I realize that a lot has been posted about overheating with the Cremina, Pavoni, Elektra and other home lever machines. I can't find a post that directly deals with the question of whether the Olympia Club is less prone to overheat than the Cremina (or other comparable machines). It seems to have a longer boiler connection and somewhat better isolation of the group from the boiler, but it still is a direct-connect machine with a relatively small group.

Anyone have experience with this? Does the Club overheat after 2-3 shots (or a period of time sitting idle), or does it manage to dissipate heat from the group?

Jim

Hello, I am using the two machines side by side. I am still getting to know my Club. I am liking it better all the time. I have not done any scientific comparisons with temperature stability. However, I have observed that the Club does not overheat as quickly as the Cremina after several shots or when left on for a period of time. I have not pulled more than 4 consecutive shots on my Club yet. Depending on how long my Cremina has been warmed up shot 4 can be good or a tad bitter. When shot 4 is good shot 5 is getting bitter. Shot 4 on the Club has never been bitter even after leaving it on quite a while.

There have been times when I have turned on my Cremina or Club to warm them up and I lost track of time. By the time I pulled a shot on my Cremina the shot would be very bitter whereas my Club would be just fine over the same period of time. I wish I could give you actual times. I will pay attention next time and let you know.

I think the difference has something to do with differences that you mentioned as well as the much larger boiler on the Club. Plus, the group on the Club has a lot more mass to accommodate the spring assembly to act as a heat sink. I think that Doug from Orphan could answer the whys better than me.