You should install a new group gasket about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to get a new gasket. Please call us to order. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece in the group head. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

You will need a broad, flat-head screwdriver.
1. Unplug the machine and let it cool down completely (this is VERY important).
2. Remove the water reservoir and the drip tray grid and drip pan.
3. Locate the shower screen. It is right above where the portafilter normally sits. It looks like a circular metal screen.
4. The screen has a smooth cuff around the edge. It is held on by pressure (no screws or bolts). Just above the screen, along the smooth cuff, is a small indent that goes all the way around. This is where you will pry down using the screwdriver. Place the blade of the flat head screwdriver at the indent and pry down carefully. DO NOT pry down on one side only, as this could warp or bend the piece. It should be pried off slowly from alternating sides. Like a paint can.
5. The group gasket should come off along with the screen and cuff. If it does not, simply pull it straight down until it comes off.
6. Inspect and clean the group head. Make sure the shower screen is clean as well. You can soak it in descaler if needed. DO NOT push a pin through the screen to clear out any clogs. It will increase the diameter of the holes promoting future clogs.
7. Stretch the new gasket over the screen. The side that is beveled should face up into the machine. The completely flat side will face down to create a seal with your portafilter.
8. Push the shower screen back into place with your hand. Make sure it is in securely and completely before inserting your portafilter.
9. Replace the water reservoir, drip tray and drip grid.
10. Turn on the machine and you are ready to brew again.
If you need parts or further assistance, please contact us at 1-888-411-5282

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

This problem can occur if the metal filter basket in the portafilter is damaged around the edges, or if coffee has built-up on the edges. Ensure that your filter basket is clean around the edges, and if it is damaged, replacements are available by calling us at the number below.

Solution 2

The most common solution to this problem is to replace the group head gasket. You should install a new about once a year. It is easy to install and you can do it from home. First, you will need to purchase a new gasket. Please call us to order. The gasket is a large, black circular rubber piece located in the group head.The group gasket surrounds the shower screen. This is where your machine makes a seal for pressure brewing. To replace it, follow these instructions:

You will need a broad, flat-head screwdriver.
1. Unplug the machine and let it cool down completely (this is VERY important).
2. Remove the water reservoir and the drip tray grid and drip pan.
3. Locate the shower screen. It is right above where the portafilter normally sits. It looks like a circular metal screen.
4. The screen has a smooth cuff around the edge. It is held on by pressure (no screws or bolts). Just above the screen, along the smooth cuff, is a small indent that goes all the way around. This is where you will pry down using the screwdriver. Place the blade of the flat head screwdriver at the indent and pry down carefully. DO NOT pry down on one side only, as this could warp or bend the piece. It should be pried off slowly from alternating sides. Like a paint can.
5. The group gasket should come off along with the screen and cuff. If it does not, simply pull it straight down until it comes off.
6. Inspect and clean the group head. Make sure the shower screen is clean as well. You can soak it in descaler if needed. DO NOT push a pin through the screen to clear out any clogs. It will increase the diameter of the holes promoting future clogs.
7. Stretch the new gasket over the screen. The side that is beveled should face up into the machine. The completely flat side will face down to create a seal with your portafilter.
8. Push the shower screen back into place with your hand. Make sure it is in securely and completely before inserting your portafilter.
9. Replace the water reservoir, drip tray and drip grid.
10. Turn on the machine and you are ready to brew again.
If you need parts or further assistance, please contact us at 1-888-411-5282.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to backflush regularly. You should backflush the machine once a week with water, and every other week with backflush-cleaning powder. We recommend Cafiza by Urnex. You only need to use about 1 teaspoon each time. To backflush, follow these steps:

