New SYL-100 PID-controlled espresso machine on the market

[2xlp]

Check this out:

Chinese OEM PID espresso machine. Perhaps a moderator here can get one for review?

http://qiligang.en.alibaba.com/of...resso_Machine.html

Detailed Selling Lead Description

SYL-100 espresso and cappuccino machine is our new product using new technic. Presicia Coffee is dedicated to manufacturing precision temperature controlled home espresso machines. It is widely recognized that proper brewing water temperature is one of the important factors affecting the taste of espresso. Experts believe that the brewing temperature (optimum is typically between 196oF and 204oF) should be maintained within one degree during the extraction process in order to produce the best taste espresso. The precisia SYL-100 incorporates a custom developed temperature control system utilizing a PID algorithm that can maintain the water temperature for brewing your espresso within one degree of the selected value. The actual temperature of the boiler is displayed by a bright red LED display with a green light signifying when the water is ready for brewing your espresso. And we also have CE, TUV, SGS and RoHS certificates. If you are interested in this new product, please feel free to contact us!

[old442]

...merged with topic on same subject by moderator...



I just found a cheap PID controlled machine. Unfortunately I think CHEAP is the keyword. The description even bangs the E61 grouphead (which it of course doesn't have) for being brass. It looks like they are trying to target people that understand espresso production, but at the same time missed the mark entirely.
http://www.precisiacoffee.com/

Here's a link to a site that sells thermocouples and PID controllers AND AN ESPRESSO MACHINE. Same mailing address listed on both sites.
http://www.auberins.com

Kurt

[another_jim]

I had a very poor experience with Auberins recently. They sell PID controllers. One is the $30 unit that a few other ebay vendors sell, it seems to work fine and may be the trick for low cost PID control. The two others have the same packaging as the regular PRC PID controllers sold on Ebay by others, but have a custom algorithm the owner of this company invented. It doesn't work. Not only isn't it PID, it isn't even sliding scale control, since the unit is either completely on or completely off, the switch happening at random intervals around the setpoint. Worst of all, these units are marketed as PID controllers and it's not possible to tell if you're getting the orignal PRC units or the ones customized with his purported algorithm.

IMO, this is not a company one can do business with. If you want low cost PID controllers, use the other ebay stores.

The machine itself, sans PID in an $80 version sold in Oz, was recently checked by Alan Frew. He thinks it a good deal at the price, but that it's a basic 6 ounce boiler and restrictor basket machine which will perform roughly like a stock Saeco.

[terryz]

If Dan is up to the challenge..... I have one of these machines with PID for review.

Here is my detailed review. Mind you I'm technical to a fault and my reviews are based upon simple responses.


1. It works, and what I mean by that is that it made coffee, but it is not comparable to a e-61 based machine.
2. The coffee from the machine is fine for the cost of the machine
3. It has many features that I wish higher cost machines had.
4. It arrived shortly after ordering from Auber Instruments in a full color retail type box.


I could fault allot of the machine, but why? At the price point it is better than any low cost Saeco machine and if it were packed into a Breville body it would be fantastic.


TZ

[miKe mcKoffee]

If Dan is up to the challenge..... I have one of these machines with PID for review.

Here is my detailed review. Mind you I'm technical to a fault and my reviews are based upon simple responses.


1. It works, and what I mean by that is that it made coffee, but it is not comparable to a e-61 based machine.
2. The coffee from the machine is fine for the cost of the machine
3. It has many features that I wish higher cost machines had.
4. It arrived shortly after ordering from Auber Instruments in a full color retail type box.


I could fault allot of the machine, but why? At the price point it is better than any low cost Saeco machine and if it were packed into a Breville body it would be fantastic.


TZ

Great review And I think it'd be a great idea have an in depth HB review of such an entry level machine.

[oofnik]

I've seen a prototype of this machine in person. It's definitely a bargain for the price considering what it has. I think the manufacturer should offer a non-pressurized PF though, just because the vast majority of people out there who would order one knowing what PID means would probably want a normal PF too. I wonder how difficult it is to disassemble and remove the pressurization...
Anyway, yes, the boiler is relatively tiny so I can't imagine it to have any decent temp stability for brewing or good steaming power for that matter. But again, it's damn cheap, and for the price it's not bad at all.

[hbuchtel]

I think the manufacturer should offer a non-pressurized PF though, just because the vast majority of people out there who would order one knowing what PID means would probably want a normal PF too. I wonder how difficult it is to disassemble and remove the pressurization...

In the Instruction Manual (very well written! PDF) under cleaning/maintainence it seems to indicate that the baskets can be easily converted to non-pressurized-

"Unscrew the outlet filling on the bottom of the basket and set it aside."

etc. etc. (page 24)

Henry

[oofnik]

You're right - that manual is the most extensively written manual for a home espresso machine I've ever seen. I was expecting broken Chinglish but I am very impressed!
Terry, I'd LOVE to see a pro review this machine.