Cremina Newbie Questions Please

[LL]

OK, I bought my cremina in '91 from Zabars in NYC where I lived at the time but I'm still a Cremina newbie. My Cremina was made in '90 according to the first 2 digits of the serial number and I think it cost me around $450 at the time (I can't believe that the current generation is over $2k!). I used it a few times in NY and then took a European assignment. Eventually, I called the factory in Switzerland and ordered a 220 volt heating element and light (as well as some miscellaneous parts such as a gasket kit and glass tube) so I could use it in Europe. Perhaps I used it 20 or 30 times while in Europe (it was easier to get an espresso or cafe con leche at the many cafes). The unit has been in storage, in the original box, for the last 10 years or so until I broke it out a couple of weeks ago and changed the element back to the 110v one (the inside of the boiler was as clean as a whistle). It had gotten to the point that I just couldn't stand regular coffee or expensive Starbucks anymore! Here's a photo of machine taken a few minutes ago:




I have now been using the machine for the last several weeks and everything has gone quite well, no sticky seals and a smooth pull. Coffee tastes great. But I'm wondering if there is any ordinary maintenance I should be carrying out? For example to any of the bushings in the handle require lubrication? Should the boiler be cleaned out, say with water and vinegar?

I'm thinking of buying another machine as a wedding gift for my sister but I nearly choked on the price. I'm very mechanically inclined, so now I'm thinking of buying a used one off ebay and refurbishing it. Any suggestions here at to what years to look for (I believe that the original factory burned down in the mid 90's and the company's ownership changed hands at least once?) and what conditions to be wary of? Also, how long does it take to obtain parts from Switzerland? Are the parts most likely needed for restoration prohibitively expensive? Is buying used and refurbishing a more economic alternative to buying new once the cost of spare parts and time is considered? Also, I've got to believe buying on ebay is a bit of a crap shoot. I don't know, maybe I should just buy a new one -- how do they compare to mine?

Also, as a substitute for a new Cremina for my sister, what do you think of the Rancilio Silvia? I realize it's not a lever machine but from what I have read so far it seems as though the quality is good and the price is more reasonable.

Thanks for the help.

[LL]

How come no responses?

[HB]

How come no responses?

Either nobody knows, or those who do may be intimidated by the number of questions and the breadth they span. Asking in one post how to maintain, restore, order parts, shop for alternatives, etc. is a lot of ground to cover. I'll give it a quick try before heading off to bed, sorry I am really tired and must rise at 6am...

• Is there any ordinary maintenance I should be carrying out? Descaling, grouphead disassembly and cleaning, maybe some light lubrication. If I remember correctly, the owner's manual that comes with the Olympia is excellent. Do you still have it?
  
• I'm thinking of buying a used one off ebay and refurbishing a Cremina. Steve's the expert, but I don't recommend it as a means of saving money - generally you won't unless the repairs are minor (e.g., gasket replacement), especially if you consider your time investment.
  
• How long does it take to obtain parts from Switzerland? Steve didn't wait long, maybe a couple weeks? You can also order from 1st-line equipment and have parts back in a few days since they are the US importer.
  
• Are the parts most likely needed for restoration prohibitively expensive? They are definitely not cheap. Steve outlined the prices in his restoration thread.
  
• Is buying used and refurbishing a more economic alternative to buying new once the cost of spare parts and time is considered? No.
  
• I don't know, maybe I should just buy a new one -- how do they compare to mine? You are in luck, Steve's next project will answer that very question - his review of the Olympia Express Cremina 2002 will start as early as next week, sponsored by 1st-line equipment.
  
• What do you think of the Rancilio Silvia? A nice machine, I wrote a review for it (and a follow-up on the PID'd version). There are probably hundreds of reviews and thousands of threads about Silvia on CoffeeGeek too.

[srobinson]

I've been traveling heavily and have not been on the past week, so sorry for the slow response. You have a great machine there. I would first suggest that you get a full gasket set if you have never replaced any of the seals on your machine. This will give you a change to really get it tight and give your machine a good look. Since you will replace the boiler gasket, you will also get a chance to see inside the boiler to see if it is in good shape. I think I put all the steps in my Olympia restoration thread, but let me know if you get stuck.

If you want to refurbish one, then I like the mid 80s to early 90s machines. The one you have is a great year and has a few updates that I like. Ebay is always a crap shoot, but there have been some good examples out there recently. Always ask for a couple pics with the cover off since I would shy away from the 70s models with asbestos covered boilers. Rebuilding is a great option...just takes time and money.

We will be testing a brand new 2002 shortly and I will show how this model has evolved over the years and what you get with a new machine.

Let me know if I can help with anything else.

[LL]

Thanks for the replies.