The Geek's Guide to Espresso Machines

Introduction
Single Boiler Machines
      Rancilio Silvia, Isomac Venus
Heat Exchanger Machines
      ECM Giotto, Isomac Relax, Isomac Tea, Isomac Millenium, Pasquinia Livia 90, Rancilio S24
Double Boiler Machines
Summary

Introduction


Update, Nov 6, 2003: I guess my enthusiasm for this idea has waned. If anyone has any ideas I'd be glad to hear them.

I have an adequate setup for home espresso but I still dream about getting a better machine. There are a lot of machines out there that seem very similar. Sometimes it can be hard to find out what's under the hood. My intent is to collect as many technical specs as possible about the various machines. That includes things like what grouphead is used and what type of pump.

The focus if this collection will be single group machines from the Sylvia up to the lower end professional machines -- in other words -- machines I wouldn't mind owning yet have a prayer of affording. Most of these will be semi-automatic because I am a Luddite (with a web site, go figure).

I expect the format of this collection will mutate as I collect more information. Much of this data comes from vendor sites like 1st Line and Whole Latte Love. I expect to cull the juicy details from newsgroup postings and discussions on Coffee Geek.

If you spot any factual errors, or would like to contribute info, please send an email to jliedeka (at sign) tds (dot) net.

Single Boiler Machines

Rancilio Silvia Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 13 5/8" H x 9 1/2" W x 11 3/8" D Grouphead: 58mm brass (chrome plated) Pump: 41 watt electro-magnetic Ulka Boiler: 10.5 oz brass Reservoir: 67 oz Heating Element: 800 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power On/Off rocker switch Brew On/Off rocker switch Steam On/Off rocker switch Hot Water On/Off rocker switch Steam/Hot Water knob Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Three thermostats: brew, steam and safety

Isomac Venus Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 15 3/8" H x 10 1/4" W x 13" D Grouphead: 58mm brass (chrome plated) Pump: 52 watt Ulka diaphragm Boiler: 10 oz brass Reservoir: 67 oz Voltage: 115 Controls: Power On/Off toggle switch Brew On/Off toggle switch Steam On/Off toggle switch Hot Water On/Off toggle switch Steam/Hot Water knob Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Pressure Gauge Three thermostats: brew, steam and safety Braided stainless steel hose from pump to boiler

Heat Exchanger Machines

	ECM Giotto Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 13.8" H x 12" W 16.8" D Grouphead: 58mm thermically balanced Faema E61 Pump: ??? Boiler: 1.8 liter, nickel plated copper Reservoir: 2.9 liter Heating Element: 1300 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power toggle switch Brew lever Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Boiler pressure gauge low water shutoff auto boiler refill
	Isomac Relax Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 15 1/4" H x 11" W 19 1/2" D Grouphead: 58mm thermically balanced (E61?) Pump: 52 watt vibration Boiler: 1.4 liter, nickel plated copper Reservoir: 3 liter Heating Element: 1400 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power push button Brew push button Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Separate steam and boiler pressure gauges low water shutoff, spring activated
	Isomac Tea Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 15 3/4" H x 10 1/2" W 17" D Grouphead: 58mm thermically balanced Faema E61 Pump: 52 watt vibration Boiler: 1.4 liter, nickel plated copper Reservoir: 3 liter Heating Element: 1400 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power toggle switch Brew lever Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Separate steam and boiler pressure gauges low water shutoff, spring activated
	Isomac Millenium Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 15 3/4" H x 11" W 17 1/2" D Grouphead: 58mm thermically balanced Faema E61 Pump: 52 watt vibration Boiler: 1.4 liter, nickel plated copper Reservoir: 3 liter Heating Element: 1400 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power toggle switch Brew lever Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Boiler pressure gauge low water shutoff, spring activated
	Pasquini Livia 90 Exterior: Stainless Measurements: 12 1/2" H x 11" W 15" D Grouphead: 58mm ??? looks E61-ish Pump: 41 watt Boiler: 1.3 liter, copper Reservoir: 3.5 liter Heating Element: 1200 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power rocker switch Brew rocker switch Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Boiler pressure gauge low water shutoff, computerized auto boiler refill
	Rancilio S24 Exterior: Aluminum, Steel and ABS Measurements: 18" H x 15" W 20" D Grouphead: 58mm Brass Pump: 41 watt or 70 watt, depends who you believe Boiler: 3.9 liter, copper Reservoir: 74 oz. Heating Element: 1200 watts Voltage: 110 Controls: Power rocker switch Brew rocker switch Steam and Hot Water knobs Other Features: 3-way solenoid valve Boiler pressure gauge low water shutoff, computerized auto boiler refill

Double Boiler Machines

Summary