I've only seen a few pics of these before I bought, so in case anybody is curious, here's what they look like. I just got my GS/3 a few weeks ago, and absolutely *love* the glass panels - I'm guessing it's a controversial look, very geeky. They've done a surprisingly good job at keeping the insides attractive with the wrapped wires, and such. The panels are available from Espresso Parts for about $400.

Also good views of the new drip tray as already reported on here - very functional.







Some obligatory beginner's latte art - this is about the 7th day of learning how to steam, at least the microfoam is coming along. Tasted amazing!!

Very cool! Thanks for posting the pics.

While it's fun to see the innards, I think I prefer the clean look of solid panels. It would be nice if someone made some custom aluminum side panels, maybe in different colors or styles, sort of like what the Speedster has. The plastic panels still seem kind of cheap to me.

newmanium wrote:I've only seen a few pics of these before I bought, so in case anybody is curious, here's what they look like.

Thanks for the pics - like the look!

That is SCREAMING for some colored CFL or LEDs inside!

The white tie wraps are known for not being as long lasting as the black (UV or ozone?). Next time inside you might want to go ahead and replace them.

Randy G. wrote:That is SCREAMING for some colored CFL or LEDs inside!

The white tie wraps are known for not being as long lasting as the black (UV or ozone?). Next time inside you might want to go ahead and replace them.

Heh, you mean like this adjustable LED light strip I just picked up at Ikea? I ordered the no-burn wand, and will install it at the same time (thanks for the tip about the zip ties). There's actually plenty of space inside on the bottom to mount something like this unobtrusively for a nice glow. I think it looks best with a yellow hint.

I'm in medical research and the machine is at work, so the zany lab equipment vibe blends well.

newmanium wrote:Heh, you mean like this adjustable LED light strip I just picked up at Ikea?

You're starting to think like me.. If I were you, I would be worried!

I am looking at a local glass company making some tempered glass side panels for me. I got a quote and its not cheap.The clear glass ones are a little plain for my taste. I am looking at some glass that has a slight texture to it (I think it is lightly sandblasted). That way you can see into the machine a bit. Then I am going to have them etch the GS3 logo on the side--to fill up most of the space between the mounting bolts. I am interested in some colored LED lights for the inside but have not researched that yet. Do you just mount the lights inside, and snake the wires for the lights underneath the machine? Some blue LED lights would be nice.
Rob

A little off topic, but it looks like the steam wand and hot water dispenser on the GS/3 are plumbed with teflon tubing. I'm a little surprised they didn't use copper or stainless steel as I would expect the teflon to give the water/steam a little taste, plus be a potential leak source.

rbh1515 wrote:I am looking at a local glass company making some tempered glass side panels for me. I got a quote and its not cheap.The clear glass ones are a little plain for my taste. I am looking at some glass that has a slight texture to it (I think it is lightly sandblasted). That way you can see into the machine a bit. Then I am going to have them etch the GS3 logo on the side--to fill up most of the space between the mounting bolts. I am interested in some colored LED lights for the inside but have not researched that yet. Do you just mount the lights inside, and snake the wires for the lights underneath the machine? Some blue LED lights would be nice.
Rob

Not sure what price range custom panels are, but these are $400 - might be cheaper to buy these and have them sandblasted and etched.

I'm planning on just snaking wires underneath for some LEDs, there's a large opening underneath with plenty of room for positioning a couple for subtle lighting. I could try to figure out how to tap into internal GS/3 wiring, but not sure if I'm up for that project unless it's bone-dead easy.