Added a pressure gauge, pump dimmer switch, upgraded steam wand, and sawed off portafilter to my cheap DeLonghi a while ago. Works good enough and definitely learned a lot about how espresso machines work. Let me know if you’d be interested in a guide on how to perform the pressure gauge dimmer switch mod.

  • ayyy@sh.itjust.works
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    3 months ago

    Just remember that o rings don’t last forever, especially if you didn’t use a torque wrench. The ouchie boom potential here is non-zero.

    Edit: consider putting some kind of shroud over your various external joints to reduce risk and redirect the ouchie down towards the table away from your face/walls/ceiling.

  • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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    3 months ago

    An underrated machine, for sure.

    What’s the peak/average pressure?

    • AdamEatsAss@lemmy.worldOP
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      3 months ago

      When pulling a shot around 11bar pump pressure. I’m measuring before the boiler so actual pick pressure it likely lower than that.

      • BearOfaTime@lemm.ee
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        3 months ago

        I think they claim 12, so that’s pretty good!

        Surprising little machine, especially for the price. I had one for close to 15 years, a real trooper.

        The new version has a long cone shaped rubber steam wand with a slim “steam assist” tube around it, instead of the squat cone yours probably had. Works much better.