Where should I be able to find food grade silicone grease?

#1: Post by **kreyszig** » November 30th, 2012, 8:57 am

Do you know where I should be able to locally find food grade silicone grease? I went to the only specialized espresso machine store in Ottawa and they don't sell it. I went to a specialized hardware store and they had silicone grease for food processing equipment, but it was not intended to be in direct contact with food (it mentioned to call a doctor if ingested). I also called a stored specialized in food equipment and they did not have any...

Thanks!

#2: Post by HB » November 30th, 2012, 9:42 am

It's probably easier to buy it online by searching on "Dow Corning 111". Amazon sells it here. HB sponsors sell it too, e.g., Espresso Care.

November 30th, 2012, 9:45 am

It would be unfortunate if I had to end up paying $30 in shipping fees for a $3 tube of silicone grease...

#4: Post by **Bob_McBob** » November 30th, 2012, 9:52 am

You can get 10 packets for $10 with $4.90 shipping from the States here. If you are ordering any parts from somewhere like Chris' Coffee, many of them carry this lubricant. The little packets last a remarkably long time.

November 30th, 2012, 9:57 am

Are these larger tubes of the same food grade stuff? http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-DOW-CORNING- ... 1021166253

Thanks

#6: Post by **Bob_McBob** » November 30th, 2012, 9:59 am

It's the same product, sold in a larger format. One of those tubes would probably last me a lifetime.

#7: Post by **kmills** » November 30th, 2012, 10:08 am

Home Depot and Lowes or any plumbing supply sells grease designed to lube o-rings and cartridge type faucet parts. Its very cheap and I cant imagine why it would not work for espresso machines given its designed to work for potable hot water.

#8: Post by **yakster** » November 30th, 2012, 12:00 pm

Dow 111 is a valve lubricant and sealant designed for o-rings and faucet applications so as long as the home improvement store is selling NSF grade O-ring grease it should be fine.

#9: Post by HB » November 30th, 2012, 1:26 pm

FYI: For those in Europe, Molykote 111 = Dow Corning 111 (i.e., Molykote and Dow Corning are registered trademarks of Dow Corning Corporation).