Need Help....with installing Ariete Futurmat 2 group espresso machine

[JV]

I posted on this at CG (link), but got few responses....maybe because i listed it under general discussion...but in any case i hope i can get some advice here.

so i need some help - advice...i ended up buying a never used brand spanking new but older model Ariete Futurmat 2 group....for an insane good deal. however i have no idea how to hook it up. The machine doesnt have the 220v plug attached - i assume this is how some commercial machines are shipped. anyone know how to install the plug or which one i have to get for this machine? this machine makes my Alex look like a toy. i have no room for this machine in my apartment and the only place for this machine where an outlet (it is not a 220 outlet though) is available is my very wide and long hallway a few feet from the front door.

well any help would be greatly appreciated. below is a link to the pictures of the machine

http://www.flickr.com/photos/espressomaniac

[HB]

however i have no idea how to hook it up... i have no room for this machine in my apartment and the only place for this machine where an outlet (it is not a 220 outlet though) is available is my very wide and long hallway a few feet from the front door.

I recommend calling an electrician. If you live in an apartment, your lease likely requires you to work through your landlord.

[Bushrod]

That thing is awesome.

Soooooo, did you pay less than this:

http://www.maxanet.com/cgi-bin/mn...cgi?rasmus76/21011

[Bushrod]

I just realized this. Can you set it up on a cart and take it to the laundry room? You could probably use one of the 220s there.

[cannonfodder]

Where to start...

Most multi group machines are designed to be wired directly to electric, hence no plug. You can put a plug on it provided you use one rated for the proper amperage. Using a cart may not be a good idea as the machine will probably double it dry weight when filled with water. You will also need to drain it out, that is the easy part, a simple bucket for the drain line will work.

The difficult part is plumbing it in. You will need to run a waterline, install a regulator to regulate the input pressure and depending on your water condition, install a softener and filter. I would recommend a filter regardless to remove chlorine, cysts, sediment and other not so good things. If you have pressure swings then you may also need an accumulator tank before the regulator but after the filters. That will provide a steady pressure for the machine, which is very important for rotary pumps.

[JV]

thanks. would i be able to just connect the machine to a 5gallon water tank? the machine does have the external rotary pumb. as i probably wont be able to connect it to the water lines.

[jesawdy]

would i be able to just connect the machine to a 5gallon water tank?

Maybe..... some machines depend on water pressure for boiler or reservoir fill, some do not and will use the pump. If you need positive pressure you can use a flo-jet pump on a 5-gallon jug (available from many espresso supply folks). Some manufacturers specify that positive pressure is required for proper operation although it might work without.

[erics]

Take what I say in a kind way -

You've got three problems, maybe more.

First thing you need are the complete installation and operation manuals for this machine. If you try any hookups, whether they be electrical or hydraulic, without these, you are simply asking for trouble.

Second thing you need is a 220-240 volt outlet and, in an apartment, the only thing that will maybe have that is the stove. If you have an all gas stove, you're out of luck as this is powered by 110-120 volts.

As far as a plug is concerned, Home Depot or Lowes or whatever has plenty of 220-240 volt plugs but you need to buy one that matches your stove outlet if that is even possible. But if you are asking how to hook up this plug - well - as Dan said, you needs an electrician once you determine that the stove outlet is suitable and your landlord doesn't mind a little interior redecorating, i.e. put this beast on a cart or on top of the stove and forget above stove use for a while.

And then there's water supply and water drain hookups. As Jeff said, maybe this machine needs a positive pressure supply to become operational - maybe not. In any event, I would advise disconnecting the heating element in the boiler (temporarily) while you sort out the start up electrics and hydraulics.

And, to top it all off, you better hope that your Alex Izzo is not the possessive type.

[bill]

JV,
I used to have the lever version of your machine. Go to qualityespresso.net and you can download a users manual. I emailed the factory in Barcelona and they were nice enough to send me a parts manual, wiring diagrams, etc. There's also a distributor in the Miami area but I didn't get much help there. By the way the machine uses 230 v for the heater and 115 for controls, etc., so the service must be 3-wire plus ground. Do as suggested and have an electrician wire this up for you.
That's a very large machine for an apartment. It weighs close to 150# so I doubt a cart would be feasible. Good luck and keep us advised how your new adventure turns out.
Bill
P.S. I sold mine on Ebay a couple years ago for $2100. You might consider this approach and use the proceeds for a really good prosumer machine.

[Bushrod]

He's already put it on Craigslist.

[JV]

thanks for the advice Bill. But i put the machine up for sale as I'll probably have no chance to install it but if craigslist or ebay fail to work ill have to figure something out and remodel my apartment and when i move just toothpaste the walls..haha

cheers