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Philadelphia Inquirer
San Diego Transcript

Direct Water Connect Model

Instruction Manual

Corrections to descaling your machine

Vibiemme (pronounced "veeb*ee*m*may") Espresso Machines Center

Overview:

Super Best in Class! or in other words! Creme de la Creme! There are many reasons why these are the best blurbs for the Vibiemme line of Domobars Super. Although 'domobar' literally translates into 'home bar', 'super' was added because this model has 'on demand' steam functionality and because of the super reliability and super components inside.

The main reason we classify the Vibiemme line up as Super Best in Class is because of reliability. 1st-line has carried the line for a little over a year. With well over 200 units sold in the first year (sorry, we have to be conservative in promoting 'units sold' to prevent our competition from raising their eyebrows), our track records show that Vibeimme has the lowest percentage defect rate for our customers in the first year compared to all other machines we carried in the first year. Our major problems with this line in the first year were mostly attributable to damages from mishandling by our friends at UPS and FedEx. However, thse have been resolved with a newer style packaging and removal of the feet during shipping. The few problems we did have (three heating elements, one brew pressure gauge, and four sticky vacuum breakers due to limescale) were all handled by each customer with replacement parts so that these heavy units would not have to be shipped. In fact, our inhouse technicians keep asking when the first unit will come in for repair.

The second reason that makes Vibiemme a Super Best in Class is the design and components selection on the inside and outside of the machine. Some of these actually have not only added to the reliability factor, but also to the cup quality of the espresso. Although the very first Vibiemme Domobar Super was sold to a Director of the Late Show with David Letterman and we wanted to do a Top 10 List, we ended up with a whopping Top 16 superior design and superior component selection list as detailed below:

1. True Faema E61 grouphead - Vibiemme, in the early '70s, became the offspring of Faema. Several employees left Faema to start Vibiemme S.r.L. and at the same time, they co-owned the patent to the Faema E61 grouphead. Up until we started to carry Vibiemme, we always believed all similar machines had a true Faema E61 grouphead. Were we wrong! When you compare the groupheads of a Vibiemme Domobar Super and a similar E61 espresso machine, you will automatically in person notice the grouphead differences. According to Vibiemme, the Domobar Super's grouphead weighs about 9 pounds while comparable E61 machines weigh in at 7-7.5 pounds. Futhermore, E61 groupheads made in Spain typically range in 6.0-6.5 pounds. Less metal usually means lower cost and hence, lower price. The decision for the greater thermal mass of the Vibiemme grouphead adds to the temperature stability at the grouphead, which typically results in a superior cup quality of espresso more often.
   
2. Larger boiler - The massive 1.8 liter boiler is the largest you will find in this class of semi-commercial reservoir only espresso machines. The larger boiler not only adds to the temprature stability of the grouphead, but also offers a greater amount of steaming capacity for larger home parties and the office environment. Remember, super! Also, since this machine has a larger boiler, it does require full-size commercial grade steam and hot water wands. Some customers have asked for the 'no burn' steam wands found on other machines. The unfortunate part is that the teflon/vinyl hose placed in the 'no burn' steam wands would restrict the flow of steam from such a larger boiler. This would be a detrimental side effect while entertaining at home or in an office environment. In other words, the teflon/vinyl hose inside the steam wand is like placing a speed restrictor on a Ferrari. Finally with regards to the boiler, it is supported to the bottom portion of the frame with a bracket.
3. Wider diameter tubing to and from the heat exchanger - Once you open the cover of Domobar Super, it can take a while to find out what makes this espresso machine super. It took us a while to figure out that the tubing from the grouphead to the heat exchanger and back is a whopping 12mm outside diameter (10mm by 12mm on the curved bends). This diamter size is what you find on commercial machines placed in coffee shops and other foodservice establishments. This wider diameter tubing allows the heat exchange system to hold more water for improved temperature stability and increased flow of water in the heat exchange system. There is one manufacturer (which we no longer carry) of espresso machines that have 6mm-6.5mm outside diameter tubing, and on these machines, we have have experienced multiple issues with limescale buildup at the tubing that enters the grouphead. All other espresso machines we carry in this class have at least 7mm outside diameter tubing and no problems, so far, with limescale ruining the fittings.
   