1. Turn the machine on and let it heat to normal brewing temperature.
2. Remove the normal basket from the portafilter and insert the backflush disk. The backflushing disk is either rubber or stainless steel. It will have no holes in it.
3. If backflushing with just water, insert the portafilter into the machine normally as if brewing.
4. If you are going to backflush using the cleaning powder, simply sprinkle about a teaspoon onto the backflush disk, and then insert the portafilter into the machine normally.
5. Turn on the brewing mechanism. (some machines have a switch, some have a lever, and some a free flow button)
6. Listen to the pump. It will begin normally and then change pitch. After the pump changes pitch, count to three.
7. Now, stop the flow of water by stopping the brewing mechanism.
8. A gush of water is now expelled into your drip tray. Repeat steps 2-6 again at least 2 more times. You can repeat it until you feel like the brew head is clean. Make sure if you are using backflush cleaner, to remove the portafilter after several cycles and make sure all of the powder is dissolved and no longer visible.
9. Remove the portafilter and take out the backflush disk. Replace the regular filter basket and you are ready to brew again.

Solution 2

If the first solution does not work, your shower screen may be clogged. This can happen through regular use. Some common causes are not backflushing on a regular basis, or using a very fine grind. Follow these steps to remove the shower screen:

1. Make sure your machine is cold and unplugged.
2. You will need a thin flat head screw driver.
3. Now locate the shower screen. It is above the spot where you insert the portafilter for brewing. It is a metal screen that has many holes in it. It is held on by a pressure cuff. The cuff surrounds the screen and is silver in color.
4. You will need to pry off the cuff in order to access the shower screen. DO NOT stick the screw driver blade between the screen and pressure cuff. This will ruin your shower screen and you will need to purchase a new one.
5. The top of the pressure cuff is located right where the group gasket meets it. The group gasket is a large black rubber ring located on the outer perimeter of the group head.
6. Place the flat blade of the screw driver in the area where the group gasket and pressure cuff meet. Pry slightly downwards. DO NOT pry the pressure cuff down in one location. It will bend. You need to remove it as you would the lid of a paint can.
7. Pry all the way around until the pressure cuff can be easily removed. You do not have to use a lot of force.
8. Remove the shower screen and hold it up to a light. You should be able to see through most of the holes. If not, soak it in some dissolved backflush cleaner, such as Cafiza by Urnex. DO NOT use a pin to clean out any clogs. This will expand the openings and cause future clogs in the group head.
9. Clean the group head using a brush. Make sure it is mostly clean. You can dip the brush in the dissolved cleaner to aid in the cleaning.
10. Replace the shower screen by simply pushing it back into its place.
11. Backflush your machine, making sure to thoroughly rinse any cleaner you have used.
12. Your shower screen is now clean. Do this at least once every 6-8 weeks to keep your machine working at its best.

Solution 3

If the first 2 solutions did not work, you may have a major clog or a pump issue. Please call us to set up a repair.

Your machine may be experiencing a bit of vapor lock, which can happen occasionally. Try to keep the water reservoir to full capacity if possible, but if you run into this issue again, you can remedy it by forcing water through the tube manually. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool completely. Make sure the reservoir is full or the machine will not function.
2. First you need to get a turkey baster or something that can inject water with some pressure. If you do not have anything suitable please call us to order a priming pump.
3. Look into the reservoir and find the soft tubes. There is usually 1 or 2. You will need to locate the inlet tube. It is usually the longer tube with a V-shaped cut or angled cut at the end. This is the tube you are going to inject water into. NOTE: if your machine has a water softener on it, remove this while priming.
4. Fill the turkey baster or priming pump with water.
5. Plug in your machine and turn it on.
6. Now the pump will activate. Quickly make a tight seal with the priming pump/turkey baster and the inlet tube and force water into the tube.
7. As soon as you have injected the water, turn the pump off by turning off the brewing button (we recommend doing this step 2-3 times before going on to the next step).
8. Once you see water being pulled through the machine, replace the tube into a FULL water reservoir and let the water run out of the steam wand for 1 minute or until you no longer see sputtering. Your machine is now re-primed and ready to use again.

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to clean out the Vacuum Relief Valve (VRV). It is a small valve on top of the boiler that prevents vapor lock. As the machine heats up, it builds pressure. The pressure forces up a small plunger, sealing the VRV and the boiler will be able to begin building pressure. Follow these steps to clean it out:

Tools required:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 3mm Allen wrench
• 17 mm socket and ratchet
• WD-40

There are several possible causes of this problem. Please follow the instructions below to solve it.

