Espresso Machines — Coffee Forum

Ranchilio Classe 8 heating Element Wiring

sian21 — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:37:21 +0000

Hi, I need some advice about the wiring for a Heating element in a Ranchilio Classe 8 single group head machine . I have six wires two brown , two red and two Black . i have tried to connect the one way from a diagram i did , but it keeps tripping out , i have tested the element and it seems ok . Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks Stewart

what equipment are you using?

askthecoffeeguy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:46:14 +0000

Just curious to know what espresso equipment folks are using at home, and if they think they are getting the most out of their machine?

I for one have owned a Baby Gaggia and a Gaggia Classic in the past, and both machines served me well

But when I started roasting my own coffee at home, I decided I needed something a little more high end, to pick up on the subtle nuances of the single origin coffees I have been working with, so here's my list of home equipment:

Coffee machine: Bezzera Domus Galatea single lever E61

Grinders: Rocky Rancilio & Mazzer Super Jolly

Roaster: Gene Cafe domestic drum roaster

Tampers: Various but Coffeelab and Espro tampers

I'm not trying to create a competition here to see who has the most bling equipment, I merely would like to create an easy access thread for folks to discuss what they've got and why they enjoy using it

Cheers,

Pat

Getting into Espresso

CoffeeinMyCup — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 21:54:24 +0000

Hey everyone, I mentioned in my intro post that I do not have an espresso machine but would like to get into it, the only thing standing in front of me is spending the money of an Espresso machine. Some other users mentioned that there are some machines that are not very expensive and that a used machine can work just as well as a new one as long as it is cared for, so I am now on the look out! I thought I would ask what you all would recommend for cheaper espresso machines, I could probably spend $600-ish but anything above that would take some more time for me to save up the money. If any could point out brands to look at, brands to avoid and what I need to be looking at to make sure a used machine is in good condition I would be eternally grateful. Thanks everyone

Sunbeam compatibility

Bill_Neilsen51 — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:51:56 +0000

Hi guys, I just bought a cheapie (Sunbeam Origins Slimline}, I have since been inundated with adds for the Breville shower screen.
As mine is 58mm, I'm wondering if it's compatible with my machine.
Or maybe a suggestion on how to improve the process.

Group head gasket for chain store Espresso Machine

Newbie — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 01:29:39 +0000

Have a nice little Todo 5013b espresso machine originally purchased from KMart, but also available from many other vendors. I'm very happy with it but after a year or so it now needs a new 54mm brew group head gasket but I haven't been able to find the correct one because the user manual gives absolutely no specifications. As most people know, there are many different versions of a 54mm gasket, but after wasting money online for what looked similar I'm hoping someone on this great forum might be able to offer the info which I haven't even been able to find from Kmart and BigW as neither of them now stock this model. Appreciate any suggestions!

PCB needed for Sunbeam Em6910

DavidLC — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:04:12 +0000

Hi all, thanks for the ad.
I came upon this site in search of a part to resurrect my old Sunbeam Em6910.
I’m told the most likely fault is the main pcb (a square board, not the long skinny switch pcb).
Does anyone have one either new or 2nd hand?
All suggestions appreciated.
Cheers
David

Fracino Contempo 2 - no flow for one group head

Swell6 — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:05:23 +0000

Hi, this machine has sat for about 6 months, I fired it up and all is good except that there is no water flowing from the right hand group head. I’ve cleaned the top brass jet - which was blocked - but that didn’t fix it. I removed the group solenoid and tested it off the machine, and its working fine. However, there’s no water flowing from the water feed tube to the group head. There’s 2 tubes, an upper and a lower - not sure which is the feed to the group head?
With the group head removed, but the group solenoid connected electrically, when I press the start button, there’s a click from the group solenoid, and the pump starts running. I imagine that in theory water should flow from the open ended feed tube whenever the pump is activated? But there’s no water flowing even though the group head is not connected, and there’s just an open ended tube.
I notice on the schematic that there’s an inlet solenoid, does this get activated at the same time as the group head is activated? Or is this just to control the water level in the boiler?
Just to add, its a semi automatic machine so has a flow meter for each group head. There’s an orange light on top of each, the one for the working group head flickers when its flowing. The one for the non-working group head remains solid when activated - no flow so makes sense. Could this block water flow if faulty?
I’ve done lots of searches but can’t seem to find any definitive information to answer this question.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!!

