la Valentina Automatic
Is there a semi-automatic function on the la Valentina Automatic, or does everything have to be programmed?
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For small cafés and specialty retail shops in need of a durable machine, the La Valentina is a cost-effective, low output alternative to constant use machines. The La Valentina is constructed out of commercial-grade components and features an E61 brew group for consistent brewing temperatures. With programmable, automatic brewing controls and unmatched heat retention, the La Valentina Automatic can steam and brew continuously during light to moderate daily use.
Programming the machine’s brew settings requires a bit of testing to find the right presets to match your business needs, but once the La Valentina Automatic has been programmed, any user can brew a shot at the press of a button. Although the actual brewing process is automated, the art of brewing, steaming, and frothing comes with experience and training. For in-depth information about the brewing and steaming process, please refer to the following articles:
The La Valentina Automatic features 4 programmable brewing buttons to give you a variety of preset brewing volumes for different espresso drinks. Programming only takes a few minutes, and holding down the stop button gives you programming access for brewing buttons at anytime. After you have programmed each button to your preferred volumes, the La Valentina can go brew espresso from start to finish without supervision. Preset brewing time means users are able to focus on other tasks while brewing, without having to worry about timing each shot manually.
For maximum heat retention, the La Valentina features an E61 brew group that constantly circulates water from the boiler through the brewing components. With a heavy chrome-plated brass grouphead to absorb and maintain heat from the 1.3-liter, nickel-plated copper boiler, the La Valentina can produce continuous shots without sporadic heat loss between pulls. In addition, this machine features an adjustable Sirai pressurestat to give you even more control over brewing temperatures. Located beneath the cup warmer, this professional grade pressurestat is preset at 1.1/1.2 bar to dispense shots at about 180o-190oF, and can be fine-tuned to satisfy your specific needs.
The La Valentina features a ball-jointed stainless steel steam wand that pulls steam from the machine’s boiler whenever you need it. Since the La Valentina features a heat exchanger, there is no wait time for steam, and if you wish you can even steam and froth during the brew cycle to save time. For best results, use the steam wand for cappuccinos or lattes first, then brew espresso second for consistent temperatures under continuous use.
The La Valentina’s exterior is made entirely out of stainless steel for maximum durability. The top of the machine features a stainless steel cup warming panel that can hold up to 8 demitasse cups, so that you can pour each shot into a preheated cup for better serving temperatures.
There are some extra parts that you may want to have available, as they do need to be replaced from time to time. Parts that can wear under constant use are filter baskets, shower screens and group gaskets, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly and replace them when needed.
Since this Grimac Royal Falcon espresso machine comes standard with a 3-liter removable water tank and a standard 110/120v electrical plug, there is no professional installation required. However, if you choose to include the optional plumbing kit, this machine will require a professional installation, which we can arrange for you at the time of purchase. Prior to installation, you will need to submit the plumbing requirements to a general contractor or plumber as well as your code enforcement officer to ensure the compliance of your facility with the needs of this machine.
Is there a semi-automatic function on the la Valentina Automatic, or does everything have to be programmed?
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I have this machine ,just got the news that my medic can't fix is it worth sending it t you or 1st line to rebuild a new one.The problem I had was were it was warmed up water was leaking inside and they said boiler was pited,what do you think about 7 yrs old I am considering Alex. Or ecm german
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A A Kevin,
We still sell that machine because it has served many people so well for so many years. If you would like to discuss getting your machine checked out by our techs, you can give us a call at 1-888-411-5282 option 3. If you would like to discuss the possibility of getting a new machine and what machine would best fit your needs, anyone here in the sales department would be more than happy to talk with you. We can be reached at option 1.
Where do find the Cappuccino Master that is shown and discussed in the video?
Also what is the brand of coffee that was used in the video that produced that nice rich looking crema?
Thanks!
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mjackson ♦ Mike ,
We can get them for you if you like.I would have us install it on your machien if you are interested. I will email you a PDF on the Cappuccino Master. This should help you understand it little better. The cost is $150.00
what would be the fix for the portafilter backing out while under pressure (and thereby creating an "explosion" of coffee grounds)? I see one other reference to this problem with the la Valentina (on coffeegeek.com) but no solutions. thanks.
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mjackson ♦ Suzzane,
It may be your group head gasket is worn out and needs to be replaced. I cant think of what else it could be.
I am going to buy the La Valentina Automatic Espresso Machine but I am confused about the three ordering options. The same machine is available as "new", "prosumer", and "commercial" and from what I can tell, they all seem to be the exact same per their descriptions/information. So my question is, is there a difference or are they all the same machine, just listed three different times? I couldn't find serial numbers listed on the specifics of the machine listings and the reason I was wondering was because the "new" listing comes with extras for the same price. After it is all said and done, what I am most interested in is getting the best machine possible and I really don't care about the extras IF there is truly a difference between the listed "commercial" machine and the "new" or "prosumer" machines. The prices are not different either so hopefully you can see why this is a little confusing. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
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TechMilanoItalia Katie, sorry for the confusion, but it is in fact the same machine listed thrice (the "New", "Commercial", and "Prosumer" designations are just so that they can be searched out under different categories of machine. The la Valentina is a very nice, solid machine - you won't be disappointed! =)
After 2 years of use, it is taking longer to heat and froth milk. What once was 50 to 60 seconds is now 75 to 80 seconds.