Solution 1

The most common solution to this problem is to reset the high limit switch. This safety switch is designed to cut off power if the boiler gets too hot. It can also trip if you have some sort of electrical issue such as a power surge or an electrical short in the machine. To reset the high limit switch, follow these instructions:

Tools required:

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• 3mm Allen wrench
• Needle-nose pliers

The water softener helps keep the amount of scale build up under control. It is attached to the end of the soft rubber inlet tube in your water tank. It looks like it is full of little crystal grains. The water softener should be cleaned and recharged about once every 1-2 months, or more frequently if you have a higher mineral content in your water. To charge it for the first time, or to recharge it, follow these simple steps:

The machine should be off and cold before following these steps.

1. Prepare a solution of 3 teaspoons of fine salt and 8 oz of water. Mix well.
2. Remove the water softener from the rubber tube by pulling the pointy end off of the soft rubber tube. Make sure you do not pull the end of the water softener off.
3. Pour the solution through the big end of the filter. It will flow freely out of the bottom pointy end.
4. Let is sit for about 5 minutes, then run tap water through it to rinse it. When the water coming out of the softener is no longer salty, the water softener is fully charged/recharged and ready for use.
5. Put the softener back on the tube by simply pushing the pointed end back into the soft inlet tube.
6. Put them both back into a full water tank. It may float up, and this is normal as long as the end that allows water to enter the machine is submerged. You do not want the machine to accidentally suck in some air, causing the pump to lose its prime.

The machine is now ready to be turned on and used again.

Cleaning Products Page

Expobar machines are not designed as pod machines, but it is possible to brew pods with them by using the Gaggia pod filter basket. Because of the high quality brewing components, Expobar machines are designed to make an excellent shot of espresso. This is best done by using your own freshly ground coffee rather than pods. Pods do offer added convenience when brewing, but with a highly capable machine like the Brewtus II, you will always get the best results if you can perfect the grind and tamp yourself.

Gaggia Gaggia Pod/Single Filter Basket

Both of these models offer outstanding durability, and are designed with many of the same high quality brewing components. Upgrades to the Expobar Office Lever include an authentic E61 brew group, a manually operated 3-way solenoid valve, 100% stainless steel body, redesigned knobs, and a redesigned steam arm. The commercial E61 brew group is known throughout the industry to be one of the best due to its thermal siphon design, which circulates hot water from the boiler through the group to maintain ideal brewing temperatures. Its temperature stability is as good as it gets.

However, because of the E61 brew group, the Office lever lacks the programmable functions that are available on the Office Control. The Office Control has four programmable brewing buttons and the 3-way solenoid valve activates automatically at the end of the brewing cycle. While both machines have a stainless steel exterior, the Office Control has a steel frame while the Office Lever is made entirely from stainless steel.

Refurbished machines, excluding Capresso models, come with a six-month warranty covering limited parts and labor through Whole Latte Love. Before a machine can be offered through the Outlet, our technical staff carefully inspects it to ensure it is in perfect working order, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best in quality and performance. Each refurbished machine comes complete with all components that are necessary for proper use.

Capresso refurbished machines come with a full one-year warranty and all repairs will go directly through the manufacturer. Before these machines were made available for resale, Capresso’s own technicians carefully inspected each machine to ensure it is in perfect working order. Each refurbished Capresso machine comes complete with all the accessories that normally come with a new product.

For more information on our refurbished machines, please read the article linked below and visit the Whole Latte Love Outlet.

Whole Latte Love Refurbs

Whole Latte Love Outlet

Comments (1)

The Office Lever will require a 58mm tamper. We carry several in that size, each of which you can learn more about by following the links below.

