doox00 Senior Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 98 Location: MI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano Grinder: Vario Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Wed Oct 21, 2009, 10:20pm Subject: PID kits...
I am about to purchase a new espresso machine and grinder. Whichever machine I go with i want to add a PID kit. Does it matter which kit you get for certain machines? Anyone know which kit to go with for a Fiorenzato Bricoletta machine if I end up going with this one?
I plan to spend about 1000 dollars on a machine and whatever a PID kit costs on top of that.
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 1,343 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 6:08am Subject: Re: PID kits...
Since you are planning to buy an HX machine, I would advise to "wait and see" on the PID system. Because of the design of HX machines, tighter boiler temperature control has only an indirect effect on brewing temperatures (as compared to single boiler machines where the boiler temperature directly controls the brew temperature).
While there are some advantages of controlling the steam boiler on an HX using all-electronic controls, you may find that your machine performs just fine with the stock pressurestat.
To answer your original question, we (PIDKits.com) do not offer an off-the-shelf solution. I'm not aware of any pre-made kits, with instructions, for the Bric, or for any other HX machine.
Many of the components used in a PID system for a single boiler machine, however, would be applicable. The main differences would be in the temperature sensor probe (usually an internal sleeved thermocouple probe is used in a steam boiler), and the amperage rating of the solid state relay (SSR). The Bric is a 20A machine with a high wattage heater, so heat sinking of a properly rated SSR will be much more important than for the typical single boiler machine.
doox00 Senior Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 98 Location: MI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano Grinder: Vario Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 7:19am Subject: Re: PID kits...
JGG Said:
Since you are planning to buy an HX machine, I would advise to "wait and see" on the PID system. Because of the design of HX machines, tighter boiler temperature control has only an indirect effect on brewing temperatures (as compared to single boiler machines where the boiler temperature directly controls the brew temperature).
While there are some advantages of controlling the steam boiler on an HX using all-electronic controls, you may find that your machine performs just fine with the stock pressurestat.
To answer your original question, we (PIDKits.com) do not offer an off-the-shelf solution. I'm not aware of any pre-made kits, with instructions, for the Bric, or for any other HX machine.
Many of the components used in a PID system for a single boiler machine, however, would be applicable. The main differences would be in the temperature sensor probe (usually an internal sleeved thermocouple probe is used in a steam boiler), and the amperage rating of the solid state relay (SSR). The Bric is a 20A machine with a high wattage heater, so heat sinking of a properly rated SSR will be much more important than for the typical single boiler machine.
Ahh I see, where can I find definition of an HX machine? I am so confused on which machine to go with. I don't want to have to deal with temp surfing (not completely sure what all is involved in that). I just want a machine that will produce good espresso and have good steam performance as I drink alot of lattes.
dual broiler seems the best bet but is over my budget, single broilers need a pid kit.. and HX (not sure what that is) apparently does not?
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 1,343 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 1:34pm Subject: Re: PID kits...
Shawn -
Based on what you've written, I think an HX is probably a good choice for you. There are some basic skills you will have to learn in regard to flushing before pulling a shot, but I don't think you should allow this to scare you off.
doox00 Senior Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 98 Location: MI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano Grinder: Vario Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 4:17pm Subject: Re: PID kits...
JGG Said:
Shawn -
Based on what you've written, I think an HX is probably a good choice for you. There are some basic skills you will have to learn in regard to flushing before pulling a shot, but I don't think you should allow this to scare you off.
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 4:33pm Subject: Re: PID kits...
I know where you are coming from. Surfing temps for espresso seemed like way more effort and confusion than I was up for. I kept looking for a machine with a PID and ended up on eBay. Dave from hitechespresso.com sells a Rancilio Silvia with a sweet PID already installed. I swear by this combination. I'm still new to making my own espresso, and this purchase let me skip months of frustration and bad shots. I thought I scored with a Rocky Doserless grinder included in my deal for right around the price you quoted above. Do you homework before you buy anything. Best of luck with your search and purchase.
doox00 Senior Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 98 Location: MI Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano Grinder: Vario Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Thu Oct 22, 2009, 5:12pm Subject: Re: PID kits...
roastbear Said:
I know where you are coming from. Surfing temps for espresso seemed like way more effort and confusion than I was up for. I kept looking for a machine with a PID and ended up on eBay. Dave from hitechespresso.com sells a Rancilio Silvia with a sweet PID already installed. I swear by this combination. I'm still new to making my own espresso, and this purchase let me skip months of frustration and bad shots. I thought I scored with a Rocky Doserless grinder included in my deal for right around the price you quoted above. Do you homework before you buy anything. Best of luck with your search and purchase.
I have been talking to Dave myself actually. I was looking at the alexia with pid he is selling but it seems the Fiorenzato Bricoletta is a nicer machine and does not need pid from what I am learning. I think I am going to go that route.
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