An old lady.. A SAN MARINO single group and new owner seeking info

albrechtnamatdurer — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:58:30 +0000

Completely at a loss as to how to use.
Coming off a dead easy Rancilio Lisa, it’s daunting.
Does anyone have a link for operation and start?
The web is not yielding up a lot of info etc
Thanks

Breville Barista Express problem

mrsmrs — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:53:19 +0000

'Morning, all ..
Ten minutes ago I started to clean my machine: ensured the tank was full, put the tablet into the portafilter with the machine off, then pressed Power | 1 cup | 2 cups all at once. Done it an awful lotta times.
Almost instantly the group head and the portafilter started spitting WILDLY. Had to stop the clean.
I was doing it because the machine was spitting when pulling a shot, which it's been doing for a couple of weeks. I've ordered a replacement group head gasket silicone thingy - but as the machine was repaired 3 months ago I can't think how it could be damaged again.
I've already tried to check it, but don't have tools to get the silicone ring out of the gasket.
Does this ring any bells, please ?

Italian Beauty - La Goretti Machines

Lwowiak — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 02:20:47 +0000

I thought I was fixed for coffee machines, but then instagram starts showing some lovely pictures and I came across this beauty:

https://www.lagoretti.com/

Love the look of these machines and no doubt one could make a good coffee with it.

Diadema machine is dead - bugger!

admin — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 13:56:48 +0000

Hi guys, I've got a Diadema 'Junior' which is still making a noise but not pumping through any water...

Now those of you who know me will realise that unlike most of you, I have absolutely no technical expertise (remember my background was from publishing!).

I rang Cosmorex in Canberra (I'm based in Adelaide) and they said they could ship me a new pump, but it also 'could be the capacitor'. Have taken the lid off (even that stretched my technical capabilities :D ) and a friend of mine with a meter said it's actually a solenoid coil not a capacitor, but still seems to be holding charge ok (.97)... so presume the pump is stuffed, except if it's still making a noise, could it be something else - for instance I haven't descaled for ever ???

Problem is, I don't know any good repairers in Adelaide; do I buy a new pump from Cosmorex and get them to ship over (around $250) in the hope that I can fit it myself & this will fix things, or do I need to bite the bullet and start investigating couriers from ADL to Canberra and back?

The problem is that it's obviously pretty heavy, so if there was any way I could fix it myself that would be great but as I mentioned, I'm not the most technically competent of people!!

All and any thoughts/ideas much appreciated!

pic attached

Smart profiling on a lever machine

DrD — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:06:47 +0000

Hi everyone

interested to know if anyone of you cool people with a lever had ever considered purchasing something like this to totally impress yourself and friends with real-time pressure-profile monitoring:

https://www.naked-portafilter.com/product/smart-espresso-profiler/

It's kinda got me drooling over a lever and being able to nerd out big time with espresso making ;D

Thanks, Dan

ECM Controvento

Cuir Beluga — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:30:54 +0000

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone has the depth measurements of the ECM Contravento from the back of the machine at its farthest point to the front of the front feet, if that makes sense!

I am basically trying to work out if I can fit one on my kitchen bench, if it is just a dream or if there is some kind of work around.

Thanks, Sue.

Sunbeam EM4800C repair

UNM — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:06:24 +0000

Just picked up a sunbeam em4800. Not the highest spec machine, but the price was right (free). Apparently there is a problem with the pump and I happen to have a spare ulka ep5...

I don't know if anyone here has ever worked on these, but if so and there are any gotchas, please let me know. So far it looks pretty straightforward, but I haven't taken anything apart yet.

And I have now seen my first pressurised filter basket!

Condensation inside machine

Cuir Beluga — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 13:56:59 +0000

Hi all.

Saturday morning just gone I picked up my machine from a service.
She feels like a new machine but I have a couple of issues.
I now am getting condensation inside the inner walls of the casing. This morning after it had been turned off for an hour or so it was wet on the cupboard top underneath.
It also still has a slight leak, occasional drip, from the steam arm.

