Hello everyone,

I have a pre-millenium EPC-8 I'm in the process of reconditioning, and it doesn't come with a pressure gauge.
I understand the value of a pressurestat on a machine that regulates its boiler temperature with one, but my EPC has an on/off switch that isn't short-circuited by any temperature or pressure condition. There is of course a steam pressure release valve in the top of the boiler chamber, and I usually pull my shot based on whether it's spitting steam or not.

Is there much value in having a pressurestat on such a machine?

personally I would say "no" if you are happy with the coffee you are brewing

when pulling multiple shots it might help you zero in the temp more than just yes the pressure valve is spewing so it's at maximum temp

it's a great tool and can be added pretty inexpensively

I added one to my millennium machine a few months ago and have found it very useful in checking the performance of my pressurestat, etc.

I added one a while back and, while it's not essential, I do find it useful. I think my machine is a little older than yours: no p-stat with the high/low element switch. I usually switch it from "II" to "I" when I get to about .8 bar of pressure -- which seems to be a pretty ideal boiler temp that works for me (the escape valve is gently hissing at that pressure).

Once I've pulled a shot or two, I also turn the machine off in-between pulls to reduce overheating of the group. Then I turn it on just before I put the portafilter back into the group for another shot and having the gauge lets me see exactly when it's ready to pull another shot. It helps me keep optimal pressure with the heating element(s) on a minimal amount of time. But I'll be the first to admit that I could get along fine without it.