|
|
 |
|
From the development stage all the way to their production plants, the Solis espresso machine line is Swiss quality at its finest. The Solis Crema SL70’s 19 bar pump produces more than enough pressure to pull a deep, aromatic, crema-topped shot of espresso, and the pressurized portafilter means that you can expect consistent results, no matter who’s using the machine.
The durable housing of the SL70 conveys a straightforward machine, with a control panel consisting of three switches and two indicator lights on the front of the machine. Below the control panel, from left to right, is the tamper, the pressurized portafilter, and the steam wand/hot water dispenser. To the right of the control panel is the steam knob. Together, these work in great harmony so you can brew a menu of drinks – an espresso, café crema, café americano, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, steamer, café breve, mocha – the list is limited only by your imagination.
|
|
|
The Solis SL70 has three rocker arm switches. The one on the left is the main power switch, and says on/off. It has an indicator light above it that illuminates whenever the main power is on. The middle switch operates the pump and is known as the brew switch – it has an icon of a coffee cup. When the SL70 is heated up to brewing temperature, a green indicator light above the brew switch illuminates. The rightmost switch is the steam switch, and it has an icon of a cloud. When you press the steam switch, the machine heats up to steam temperature – you’ll know it’s ready to steam because the indicator light above the steam switch will illuminate. |
|
Tamping refers to the step of applying the proper amount of even pressure to ground coffee once it’s in the portafilter. The Solis Crema SL70 has a built in tamper located to the left of its brew group, designed specifically to go with its pressurized portafilter. Once the indicator light above the brew switch is illuminated, place your grounds in the single shot or double shot basket and press down lightly on the grounds using the tamper. Insert the portafilter into the brew group, and press the brew button to dispense espresso. Press the brew button again to stop the flow of espresso when you have your desired amount. |
|
There are two types of portafilters: pressurized and commercial. Pressurized portafilters are easier to use than the commercial style because they create pressure for you and so your brew doesn’t depend as much on the grind size and tamping pressure. The pressurized portafilter also enhances the crema on top of each shot. The portafilter handle is made of high quality plastic shaped to fit your hand comfortably, while the heavy chrome-plated brass filter holder maintains heat and keeps the coffee temperature stable throughout the brewing process. |
|
The Solis Crema SL70’s boiler is made of marine grade brass with an internal volume of 9 oz. This large volume produces excellent steaming power and recycle time when brewing multiple espressos, and the brass construction resists pitting and scale build up for long lasting durability as well as strong, stable heat retention. |
|
The cup warmer is heated using residual heat from the boiler, so when your boiler warms up, your cups warm up too. Brewing espresso into a warm cup helps preserve the temperature of the beverage, leaving you with a hot drink topped with golden crema. |
|
Pods are pre-packaged single servings of ground and tamped espresso, and come in different brands such as Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods. For those who prefer brewing with pods, a pod filter basket for your portafilters is included – just use the pod filter basket instead of the single or double shot basket, place the pod inside, and brew as you normally would. |
|
The Solis SL70 has a unique temperature control system containing five separate thermostats and safeties. There is one thermostat that controls the brew temperature and two that control the steam temperature. There are also two safeties that protect the boiler from overheating. |
|
|
|
|
To froth and steam, make sure that the Solis Crema SL70 is at brewing temperature. Press the steam button, and wait for the machine to heat up to steam temperature – you’ll know it’s ready when the indicator light above the steam switch goes on. Open the steam knob on the right side of the machine, and steam will be dispensed. When you’re done foaming and steaming, close the steam knob and turn the steam switch off. The Solis SL70 comes equipped with a stainless steel steam wand in a single hole style, without any type of frothing attachment. This type of wand takes a little more skill to perfect, but it is very durable and gives you complete control over frothing and steaming. The wand pivots directly forward to a 4" height for easier frothing, or you can use it in the down position for effortless steaming. Remember to wipe it off with a damp cloth to prevent milk residue buildup. |
|
As long as the Solis Crema SL 70 is at brewing temperature, the steam wand also works as a hot water dispenser for soup, tea, or a café americano. Open the steam knob, and then press the brew switch. Hot water will flow out of the steam wand, and when you have the desired volume, close the steam knob and press the brew switch again. |
|
|
|
|
The reservoir is located in the back and slides out for easy refilling. It holds a whopping 96 oz, and should be cleaned out regularly with hot water and non-abrasive detergent for fresh tasting coffee. To keep your brewing components in optimal condition, remember to descale your machine once every 4-6 months as detailed in the Solis Crema SL70’s user manual. |
|
The drip tray cover is designed to give you two different heights to better accommodate either espresso cups or full sized coffee mugs. One side of the cover is for small cups, but you can flip it over to accommodate taller cups. Use hot water and a non-abrasive detergent to clean the drip tray and cover. |
|
To clean the brew unit, we recommend letting hot water run through it from time to time to rinse out the coffee oils and residue that can collect there. The brew unit and the housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth when needed. |
|
The Solis Crema SL70 comes with a measuring spoon, portafilter, single shot basket, double shot basket, and pod adapter basket. |
|
|
| Odds & Ends: Cleaning supplies & more for this machine |
|
|
|
Accessories:
Here are some extras that we recommend for use with the Solis Crema SL70.
|
|
 |
