Posted Tue Jun 12, 2007, 5:47am Subject: Gaskets - Teflon or Paper?
I posted the same question over at HB but wanted as many opinions as possible. I have to replace some of the gaskets on my Cimbali Junior and they sell them in both paper and Teflon. Anybody have enough experience with gaskets to where they'd know one is superior to the other? The Teflon cost around twice as much as the paper which is fine if they perform better and last longer, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about this. After reading a bit on other sites I'd tend to think Teflon is a better alternative but there's not much info that I was able to find comparing the two. Thanks!
nobbi4711 Senior Member Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 319 Location: Germany Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Dallacorte Mini EX4 Grinder: Casadio Instantaneous Vac Pot: none Drip: French Press Roaster: Mini-500/800N drum roaster;...
Posted Tue Jun 12, 2007, 7:43am Subject: Re: Gaskets - Teflon or Paper?
I repaired several machines so far, and after various experiences with leaking teflon gaskets, I prefer paper. It's nearly impssible to get it sealed up on the first try if you use teflon. It's just not flexible enough. You have to heat up, then let cool down, then snug the bolts down again, then heat up, cool down.... that game can last hours. Use paper, let heat up -> sealed, finish. The only disadvantage of paper I know so far is that it sort of "bakes" into the sealing surfaces and you have to remove it in several pieces.
Posted Tue Jun 12, 2007, 7:58am Subject: Re: Gaskets - Teflon or Paper?
Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for. Sometimes basic is better than the newer materials, and it's also less expensive. The gasket on the used machine I bought was so fused to the metal that it was really difficult to remove. I had to scrape it out a little at a time.
Tex Senior Member Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 840 Location: Texas - That's God's country to everyone else! Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Bunn ES-1A (PID'd), Gaggia... Grinder: Rancilio MD50 Vac Pot: Way too many vintage Silex... Drip: Melitta Clarity Roaster: TurboCrazy &...
Posted Tue Jun 12, 2007, 5:19pm Subject: Re: Gaskets - Teflon or Paper?
Jeff_K Said:
I posted the same question over at HB but wanted as many opinions as possible. I have to replace some of the gaskets on my Cimbali Junior and they sell them in both paper and Teflon. Anybody have enough experience with gaskets to where they'd know one is superior to the other? The Teflon cost around twice as much as the paper which is fine if they perform better and last longer, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about this. After reading a bit on other sites I'd tend to think Teflon is a better alternative but there's not much info that I was able to find comparing the two. Thanks!
I always opt for the Teflon plus RTV hi-temp silicone sealant. After you've chiseled a few dried, brittle paper gaskets of the element flange you'll appreciate why. Plus the Teflon/RTV combo has never leaked on me, which was the primary reason for switching; paper gaskets will leak if the machine gets jarred.
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.