It looks like a trip back to the repair place is on the cards but was just wondering if there was anything obvious I could check first.

Thanks.

La Pav Europiccola

Cuir Beluga — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 16:26:41 +0000

I have a little Europiccola that needs some attention.

I know the seals need doing, hubby was prepared to have a crack at it, but I can't remember if water was supposed to come from the group when the lever is in the raised position and no portafiler in.

Can someone refresh my memory? It's been a while.

Thanks.

Elektra Micro casa sensitive repairer in Sydney

bias — Mon, 27 May 2019 16:50:01 +0000

Hi all

I am in Alexandria and have a really old Elektra microcasa machine.
It is beautiful but no-one wanted to work on it for a burnt element.
I found one and put it in but now it needs a gasket set and a small wiring fix.
I am too old and bad at it to finish it properly.
Any one recommend a kind and sensitive person near Alexandria who can fix such an old but beautiful machine?

Espresso Machine Photo Gallery

Koffee_Kosmo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:37:27 +0000

Espresso Machine
Photo Gallery

Just starting this thread to have a formal place to expose your " Espresso Machine " pride and joy
( Please note - This thread is not intended for rebuilds in progress )
Just the finished product

It would be fantastic to have the posters story if any of the subject at hand

Regards
KK

COFFEE MACHINE FOR FOOD TRAILER

Amandaaaaa — Tue, 07 May 2019 20:28:53 +0000

Hi everyone. I am new here. Thank you for accepting my request to join the forum. ☺️

I was after some recommendations for a coffee machine (would really prefer it under 3,000 aud).

Does any one have any recommendations for one? Preferably something low watts so it doesn’t use too much. Haha

Thankyou so much!! 😊😊😊😊😊

La Cimbali M100 versus Elektra Indie

johnmichelle73 — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:35:12 +0000

I am looking at purchasing the Elektra Indie or La Cimbali M100, would anyone have any feedback for me please on these machines?

New portafilter seal for Caravel

UNM — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:10:40 +0000

Recently I noticed that sometimes the portafilter creeps loose when I am pulling a shot.

It seems to be when pressure is highest and I assume the rubber seal is no longer as sticky as it once was.

What is currently the best place to buy seals, or does anyone have seal dimensions so I can just source one locally from a seal supplier?

I seem to recall a web site giving seal dimensions once, but can't for the life of me remember the URL.

BES920 Purchased - EM7000 Retired - Initial Observations

Honest_Gaza — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 21:02:10 +0000

Well it's been 5 ¹/₂ Years with the Sunbeam EM7000 (13 ¹/₂ Years with the Sunbeam Cafe series starting with the EM6900) but a new era is upon me.
After dipping the toe in the water with a Breville Smart Grinder for Christmas, the transition is complete and I now have a Breville BES920.

Initial observations :

[li]Slightly bulkier than the EM7000[/li] [li]Scared the crap out of me when I first powered it up...very, very noisy...but this appeared to be on initial startup only (thankfully)[/li] [li]Noise on Espresso pour about the same as the Sunbeams[/li] [li]Love the simple method of unlocking the base so it can be slid in and out of position[/li] [li]Love the fact you can refill the water reservoir from the top flap at the front (Sunbeams were from the back)[/li] [li]Dislike the small rubber tab on the Steam Wand...burnt my fingers three times before I decided to take greater care (EM6900/EM6910 were also small Tabs...but EM7000 has a larger tab)[/li] Funnily enough, I originally complained about the long rubber tube of the EM7000...go figure.

[li]Would prefer the Steam Wand on the left like the Sunbeams (right hand to hold the milk jug)[/li] [li]Love the quietness of the Steam Wand (no pulsating like the Sunbeams did)[/li] [li]Missing the Milk temperature guage that the Sunbeam had[/li]
Now we wait and see about reliability.

I bet you feel silly now.

MJ74 — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 01:04:14 +0000

For all those who invested over a hundred dollars in a machine...