4. Three stage power switch - In ALL other machines in the semi-commercial class (except for Pasquini, Bezzera, and Fiorenzato due to a different technology), we have seen heating element damage upon initial start up by the customer. The reason is that the boiler (which is dry upon start up) does not fill up fast enough upon initial start up. The result is that the heating element melts and becomes damaged due to this lack of sufficient water in the boiler. The Vibiemme houses a three stage power switch: off, stage one, stage two. Upon start up, the power switch of the Vibiemme Domobar Super is placed into stage one. This is where the Domobar Super espresso machine gets power to fill the internal boiler with water EXCEPT the heating element does not receive any power. hence, it can not melt down. Once the machine has filled the internal boiler, the power switch on the Domobar Super can be placed into stage two so it can deliver power to the heating element.
   
5. Microswitch under water reservoir - The staff at 1st-line are firm believers of quality microswitches underneath the water reservoir. The purpose of the microswitch is stop the heating element from damage when the water reservoir is close to empty. We believe in the microswitch because when it fails, it usually stops any additional internal damage from occurring. In the category of semi-commercial espresso machines, we do not believe magnetic floats for the water level in the water reservoir are a good choice. We have experience with magnetic float sensors in superautomatic (grind, measure, tamp, extract) machines made by Spidem, Capresso, Saeco, and Solis. In these cases, we have seen floats stick near the top of their range due to limescale build up in the water reservoir. Second, we have seen floats fail to float more often than microswitches fail. In superautomatics, a failing magnetic float will not not cause heating element damage.
   
   In the semi-commercial espresso machine class, a sticky magnetic float can cause damage, mainly to the heating element. If the float sticks in the up position due to limescale, the machine believes there is enough water in the reservoir. However, if there is really not enough water in the outside reservoir and the boiler needs water to keep the heating element submerged in water, the boiler's internal heating element will damage due to a lack of water.
   
   The Vibiemme Domobar Super line does not require a thermal sensor on the pump. The purpose of a pump thermal sensor is that in case a magnetic float fails, it will prevent the pump from a meltdown. However, the heating element will still damage.
   
   The bottomline is that microswitches do work the best, and the Vibiemme Domobar Super has the most industrial microswitch we have seen to date in semi-commercial machines. Some people will complain they fail, and this is true when you pour water on a microswitch. So, do not get water on them.
   
6. Full size Parker pressurstat and its access port - Many semi-commercial espresso machines (except for some unknown reason Fiorenzato's Bricoletta line) suffer from one common ailment - the pressurstat, otherwise known as the pressure regulator of boiler pressure. The main reason for these pre-mature failures is the small size of these presurstats found in semi-commercial machines. Since they are smaller in size, they have smaller diaphragms which fail faster and they have much smaller microswitches which build up carbon faster. These pressurstats are namely Mater, CEME, and Jaeger. The main reason why these small presurstats are used is because of the smaller casing used to make semi-commercial espresso machines fit into your home or small office. Although these smaller pressurstats are easy to replace and are fairly cheap compared to the price of the espresso machine, changing them is a hassle. If you noticed in the beginning of this paragraph, Fiorenzato Bricolettas do not suffer this problem, but we can not figure out why.
   
   One of the reasons why the Vibiemme Domobar Super is larger in size compared to other espresso machines in this class is because it houses the full size Parker pressurstat (similar to Sirai) that is found on the much larger commercial machines seen at your local coffee bar, restaurant, or other favorite eatery. So far, we have yet to replace the pressurstats on any Vibiemme Domobar Super espresso machine. In fact, with the largest boiler in its class, a full size pressurstat is most apropriate. It is also well positioned near the top of the machine so that you can remove the black port hole cover to change boiler pressure settings without removing the body panels or top cover off.
   
