful:

      ".........My friend has always wanted a built in machine but as they were not plumbed he has resisted, he is tempted but i said you need more details...."

      a)

      Plumbing inside a kitchen cupboard is an accident waiting to happen, We always try and talk domestic retail clients out of buying appliances that are plumbed in especially when they are biult in.

      You only need one problem to occur with the connection sometime in the future and you will be replacing your kitchen.

      In additon, most consumers do not realise that you should TURN OFF the water to your appliance after each and every use and only turn it on again at the next use, otherwise you are asking for trouble as above. Trouble is, the stopcock in a situation like that is usually placed in a hard to get place, or has a lot of kitchen stuff placed in front of and on top of and around it, so it is not convenient for the home owner to get down and turn off & on regularly.

      I know of one insurance claim where an inlet pipe to an espresso machine burst overnight...ran all night...and the final insurance claim / payout was for $18,000.00. Yes, 18 THOUSAND dollars.

      In addition there are other technical reasons. Some machines, particularly machines really intended for domestic use with a tank, that are offered with conversion for plumbing, have problems with pressure relief from the pressurised water connection..resulting in copious quantities of waer fklow into undrained drip trays....

      A machine that really is intended to be connected to the water mains SHOULD also be fitted with a proper drain, either from the (invariably tiny) drip tray, or directly out the back of the machine to a suitable connection. If there is no proper drain away from the machine and your kitchen cupboards, forget it.

      Unfortunately, I sincerely doubt that any normal retailer would know about this if asked.

      Please be happy to buy an inbuilt machine with a water tank in the back and forget any idea no matter how well intentioned, of wanting the water connection holy grail.

      b)

      Dont ever buy nuttin that doesnt have a proven track record or - easy - local - access to service backup.


      The easiest way to have an "inbuilt" espresso machine is to buy the machine of your choice, and have the cabinet maker build an "appliance cupboard" around it... You can even fit a plinth upon which the free standing machine can roll out of the appliance cupboard to be used, then rolled back in and away after use.

      There is always more than one way to skin the cat!

      Regardz,
      FC.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

        FC:

        On that basis we should all rip out our inline filtration systems and dishwashers too.

        A lot of people have dishwashers and the like.

        I certainly dont see a problem with plumbed in systems and they are nice to have.

        Small commercial plumbed in espresso machines are IMHO the way to go and are very popular with CS members.

        Remember whether it is a water filtration system, a dishwasher or an espresso machine there is always a potential for something to go wrong but if it is installed correctly I think that the chance for problems are small.

        I think that Smeg is a totally impractical design though. It is one of those machines for a designer kitchen for people who have lots of money and sell the house every five years and get a new one so machine reliability is never a problem.

        If I was choosing a machine for a home, get a nice Reneka Techno dual boiler machine. It is plumbed in too, which is nice to have. Get a nice Rocky doserless to go with it or a Mazzer. Perfect and a much more practical setup regards servicing, access and repair. It probably makes bettter coffee as well.

        Grant

        Grant

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

          I dont see what water filtration has to do with it.

          However some good quality dishwashers have auto shut off valves fitted in the inlet water line just short of where the line is screwed on to the water pressure limiting valve, and the stop cock, so that if a burst pipe does occur, the flow is stopped. Theses auto shut off valves are provided by the manufacturer with the appliance at purchase.

          Many don’t.

          So if the water inlet bursts and you are asleep or have gone out, in most cases, you will call “HELP” after the fact.

          Most clothes washing machines that I know of, don’t have an auto shut off valve fitted in the water inlet.

          No espresso machine that I know of, has an auto shut off valve fitted.

          The client could advise his plumber to fit one if he knew to do this, however as most retail vendors don’t have a clue about any of this, they cant advise the client who in turn could have advised his plumber to fit an auto shut off valve….

