Pressure Regulators - Choices

July 12th, 2020, 9:46 am

Many people myself included have the Chris Coffee regulator. Product description says - This pressure regulator valve with gauge comes complete with either a 1/4" or 3/8" John Guest fittings pre-installed for easy installation. The valve is preset to 50psi. While it has a range of 0-100psi, we recommend that the regulator be set to 35-45psi when used for an espresso machine.

One advantage is the JG fittings are already present.

What are people using besides this one? Swagelok makes high end ones. Haven't seen a seller that has them complete with JG fittings.

#2: Post by **JohnB.** » July 12th, 2020, 10:02 am

I've been using the previous version in the growing list of pressure regulators CCS has offered for 4-5 years now. This replaced an even older one they discontinued. Mine adjusts from the front with a large screw & seems to work fine.

#3: Post by **TomC** » July 12th, 2020, 3:21 pm

Even though I've been spending money like a drunken sailor the past week, I'll be buying their newest version to replace my almost 9 year old unit from them. I have the 2020 Favorite Espresso review coming up and I want my Speedy behaving as Kees intended. I could try and fiddle with my old one (which is something I've already been doing for the past 2.5 months) or just replace it and be done with it. John (Borella) has been helping me thru numerous modifications and upgrades on my Speedy this Spring/Summer, and throughout all these steps, (new valves, coils, lever controller, Mater pStat, etc) I've been watching my adjustable pressure regulator dance around a lot. My line pressure has always been high. Im currently sitting at 4 bar.

Unfortunately for the older ones Chris' Coffee sells, they aren't serviceable. I got 9 years out of mine in a damp spot under the sink. I guess I shouldn't be surprised if one of the internals have perished. Too bad a $6 kit wouldn't have them working like new. I think I paid barely $60 when I bought this one, now I'll be paying a bit more.

July 12th, 2020, 3:42 pm

Tom for what its worth, the gauge is made by Winters. Here is the model info.

Here is what mine looks like up close. I conclude the Chris had these made special with the adjusting knob and the JG fittings, so they are somewhat unique it appears.

You could consider the combo of these two items from Amazon-$24 total :
Reducer
Gauge

#5: Post by **Jeff** » July 12th, 2020, 4:02 pm

I've used the Watts P60 series with John Guest adapters in a variety of applications, including outdoors (with the UV-resistant tubing). They're about US$40 for the regulator, under $2 for JG fittings, and a lead-free gauge for $6 (and up). It's been 3-5 years since I purchased from Fresh Water Systems, but my experiences in the past were good.

#6: Post by **BaristaBoy E61** » July 12th, 2020, 5:48 pm

Another possible solution might be a 'Whole House' pressure regulator such as this high-end unit made in Italy.

https://www.caleffi.com/usa/en-us/catal ... e-535940ha

#7: Post by **Mat-O-Matic** » July 12th, 2020, 10:55 pm

I use one from Stefano's that is all metal and pre-calibrated.

July 12th, 2020, 11:50 pm

Edit - It's not adjustable - set to 3 bar.

https://www.espressocare.com/products/i ... d-to-3-bar

#9: Post by **silkypull** » July 13th, 2020, 3:08 am

Following... perfect timing as I was looking for a PR.

July 13th, 2020, 8:46 am

So far it looks like the cost of the Watt's one, once you buy the gauge, and JG fittings isn't that much of a savings, and you need to use a tool to adjust it. The Stefano's one doesn't have a gauge.

So far it seems the new Chris Coffee one is still the easiest as it's hand adjustable, fittings in 1/4 or 3/8 are already attached and the gauge is from a decent mfg.