... (so far as I know) all use the same vacuum breaker in the boiler cap. I've been having trouble for a long time with the O-ring seal on the Maximatic vacuum breaker being a bit sticky, holding the "plunger" in the center up in the sealed position when the machine is turned off

I was a little frustrated too when I first got a Cremina. For me, I found the hole size or number of holes, relative to the amount of steam (and milk), influenced how forgiving it was. I got an adapter with a variable-size hole tip, and after playing around I found an opening that was forgiving and ...

Sounds like we have the same taste. I hadn't thought about the Maximatic, but that may be a good option. I've been leaning towards the Micra, but the size (albeit smaller than the Mini) is of some concern. The Maximatic looks like an interesting option. Thanks

Great thread. I recently moved on from my Cremina for similar reasons, though I find that I miss the fun of the lever sometimes when I'm just making coffee for myself. I now have a Maximatic and a Micra. The Micra is superb and I have no complaints. Like you I enjoy classic espresso

Thanks Gary. You're right about the interchangeability on the old and new Maximatic and Cremina, but not sure about the newies. Certainly the steam knob cap on the old and new Creminas are different. I'm not practical enough to try your DIY solution, but I'm ...

Robert, I think the boiler caps on the Maximatic and Cremina are interchangeable, at least on the vintage machines. Or, you could get a circle cutter or a hobby knife and some heat resistant plastic and make one, as long as the plastic is thick enough and you have a way to trace and cut it. That may

Thanks. That part is listed under the Maximatic, not the Cremina. It could fit, but then again it might not. I could write to Cerini and check. FYI, I have also written to Olympia Express in Switzerland and are awaiting their response

{link} This is just the cap on cerini, but I have a feeling it might not fit exactly like the original

Does this part not fit then? {link}

Regarding steaming, I found the hole size (relative to the machines steam output) makes a big difference with both the Cremina and Maximatic. Once you get the hole size right, making good foam is easier and consistent