          In the last 20 years even I (who knows about these things) have had 3 such water failures that have gone unchecked for a considerable period (say, all night) and caused a of damage. Once on my washing machine at home, once on an ice cream machine at work, and once on an espresso machine at work. IN each case someone had forgotten to turn the water off after use, or had negligently ignored advice to do so. There have been quite a few other occasions that happened at work but ofcourse in that situation the problem was discovered immediately.

          This is all the same advice as given to all our commercial esp machine clients only in their case it just happens to be *more convenient* for them...because they only need to worry about turning the water on to the machine in the morning, and off when they leave at the close of business. Whereas householders should never leave the water on to the machine when they are asleep or not there, ie where an undiscovered burst water line could run for hours.

          The situation inside kitchen cupboards, with flexible and in some cases non professional quality water lines fitted, in sitiuations where there is no proper drain, has already been explained.

          This relevanrt professional information is freely given with good intention.

          Regardz,
          FC.  

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

            Water mains pressure is a big contributing factor to the risk of failure of the inlet connection. With devices like washing machines and dishwasher, its often all or nothing where water is concerned, on or off. If mains pressure is high in your locality, the risk of failure is higher, with these sorts of appliances. A simple solution would be either an auto shutoff valve, as FC described, or a device that reduces in-line mains pressure.

            I dont think Ive seen any first hand, but they should exist.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

              All espresso machine installations that are connected to mains water, should be fitted with a water pressure reduction valve, usually to 350 kPa.

              All washing machine and dishwasher installations, should be fitted with .........ditto"! The fact that many arent, just means the installation was not completed professionally.

              But pressure reduction is not flow reduction...., so you still get a nice lot of damage happening from a reduced pressure connection that bursts with tap fully open (as they usually are).

              Nunu, your esp machine will probably have a funny looking brass fitting fitted to the stopcock, and before the water filter....thats the pressure reduction valve, and it may be shaped a bit like a "T".  

              Regardz,
              FC.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                nunu:

                All the in line water filtration systems, like the one I have for instance, have a pressure limiting valve for added safety. This is fitted standard. The system has a tap on the sink for filtered drinking water and these systems are very common and often put in more upmarket new houses as standard equipment these days.

                NO, they dont recommend that you turn the water off overnight!

                The filtered water supply also supplies the espresso machine.

                I wouldnt recommend people turn off the water supply overnight as it is likely to put the espresso machine pump at risk and these are worth about $600 I think for a Procon pump.

                It is just a matter of relative risk. I think that the risk of a major leak is small whereas the risk of damage to your pump might be quite large.

                These systems are reliable too when installed correctly.

                Grant

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                  No part of an espresso coffee machine can be damaged or placed at risk by having the water and power supply turned off to it.

                  Risk or damage is however caused by operators that dont understand the equipment and dont manage it properly whilst it is turned / switched on, or when the water is turned off but the machine is electrically left switched on...These operators are all called Miss Management.

                  Regardz,
                  FC.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                    Luckily, my machine is currently not plumbed in, so I need not worry about any pressure issues, unless I overfill the reservoir ofc. : However, Our dishwasher is free standing, with castors, so I can move it around the kitchen. I can turn it off and on as I wish simply by plugging it in. The water comes from the tap via tap adaptor, so to control the flow rate/pressure, I can simply turn the tap down.

                    With the built-in sort of appliances, you have very limited access if anything decides to break. While it may look sharp, and flush with the rest of the cabinetry, it has access as a major limitation, and repair costs are often more expensive, due to the accessability, and hence increased labour.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                      FC:

                      No part of an espresso coffee machine can be damaged or placed at risk by having the water and power supply turned off to it.
                      I agree with you on that point.

                      ;D

                      The point is people being people they will forget to turn the water back on in the morning then I would imagine that isnt good for the pump.

                      Anyway, it is an opinion on perceived risk and as such there is no right or wrong answer.

                      I certainly wouldnt turn the water off to my filtration system or machine. It isnt worth the trouble (to me) for the small risk involved and possibly bigger risk of running the pump while dry.

                      Grant

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                        FC brings up an excellent point about the potential for a water leak.

