tjkoko wrote:EDIT:
... it seems that its precursor the SAMA was better constructed and much better fitted. I have no issues with the fit of the metal inserts for both the drip tray and cup warmer. Despite a tiny bit of play, they both fit well and fail to get knocked out of place. Doesn't seem to be any internal problems at this point either...:
peacecup wrote: My manual is a Caravel (see the Ararax Caravel thread). I've pulled some really amazing shots with it, and I suppose the Cremina would be better, or at least as good. Manual levers are definitely better with older beans.
PC
roastaroma wrote:....
The sight glass has not been a reliable indicator of the water volume. Jim at 1st Line speculated that there could be debris in the tubing, but the problem persists after descaling. My current workaround: after turning off the Lusso, I release some pressure through the steam wand, and note the level in the sight glass at that time -- I disregard any later rise of the level after the boiler goes cold.
The cast-in spouts of the portafilters are too small; post-shot dripping goes on too long (long after I've taken the cups away). I'm having EspressoParts NW chop the bottoms off my PFs next month.
As is well-known, the wands leak a bit if the knobs are not closed tightly. That's a minor irritant; the drip tray's poor drainage (from too few holes) is more irksome by far. Also, because the wands are given an extra 45 degree bend outward, to accommodate the 2 group heads, the steam tip is in line with the power switch and the hot water wand is nearly over the right edge of the drip tray. So far this has not presented any serious problem -- but I would not have designed it this way, that's for sure.
Ciao,
Wayne
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