So, a friend with an Alex Duetto was over a few days ago. He enjoys the different profile shots I get as opposed to his fine machine. (I've pulled many shots on his, and it IS a fine machine.)

Anyhow, after making him a traditional cappa, he noticed the machinations I had to go through just to clean my hot steam wand of the milk residue.
He then asks.." couldn't you design a no burn/no stick steam wand for the Cremina?

I had no answer, being the non engineer I am. (Well, I AM a music engineer. )

So I humbly ask my good friends here if you lever folks have ever thought about this for your own machine.
I'd ask Doug at OE, but I'm afraid he'd bite my head off for even suggesting such a thing!

I've been thinking about building an articulating / no-burn steam wand for the La Pavoni.

Ray

I don't know whether it fits, but you could try to get steam want from new Cremina. Those are much easier to clean than the 67's.

Thanks to both of you. Building one, eh? Hmmmmm...
If you decide to investigate building one for the Cremina, you might have a few takers, I bet, as long as the machine could remain stock otherwise.

Dennis, you say the new wand is different.
I just read Doug's (OE) fine description of the 2011 as he calls it Cremina.
I don't believe he mentioned anything different about the steam wand. Do you own a newer one?




Edited for specificity

Check out the wonderful image from Olympia, be sure to let it zoom and examine the steam wand:

http://www.olympia-express.ch/static/as...061008.jpg

It is very similar to new Maximatic wand (which I had) and it was super easy to steam and clean with it. I did use new Cremina and it is much easier to clean than 67 one (which I have)...

IMAWriter wrote:Thanks to both of you. Building one, eh? Hmmmmm...
If you decide to investigate building one for the Cremina, you might have a few takers, I bet, as long as the machine could remain stock otherwise.

I was thinking about making something on the lathe. I would have to sit down and design it. I was also thinking about making a steam valve that operated on a lever, as opposed to the knob that the La Pavoni has now.

Does anyone know how the normal non-burn wands are setup? Are those just a double wall housing and/or is there some insulation instead of them?

If you check my thread on the La Pavoni PID, I used a silica fabric to insulate the electronics in the base from the boiler heat (and it does an amazing job). The silica I used was 1/4" thick, but I think it's available in thinner widths. I could make a sleeve and then sandwich that stuff between the steam wand itself and the outside housing. Just a thought.

I know the articulating part would be really helpful, since it would allow the wand to move in and out of the way. Right now, on my machine, I have the wand bent just slightly, so it makes a better angle.

If anyone has a steam wand that is disassembled (which pivots, etc.), it would be nice to see the mechanics of it.

Ray

tekomino wrote:Check out the wonderful image from Olympia, be sure to let it zoom and examine the steam wand:

http://www.olympia-express.ch/static/as...061008.jpg

It is very similar to new Maximatic wand (which I had) and it was super easy to steam and clean with it. I did use new Cremina and it is much easier to clean than 67 one (which I have)...

Ah, yes. Gleaming stainless, has a bit more of a "tube-like" look.

So you say less milk stickage, as long as I clean it in the first 30 seconds or so post steaming. I usually do that, but I have to have a hot rag, and i always burn myself using the steam from the wand to heat the rag.
I though bout just having a cup of hot water ready, clear/purge the wand first then just immerse the first 2 inches into the hot water for a couple of seconds.
I just forget to heat the water!
My daughter is now into cappas with NO ADDED SUGAR!
So I'm doing lots more milk drinks.

I thought this thread was a little amusing after all the griping about the GS/3 no-burn wand and the money and effort people went to to replace it with a "burn me" wand.

Personally, I never understood the griping. I love my stock no burner.

I'm happy for you.
I actually get very nice results, using an Espro Toroid pitcher, which, I admit is cheating a wee bit.
I've angled my wand a wee bit which makes things easier.

IMAWriter wrote:I'm happy for you.
I actually get very nice results, using an Espro Toroid pitcher, which, I admit is cheating a wee bit.
I've angled my wand a wee bit which makes things easier.

I use a Toroid pitcher on the La Pavoni myself - works well!

Ray