                        In this picture look at the walls on either side of the fridge and below the window in the background. There youll see the exposed lathing from where the plaster had been destroyed and had to be stripped off. The area where the plaster had to be removed extends well beyond the range of this photo.



                        In this one look at the floor and youll see where all the linolium came off/was stripped off.



                        It cost $4,000US just to dry the place out. Replacing the walls, the entire kitchen floor (right down to the joists), multiple cabinets and various small appliances and food stocks will run another $7,000-$8,000US. Add in on top of that another couple of thousand dollars for items destroyed in the basement below the kitchen.

                        $14,000US in damages, all caused by the failure of a 50 cent, 15cm long piece of poly tubing behind the fridge run between the house piping and a filter which broke in the middle of the night and wasnt discovered for multiple hours.

                        Instead of using my usual braided stainless steel hoses I had used a plastic poly tubing. I knew that this tubing usually only lasts for 5 or so years before failing but as this was a temporary set-up until I settled on the final location for things I thought I would be safe using it for a few months. Famous last words.

                        Lesson #1: ALWAYS use braided stainless steel lines instead of the poly ones!!

                        Lesson #2: Use a check-valve no matter how new the piping is or how temporary the setup is going to be!

                        Lesson #3: If your setup allows it turn the water (as well as the device attached to it of course) off when not in use.

                        Java "Water water everywhere, and not a drop to drink." phile
                        Toys! I must have new toys!!!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                          well     the Smeg manual

                          I have been sent the operating manual by SMEG for this machine.

                          They said the machine has 12 month warranty and recommends plumbing in, and is guaranteed against leaks for that 12 months.
                          Smeg store told me thousands of them sold, made in italy, under licence by a major espresso machine manufacturer.

                          i must say its a pretty amazing manual. Better than any I have seen so far.

                          it seems its a manual or semi auto machine,  comes with the steam nozzle so of course the only way.

                          pours a 30 second shot unless you adjust it, and is set at 97 Celcius,   adjustable. Very quick machine warm up time.





                          see page 97 for the main specs         ie  its 1800 watt boilers etc

                          OKAY -THE LINK TO THE SERVICE manual download is as follows-

                          beware its 3.1 MB   but its very thorough.

                          http://www.smegtech.com/site/smeg/pdf_libretti/SCM1-EU.pdf


                          the machine comes on slide out rollers,  more or less it seems like FC  suggest, so it can be slid out easily.

                          Also comes with a key, I must say thats good for safety.  Maybe its a pain. ? others differ?

                          and a light,  well it would look good I think.

                          re- plumbing shut off valves.-


                          I asked a plumber friend re shut off valves, he told me he has given up suggesting them as residential clients always want the cheapest and dont understand or want to pay.  He always suggest them to high rise unit owners and guess what,  9 out of 10 wont pay for this device.

                          like those in the know suggest, they are a great device but most dont care.  

                          My local cafe didnt know where the shut off valve is.  I asked the manager yesterday. He bought the shop lease one year ago and hasnt ever turned off the machine.  Its a large 3 group.

                          anyway if anyone does download the manual please let me know your opinion.

                          I see also even though its $3900 aussie dollars, here, in Europe its on the web for $3000.00 australian.  Or $2300 US   in america.

                          cheers

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                            a post of the suggested set up from SMEG. machine comes to be built in with rollers.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: New SMEG Intergrated Plumbed Machine-picture

                              Mark:

                              Appliances that can result in water damage to your home include, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers,refrigerators with icemakers plumbed in, espresso machines and in line filtration systems and even evaporative coolers mounted on the roof.

                              Yes, there are if you look on internet special valves and sensors which can prevent flooding for all of these appliances.

                              In normal home use no one turns off the water to their washing machines or dishwashers or water filtration units/espresso machines and I would say that there is a small but real risk of flooding with any of these appliances.

                              I think rather than turning the water off and on all the time just periodically inspect the lines to your espresso machine and also ensure that a pressure limiting valve is fitted.

                              Grant

                              Comment

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