Solution to an overheating Cremina (or, lazy and forgetful Cremina owner)

[mattwells]

Okay, so having done this for the umpteenth time, I am looking for some ideas.

My problem is that every time I turn on my Cremina, I walk away to let it warm up. Some time later after finding some distraction (often an hour or so), I remember that I was warming up the espresso machine...which is now too hot to pull a shot.

My thought is that the wiring to the cremina can't be very complex. I am guessing/hoping that I could splice in something that gives an audible beep/buzz/etc. when the heater clicks off. I am usually in the same room as the machine, so I would hear that, but am not paying enough attention to see the light switch off.

Has anyone done anything like this? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
/mw

[bobcraige]

Ridiculous!

If you really cannot deal with this, then buy yourself a kitchen timer and set it for ten minutes.

[zin1953]

Ridiculous!

If you really cannot deal with this, then buy yourself a kitchen timer and set if for ten minutes.

Works for me!!!

[TUS172]

Hmmm, sounds as if this is something that could be done. I am sure that a beeper or buzzer could be wired into the same circuit as the pressurestat so that when it kicked the heating element off the beeper would sound. Of course that means that every time the pressurestat turned off the heating element the beeper would sound. If that is not a problem then yes it is feasible. This is something that you could mount inside the unit clear from the boiler I am sure.
Others for ideas on this little project...? That could be something (another bell or whistle) that I put into my 'C Lever'...

[bobcraige]

Hmmm, sounds as if this is something that could be done. I am sure that a beeper or buzzer could be wired into the same circuit as the pressurestat so that when it kicked the heating element off the beeper would sound. Of course that means that every time the pressurestat turned off the heating element the beeper would sound. If that is not a problem then yes it is feasible. This is something that you could mount inside the unit clear from the boiler I am sure.
Others for ideas on this little project...? That could be something (another bell or whistle) that I put into my 'C Lever'...

Ridiculous!

Not only is this still ridiculous, if you don't have the ability to design a circuit that only beeps once, then you have no business dealing with potentially lethal electricity.

[TUS172]

Bob,
This is simply a person who is seeking an idea. This is not earth shattering stuff. If he wants to modify his Cremina it is his to do so with. You can leave yours just as it is... I am simply attempting to help him with possible ideas.
I think it is possible and quite frankly should be something that Olympia puts into their product. Stoves, microwave ovens, computers coffee makers and many other appliances have them. Why shouldn't Olympia come out of the stone age and offer a 20th century convenience as others have done? There are many who have the ability to do this sort of project. The original question was "Is this feasible" not, "I am going to personally do this."
Yes this is feasible and would be a convenience to many... JMHO...

[mattwells]

Wow, what happened to the helpful, DIY-overkill HB that I was used to?

I am thinking that it will be a pretty easy thing to do, and will probably try it out. I will post if/when I get around to it. Just thought I would share my experience (sorry if I offended the Olympia purists around here).

[TUS172]

Wow, what happened to the helpful, DIY-overkill HB that I was used to?

I am thinking that it will be a pretty easy thing to do, and will probably try it out. I will post if/when I get around to it. Just thought I would share my experience (sorry if I offended the Olympia purists around here).

You certainly have not offended me... I think you have come up with something that is a great convenience. Others that have any experience or expertise to help with the idea? Parts sourcing... other ideas about where and how to wire in...? starry or Mogo may have ideas.

[HB]

A low-tech solution is a darkroom timer. Used ones of every shape, size, and feature are available on eBay. Be certain to check the max wattage before buying.

[roadman]

I'm wondering if this has more to do with your pressurestat being set too high. Have you checked it?

I often leave the machine on for longer periods without burning shots. If the group feels too hot I simply pull the shot at the bottom of the cycle just before the heating element kicks in.

Jon

[ccfore]

Sounds like your on the right track.

[HB]

Gentlemen, please refer to the Guidelines for productive online discussion as required. Any questions/concerns, please take offline or contact me. Thanks.

[Cathi]

Hi Matt,

For the extreme lo-tech, non-cost approach try the "mommie's helper" - your oven timer. Works like a charm.

[zin1953]

The oven timer . . . the timer function that's built into the microwave . . . or how about THIS -- a timer-on-a-rope you can slip around your neck and take with you for under $16 . . . .

[GB]

I can relate and most likely many others can also. A trick that works for me is to carry or place an object that relates to and will remind me of the future critical issue like my machine overheating. An empty espresso cup in my pocket or beside my computer pleasantly reminds me to not get caught up in the next stupid crisis, take a break and enjoy some coffee.

Cheers
Geoffrey

[HB]

...a timer-on-a-rope you can slip around your neck . . . .

I've been meaning to get one of those. CDN is the manufacturer and they're available at some specialty kitchen stores too (search on cdn+digital+timer+on+rope).

An empty espresso cup in my pocket or beside my computer pleasantly reminds me to not get caught up in the next stupid crisis, take a break and enjoy some coffee.

Good tip, thanks.

[Tim356]

Matt,

This is a friendly forum... Always remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question, only inquisitive minds! All of us have started out green at some point and any new ideas should be discussed in a positive manner. I went through the same type of problem with my Elektra Micro Casa a Leva and Dan K. was the biggest help! Keep on firing away with your ideas. Almost all of the responses from the lever members have been great ones that could help avoid a bigger problem with our coveted levers and the safety at home

Best regards,

Tim

[IMAWriter]

Ridiculous!

Not only is this still ridiculous, if you don't have the ability to design a circuit that only beeps once, then you have no business dealing with potentially lethal electricity.

With apologies to the OP...hilarious, Bob. I've had the week from hell...thanks, I needed that.
To our OP...seriously, Bob's right...a $5 buck windup timer is all you need....I have a little digital timer I use when I'm roasting with the Behmor...at 10 minutes in, it beeps, and yells "get your skinny butt to the roaster"...sort of



EDIT...I truly didn't mean to offend our OP.....it was late, I was depressed...yada yada
DAN and others here are correct.....this is, and always has been a friendly, helpful and certainly an inventive place to be. I've had more help than I deserve.

[mattwells]

I can relate and most likely many others can also. A trick that works for me is to carry or place an object that relates to and will remind me of the future critical issue like my machine overheating. An empty espresso cup in my pocket or beside my computer pleasantly reminds me to not get caught up in the next stupid crisis, take a break and enjoy some coffee.

That sounds like a good idea for now.

The problem with timers is that on the weekends (when I typically pull shots) I already have multiple timers going and have enough trouble keeping track of them.

Hence the plan to add a buzzer in. Still don't see why it is 'ridiculous' (overkill yes, ridiculous I don't think so - of course overkill is kinda the name of the game around here) and I would like it to beep every time the P-stat kicks off.

Honestly - the responses to this thread kind of surprise me - usually in this forum you post "I really want my machine to do X" and the responses not only have you doing X, but have added electric controls, pressure regulation, and 6 feet of copper piping just for good measure (exaggeration, but it is pretty true).

Oh well, going to take apart the Cremina this weekend and will let anyone who cares know what my plan is.

/mw

[zin1953]

The problem with timers is that on the weekends (when I typically pull shots) I already have multiple timers going and have enough trouble keeping track of them.

Thus the "timer-on-a-rope" . . . just don't wash with it in the shower!