7. Brain unit (auto boiler refill relay) placement - When we met Vibiemme for the first time in October of 2005, we advised Vibiemme that they needed to move the brain unit farthest away from the boiler and at the lowest position possible inside. The brain unit usually consists of two computer boards covered on 5 sides with a sealed plastic housing, and the last thing these boards want to feel is heat from the boiler. Per our request, the brain unit was moved to below the water reservoir in the rear right hand corner. This position has the least amount of heat as heat travels upward. And, even if you accidentally spilled water while pouring water in the water reservoir, the electrical connections are facing downwards so the chance of water contact is almost impossible. To note, the Vibiemme line utilizes the best brain unit in the espresso machine business - GICAR.
   
8. UL Commercial Tested - Underwriters Laboratories (a.k.a. UL) tests products for public safety. Although 1st-line, like other distributors and importers, make recommendations to manufacturers, no distributor or importer has the testing facilities or technical expertise of stringent tests to certify product safety like UL or ETL for the United States marketplace. Both of these testing organizations typically visit the manufacturer every three months to check that the proper components and even raw materials are being utilized for your product safety. The Vibiemme Domobar Supers have acquired a UL Commercial listing so that these machines can also be placed into the office environment. Please note the Vibeimme Domobar Super does not have any NSF ratings required for commercial foodservice establishments as this listing has not been applied for by Vibiemme. The business reason is that foodservice establishments should have a direct connection to the water line for non-stop operation.
   
9. Pump Position - One of the most common complaints prior to 1st-line distributing Vibiemme Domobar Super espresso machines was that the pump was very noisy. This problem has been resolved prior to our shipments since we request that Vibiemme reposition the pump slightly to the back and away from the boiler. There were incidences in the past on these machines outside the United States that the pump was touching the boiler.
   
10. Extension for three way solenoid valve - The three way solenoid valve relieves the water pressure inthe grouphead and portafilter when the espresso extration is terminated. In out initial prototypes, we found excessive splashing from this valve over the drip tray. We asked Vibiemme to add an extension to remove all splashing, and they delivered on this request with the very first units.
    
11. Drip tray screen - On the initial prototypes, we found the width of the screen to be on the smaller side. Upon our request, Vibiemme has delivered the units with a larger screen on the drip tray covers.
    
12. New feet - All Vibiemme models have been upgraded with elegantly appointed feet with rubber bottoms.
    
13. Placement of two pressure gauges - Most machines only have one boiler pressure gauge. The Vibiemme Domobar Super has a second gauge which provides the brew pressure reading during the extraction. Although we do not consider the brew pressure gauge as 'extremely' important, we do consider the placement of these two gauges near the top on an angle of the Vibiemme Domobar Super to be important for easy reading by the user. The reason why the brew pressure gauge is not 'extremely' important is that
    1. it can mislead the user to believe that 8-9 bar will produce the best tasting espresso (yes, you can get bad espreso at 8-9 bar)
    2. a superior indicator for a good espresso is the shot timing, the visual of the pour, and ultimately the taste.
       
14. Insulation Placement - The current manual and electronic versions of the Vibiemme Domobar Super include insulation on the inside of the wall between the water reservoir and internal boiler. After much discussion with Vibiemme in Milan, Italy, both companies decided to go this route of insulation for a few reasons:
    1. Insulating the boiler would disrupt the natural airflow inside the espresso machine. With an un-insulated boiler, heat will rise normally upwards not only to pre-heat the cups, but at the same time create an upward draft to keep the bottom portion, where the electrical components located, cooler. When the boiler is insulated, less draft is created inside, heat build up increases due to more stagnant airflow. This will ultimately affect the electrical components, such as the smaller pressurstats and brain units (especially when located very close to the boiler).
    2. Even with the boiler walls insulated, the stagnation of heat will still affect the water reservoir, and
    3. For boiler insulation to become completely effective in not allowing heat build up against the reservoir, all the tubing inside should be insulated and n electrical cup warming plate should be added. If insulation is added to the wall between the reservoir and boiler, this will only increase the temperature of the stagnated airflow.
       