I have cleaned the brew head regularly, but cannot find any instructions on cleaning or descaling the boiler, etc.
What steps should I take?
Thanks
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Whole Latte Love Staff You should not decalcify machines that have heat exchanger boilers. Due to the design of the boiler, it would be nearly impossible to remove all of the decalcifying solution short of removing the boiler from the machine and taking it apart yourself - this is not recommended. The best thing you can do to keep your machine clean is to backflush it. This is a simple process that removes coffee oils and residues from the brew group through the solenoid valve. I have provided a link below to our article on backflushing so that you can learn more. In addition, I have linked to Urnex Cafiza and Backflush discs, both of which are necessary for backflushing.
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If you would like to know a little about the many types of espresso machines we sell, this would be a good video to get you started. This video covers the machines we sell and based on your lifestyle, what you like to drink, and ease of use. It will give you an overview of different espresso machines and help you determine which one best suits to your needs.
I would watch the video and focus on a particular kind of machine—prosumer, semi-automatic, and super-automatic to decide which kind is ideal for you. Then, you can go and look at individual models to get a better idea of exactly what you want. Of course, if you narrow it down to a few espresso machines and are still undecided, give us a call and we would be glad to help!
Chance Great video. Covers the basics and really helps you find the category that fits your life. Super auto for me!
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The La Valentina Automatic Espresso Machine is great for home or commercial use. It is extremely well engineered and has many commercial components. This machine is compact and highly efficient. I feel confident when I recommend the La Valentina Automatic and my faith has been validated by the positive comments I get from the customers who have purchased it. In this video, Todd and I will give you an overview of the versatile La Valentina Automatic Espresso Machine.
5 out of 5
(4 Customer Reviews)
OK, let me start by saying that this is all my brother's fault. He owns a string of coffee stores, and when I bought a super automatic machine to make great coffee at home, he told me I would be disappointed, and he was right. He told me to stop wasting money on bells and whistles and buy an espresso machine for the boiler and to be sure to buy an Italian boiler. Period. Just that. He said that the reason that commercial machines cost 10K is because of the boiler quality. Thus, I saved my money, and when ready to buy, started seriously exploring machines. Once I saw the video on this machine with it's unbelievable boiler, I knew this was the one. This machine is a super boiler combined with a few simple controls. You have to grind separately and tamp separately, but I have found that is part of the joy of the process since I can smell the coffee at each step. I have had absolutely no problems with the machine, and I've had it over a year now. My biggest problem is that when I travel and have to return to commercial coffee shops, I realize just how awesome the coffee I now make really is. A caveat: I saw in previous reviews that you need to turn on the pot at least 30 minutes prior to pulling shots. This is absolutely true. The gauge might read 1.2 bars before that time, but the pressure will not hold up. I just get out of bed, go downstairs, turn on the pot, and then go back up and shower and dress. By the time I'm ready for the coffee, the pot is ready for me. The only downside is the instruction manual. It's mostly in Italian and useless even if you read Italian (which I do). However, a simple trial run of pushing every button will let you know what the icons mean, and there is nothing else to this machine. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for with this one. I don't expect to ever need another machine, but if something happens, I'll buy this one again.
I have had this machine, automatic unit, for a couple of years and it has preformed seamlessly in every way. I just had to order a new head gasket to replace a leaky one, the other was removed with out any problem. I had a slight pump issue but with a few nut checks and a slight adjustment here and there all is fine. I would not hesitate to recommend this machine to anyone. There is not really an instruction manual but a page or two of this and that - you will have no troulble since it is easy to program and as with any machine you will need to find your sweet spot with grind and amount for your shots. ginny
Rated 5 out of 5
Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur
The La Val is one of those extreamly well made pieces of equipment you can keep for a lifetime. After owning a manual Gensaco machine (essentially the same machine as the Pasquini Livia 90) for 10 years (and still going strong) I got tired of hauling my machine back and forth to a second home, so I moved the Gensaco and sprang for a new home machine. The La Val has been used daily for almost 2 years and has never let me down. When you are ready to step up to one of the best simi commercial machines on the market you will not be unhappy with this unit. Additionally, this time I purchased the automatic unit which is a dream!
More than 1 year
Looks, quality, construction
Buy a great grinder, use quality beans, otherwise don't spend the $$ for a great machine.
Connoisseur
Various, whole bean, ground just before brewing
Nothing about the machine but the instructions could use a re-write!
Gensaco, Starbucks
Burr
Mazzer Mini
techkathy There is a free flow button on the machine. The top left button that looks like a star or asterisk. is a free flow function on the La Valentina Automatic machine.
03-18-2013 3:01pm |