I read this fabulous topic La Pavoni + PID = better temperature control? and was fascinated by the dogged determination and skill of RayJohns in changing his idea into reality.

Well done and thanks, RayJohns!

I was wondering if anyone has either thought of or done something similar with a Cremina.

Paolo wrote:I read this fabulous topic La Pavoni + PID = better temperature control? and was fascinated by the dogged determination and skill of RayJohns in changing his idea into reality.

Well done and thanks, RayJohns!

I was wondering if anyone has either thought of or done something similar with a Cremina.

Thanks for the kind words! I'm actually in the process of milling / cutting the heatsink for the SSR this week. I'm hoping to have the La Pavoni all back together and done soon here.

I don't know too much about the Cremina, but I can say that adding the PID controller to the La Pavoni was the best modification I have made on the machine - by a long shot (no pun intended there).

Being able to control the temperature has made a huge positive impact on the espresso and has all but eliminated the most problematic variable on the machine (i.e. the temperature swings). Prior to the PID controller, I was lucky if 1 out of 5 pulls resulted in a drinkable shot. Now, pretty much every single shot is right on the money.

I can definitely recommend adding a PID controller to your machine, no matter what else the machine includes; having control over the boiler temperature is an absolute "must have" in my opinion.

Ray

Paolo wrote:I was wondering if anyone has either thought of or done something similar [PID] with a Cremina.

This 2007 H-B thread documents PID'ing a Cremina in conjunction with use of air pressure to charge the group.

There is really no need to PID it. Just get one of the thermal strips OE sells and you can control temperature easy by either flushing or locking in cold portafilter... Simple