    These are the reasons why many manufacturers do not insulate their internal boilers. We are in the process of acquiring the insulation for previous customers. If you received one of the manual or electronic models after December 1st, 2006, you should have this insulation on the inside wall.
    
15. OPV Placement - The OPV is known as the over pressure valve. This valve allows excessive brew pressure water to escape back to the reservoir. The OPV is placed on the cold water portion of the water line going to the heat exchanger - this holds true for our other semi-commercial espresso machines we sell. However, there are some competitive models that have the OPV located on the heat exchanger right off the top of the boiler. This is undesirable for two reasons: first, the machine is potentially sending back hot water to a reservoir that should have water as cool as possible, and this, in our opinion, increases the temperature fluctuation of the water in the heat exchanger which is used to extract the espresso.
    
16. Vacuum breaker valve - Vibiemme utilizes the best vacuum breaker valve on their Domobar Super espresso machines. These are less likely to stick due to limescale, and they allow you to place this espresso machine on a timer. Please make sure sure to read our power protection article before putting any espresso machine on a timer.
    
17. Timer - All Vibiemme machines can be placed on a timer so that the machine can be fully heated for when you wake up! There is a certain way to set this up so that your machine's electrical components (any espresso machine) does nto get damaged by the timer. Timers can cause surges. First, plug in your timer, then plug ina single outlet surge suppressor rated 1080 joules or higher (this item can be purchased in a local home improvement store), and then plug in your espresso machine. The power switch can be left in position II.
    
18. Height - The Vibiemme registers at approximately 16.5" tall and fits under most cupboards. However, to be able to remove the reservoir from this espresso machine, you will need about 26" or more of vertical clearance. The water reservoir is removed from the top of the machine in the rear.

Due to the above top 18 reasons, the Vibiemme line has offered 1st-line and its customers almost perfect relaibility. We hope you can enjoy these benefits by purchasing a Vibiemme Domobar Super. We have also demo'd the Domobar Super at the following coffee conventions to coffee professionals,

1. Coffeefest, Washington, D.C. in February, 2006
2. Specialty Coffee Association of America in April, 2006
3. Coffeefest, Las Vegas in June, 2006
4. Coffeefest, Seattle in October, 2006
5. Coffeefest, Chicago, IL in February 2007
6. Specialty Coffee Association of America in April, 2007
7. Coffeefest, Atlanta, GA in June 2007
8. Coffeefest, Seattle in November, 2007
9. Coffeefest, Washington, D.C. in February, 2008
10. Specialty Coffee Association of America in May, 2008

The feedback has been tremendously positive, and even the most keen service professionals and dealers have likened the design of the Vibiemme Domobar Super.

The Philadelphia Inquirer stated "Even these high performers were blown away, however, by the gleaming chrome gargantua of the Vibiemme ($1,500), a retro- styled semi-commercial machine weighing in at 63 pounds. With a computer board to monitor temperature, a big boiler that transitions with no time delay between coffeemaking and frothing (a major difference in some machines), and the option of going fully automatic or manual, this was the luxury limousine of the test. Its espresso was not just silky in texture, topped with a swirling, multihued crema, it sang ethereal notes of fruitiness and chocolate the other machines didn't produce."

There are 5 models to choose from. For more information about each specific model, please click on the pictures below:

Finally, 1st-line has partnered with a firm in Oregon to handle all warranty and repairs for our Pacific Rim customers. If you are a professional interested in becoming a retailer/distributor/repair center for Vibiemme espresso machines, please email us for more information.