I'll just leave this piece of Murdoch journalism here.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6238033/amp/The-89-espresso-machine-Kmart-mums-turning-lavish-budget-friendly-coffee-stations.html

EM7000 Purchased - EM6910 Retired - Initial observations

Honest_Gaza — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 17:42:43 +0000

As alluded to on other threads, my EM6910 finally gave up after 5 Years.

Purchased the EM7000 today for $700 (unfortunately 1 week too late to benefit from the Sunbeam Free Grinder deal).

Initial observations include :

[li]7000 is slightly deeper than the 6910 (approx 4cm), so sticks out a bit further from the wall[/li] [li]7000 Espresso function is definitely quieter than the 6910[/li] [li]loving the temperature guage of the 7000 Steam wand[/li] [li]would prefer the little rubber TAB that was included on the 6910 Steam wand (7000 only has the rubber tube)[/li] [li]7000 water reservoir is lower and deeper than the 6910 so that probably explains the deeper body[/li]
After the initial problems I had with the 6900/6910, the last Machine lasted me just over 5 years with no issues. Hopefully, this one will also last at least 5 Years.

Lever Espresso Machine Photo Gallery

Koffee_Kosmo — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:19:32 +0000

[size=36pt]Lever Espresso Machine
Photo Gallery [/size]

Just starting this thread to have a formal place to expose your " Lever " pride and joy
( Please note - This thread is not intended for rebuilds in progress )
Just the finished product

It would be fantastic to have the posters story if any of the subject at hand

Regards
KK

Rancilio Silvia - Steam coming out one of the tubes in the water tank

ckarcher — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:33:14 +0000

Hi, when I hear my Silvia up to steam, steam comes out one of the tubes and bubbles into the water tank. It’s regularly descaled and backflushed. What is wrong with Miss Silvia?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Getra ME-709 Steam Problems

getra — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:58:16 +0000

Hi all,
I have purchased 18 months ago, a new Getra ME-709 automatic coffee machine (same as Merol and Pronto ME-709 models or China model No SB-CM709). It has been working fine but just recently, it has been failing to deliver steam from the wand, just spitting water with a little steam. It's not producing sufficient steam to suck up milk using the (milk delivery and frothing device) to froth the milk anymore. But the machine still makes great coffee and the delivery of hot water is all ok...

I would dearly love to source a service/repair manual so as to determine and fix my ME-709 problem but I have exhausted all avenues on the internet. Can someone direct me to where I can source one please?

My research has given me some insight into the workings of automatic coffee machines and their boilers, thermoblocks, solenoids, thermostats, NTC sensors operation etc but still need some direction to fix my problem...

I have performed basic resistance tests on the steam thermoblock components including heating element, thermostat, NTC sensor thermistor, overload thermistor and the hot water/steam delivery pipes and solenoid and they all appear to test ok?? Maybe the main board has a problem??

I have not performed any "live" voltage tests as of yet...

I have purchased an infared heat temp gun to check the thermoblocks temperatures but still waiting its delivery..

I would be so grateful to any responses......

Kind regards
Gary

Rocket Appartamento upgrade

dundas112 — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:14:49 +0000

Hi All,

Recent purchase of a Rocket Appartamento which is an upgrade from my sunbeam EM7000.
Out of curiosity, would it be worth replacing the standard baskets with say VST or similar and replacing the shower screen with IMS one.
And any recommendations on not what to do with the machine

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

La Marzocco Linea Mini Home use 1 group release

cosmic_couple22 — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:27:42 +0000

La Marzocco have been talking about this one for quite a while and have just released it to the US market. Still very pricey at 5K US but I am sure there will be some take up of this machine when it is released here. No bells and whistles just a solid simple workhorse, so anybody wanting a prosumer machine might want to check this one out.

http://sprudge.com/first-look-at-the-new-la-marzocco-linea-mini-73298.html

Chester

My Machine stops at cleaning process

badisr — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 08:07:47 +0000

Hi Guys,

Hi Guys, I've a Deloghi ECAM 23 and didn't descale it for a while and last morning when i power it up it keeps flashing the Temperature Cleaning light ? normally when I start it, that auto Cleaning light flashes a few seconds then the machine start quick rinse then the machine is ready to use, but this time is not going any further, so any help please?

Thanks