I switched from a 3 large 1.2 mm hole tip to 4 small 0.9mm holes on my LaSpaziale Vivaldi and it made a huge difference. I'm hoping to do the same on my Cremina.
Anybody know the hole sizes on the original 3 hole 67 cremina and the new 4 hole 2011 Cremina?
Endo, maybe Sir Douglass at OE could have that info. I asked basically the same question to him (also wondering if the new shiny wand might be easier to clean post steaming session) He informed me he actually hadn't fired up the new one as yet. They are up to their ears in new Pharos construction. They created a monster, apparently.
EDIT...and that he and Barb eschew milk based coffee.
I got the 2011 steam wand on order. I'll post a picture of it on my 67 when it arrives and provide a full review.
I also ordered the 2011 vac valve boiler cap.
By adding these 2 items I feel I'll have many of the features I was looking for in the 2011 Cremina....and I can easily return it back to all stock/original if needed.
I was also considering changing to the Mater pstat like the 2011 for reduced deadband and to prolong the life of the stock pstat. (Another easily reversible swap that brings it closer to the 2011).
Question: If I swap over to the Mater pstat, can I safely leave it on all day like the 2011? (Not that I am much interested since the warm-up is ony 10 minutes, but still, I thought I'd ask). Would it even fit between the boiler and case like the original pstat? Anybody have a photo?
Endo, I may be mistaken, but i believe the older ones like mine (1981) have a Ma-ter...I've adjusted it several times, but if it's marked, my eyes are too poor to see it. I find it pretty darn consistent. My machine cycles, on average about every 40 seconds. I've set my Cremina up using the OE pressure gauge that attaches to the steam wand. Presently, at a range of .88 (low) to 1.1 when boiler cycles at it's peak. I find this range very good for overall brew/steam performance.
I highly recommend the gauge...it's like $25 and works like a charm.
So no modifications when using the new cap? hmmmmmmm Still, i don't mind bleeding the wand, as it absolutely guarantees i'll get to proper temperature, and reminds me to go enjoy a 'spro!
BTW, after bleeding my wand, I often leave my cremina on for several hours. Just make sure you have at least a 1/2 filled boiler, and after a long on time, I'd recommend dumping the water the next day and filling with fresh.
Glad to see your really giving your new 'girl" the treatment. Wishing you lots of wonderful shots/cappas!
Endo, I may be mistaken, but i believe the older ones like mine (1981) have a Ma-ter...I've adjusted it several times, but if it's marked, my eyes are too poor to see it. I find it pretty darn consistent. My machine cycles, on average about every 40 seconds. I've set my Cremina up using the OE pressure gauge that attaches to the steam wand. Presently, at a range of .88 (low) to 1.1 when boiler cycles at it's peak. I find this range very good for overall brew/steam performance.
I wasn't aware of a Ma-ter on early Creminas. I assume it must be an older model pstat. The one I was thinking of using is the newer Ma-ter XP110, which is apparently a "drop-in" replacement for the stock pstat according to OE:
Yes. I have the gauge. It shows a 0.15 bar pressure deadband. This was one of the reasons I'm thinking of swapping to the Ma-ter (which I think has about a 0.1 bar deadband.) I assume this would translate into some improvement in temperature stability (although I reailize the thermal management system on the Cremina is more complicated than just the pstat controller.)
IMAWriter Said:
So no modifications when using the new cap? hmmmmmmm Still, i don't mind bleeding the wand, as it absolutely guarantees i'll get to proper temperature, and reminds me to go enjoy a 'spro!
The cap is simply a convenience feature. For me, it means only going downstairs ONCE in the morning to turn it on, go for a shower, then pull the espresso 15 minutes after switching on. In my mind, it's a "no brainer" swap.
IMAWriter Said:
BTW, after bleeding my wand, I often leave my cremina on for several hours.
That's not the way I plan on using my Cremina. I bought it and plan to use it as a "walk-up shot" machine. I already have a Vivaldi that requires a long 45 minute warm-up (like all machines, pretty much).
I plan on pulling shots on the Cremina prior to full thermal equilibrium (water and metal). It's my understanding this was how it was designed. I realize it means warm-up time becomes another variable to deal with, but the machine has been designed to minimize this variation through conduction path restriction between the boiler and grouphead. Still, I will try to keep my warm-up times and warming-flush technique consistant. With practice, I've been able to hit "in-cup" temperatures with less than +/- 2 C variation (calibrated using my Scaced Vivaldi).
IMAWriter Said:
I'd recommend dumping the water the next day and filling with fresh.
While I don't believe in water going stale, I do detect a change in water taste when reheated several times (that's why my Vivaldi was designed with a small 0.45 brew boiler which results in quicker water replacement). Since the Cremina has a 1.1 litre brew boiler, as you say, it means water is more likely to be reheated several times.
One of the many great things I discovered about the Cremina is you can grab the little machine by the frame and easily flip it upside-down over the sink to empty the boiler every couple of days (a much harder task with my 61 lbs Vivaldi! :-)
Hey! Got my new 2011 steam wand....and it works GREAT!
The tip is removable with a small o-ring to seal. It has 4 holes rather than 3, but they have been reduced in size from 1.2mm diameter to 0.9mm. This does a MUCH better job by sucking in smaller bubbles and mixing them in much better as well. (I also own the Vivaldi 3 hole and 4 hole tips, and they seem to have followed the exact same re-design logic.)
The new 2011 tip cleans easier since it's almost all the same diameter tube. It also has a unique feature I haven't seen before, a groove in the end of the tip so you can remove it using a flat head screwdriver (and not burn your fingers).
How does it steam? Well I only had one attempt, but it seems VERY promising (see Latte art photo below).
I also added the new 2011 vacuum cap and Penny temp strip. Awesome upgrades. Just be careful about the vac cap. I grabbed hold of it like I usually do when pulling my shot and burned the crap out of my hand (ouch!).
Hey Endo, thanks MUCH for the update. We might as well be PM'ing each other...lol
So the new vacuum cap gets hotter/ Guess that figures, if it releases pressure. Have you tried pulling shots ala Barb (OE). pretty much tamp-less, just a light leveling, no pressure.
Oh, no! You never know how many Cremina owners are out there lurking. At least I am :P Thanks Endo for sharing the experience btw. I wish I can splurge on espresso gears right now. But so many things on my wish list and yet so little $. =(
Edit: I wonder, are those holes similar to the 4-hole tips I've got on my 83 Cremina?
My 77 Cremina tip is a bit different . It's round (rather than hex shaped) and has only 3 holes.
It's hard to tell the size of your 83 Cremina holes without some kind of scale, but I would guess they are probably close to the size on my 77 (a bit too big IMO).
The ones on my 2011 wand appear to be a little smaller and angled differently, and after about 10 milk drinks this weekend I can now say that I am VERY pleased. The steaming time has slowed down about 20%, but the microfoam it makes is MUCH more velvety than before. In fact, I'm making the best microfoam I've ever made (even better than my Vivaldi) and the latte art is coming out gorgeous (something I could never get quite perfect with the Vivaldi due to the wet steam it makes).
Highly recommended upgrade for all Cremina owners looking to tame the steaming beast.
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