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There are a few things that will help get your espresso hot. The first, which you mentioned, is letting the machine heat up a little longer before you use it. Make sure that the temperature ready light comes on before you try to use the machine. After the machine says its up to temperature, you’ll also want to run a "blank shot". This is simply activating the brew function while the empty portafilter is in place to allow hot water to come through the brew group and portafilter. In addition, you should preheat the cup you’ll be brewing into with hot water. Cold brew groups, portafilters, and cups will absorb the heat from your espresso, making it colder and reducing the amount of crema you get. Preheating all of these components prevents that from happening and helps you to get the perfect shot.

Due to the construction of the heat exchanger boiler, some water does come in contact with the heating element. The water that does come in contact with the heating element is used for steaming and hot water. On the other hand, water that’s used for brewing does not touch the heating element.

The pressure gauge on the machine is an indicator of the boiler pressure (directly correlated to temperature). That gauge will generally read from .9-1.5 bar of pressure during normal operation. The pressure that the pump produces for brewing should be between 8-9 bars of pressure, like your barista told you. These are simply 2 different types of pressure being mentioned.

The Expobar Office Lever weighs 54 lbs. Information like this can be found for any of the machines we carry by following the link below to our Comare-O-Matic.

Compare-O-Matic

The temperature of the water in your cup is fairly normal - although the machine brews at a higher temperature (around 200F), after its exposure to air and absorption of some of the heat from your cup, 180 is right on target, so I don’t think it’s a temperature issue. It sounds like you may simply need to give your steam tip a good cleaning. Just add a spoonfull of Cafiza (what you use to backflush) to a cup of hot water and let the steam tip soak for a while. As some preventative maintenance, after steaming your milk you should blow some additional steam out of the wand to ensure nothing is stuck in the wand. If you’ve tried this and are still experiencing problems, give us a call at 888-411-5282 so that we can more thoroughly diagnose the problem.

Although Expobar doesn’t make a pod adapter for this machine, we have tested a single shot filter basket that seems to work very well. To place an order for this part, please call us at 888-411-5282.

To remove the shower screen on the Expobar, you’ll need to use a flat head screwdriver. Insert the flat side of the screwdriver on the right side of the group head, between the shower screen and brew group, and apply gentle pressure to start prying it out. Then do the same thing on the left side of the group head to prevent bending the screen. You can request a set of detailed instructions on cleaning the shower screen a brew group by calling us at 888-411-5282.

If your machine is tripping your GFI switch, you may need to send it in for repair. Please call us at 888-411-5282 so that we can thoroughly diagnose the problem and provide you with the most appropriate solution.

It sounds like you simply need to replace the brew group gasket, which is generally necessary every year or so. Please contact us at 888-411-5282 so we can send you this part and instructions on how to replace it.

The red light simply indicates that the machine is on and heating up. When the red light goes off, it means the machine is up to the proper temperature for brewing and steaming.

In addition to the day-to-day maintenance of cleaning out the portafilter, emptying the drip tray, and cleaning off the steam wand, you will want to backflush your machine and clean all of the brewing components regularly.

You should backflush your machine with water daily, and with a cleaner like Urnex Cafiza on a weekly basis. In addition, you’ll want to remove your shower screen and soak it, along with the filter baskets and portafilter head, in a solution of hot water and Cafiza every couple of weeks. You can learn more about backflushing and Urnex Cafiza by following the links below. To request detailed instructions for the procedures mentioned above, please call us at 888-411-5282.

Articles

You don’t have to remove the filter basket every day for cleaning, but I would recommend rinsing and wiping the filter basket out every time you’ve knocked out your spent grounds. However, the filter basket should be removed every month or so for deeper cleaning. You can usually remove them with a fingernail, but a butterknife or flat screwdriver will do if it’s really snug - just be careful not to bend the basket with your force. Then simply add a teaspoon of Cafiza (what you use to backflush your machine) to a cup of hot water and let the filter baskets soak for 10 or 15 minutes. Also, hold the filter basket up to the light to see if any of the holes are clogged. If you do notice this, you can clean the holes out with a toothpick and then soak the baskets as recommended.

A great way to get that "cooked" milk off of there is by using Urnex Cafiza - the same detergent you use to backflush. Add a spoonful of Cafiza to a cup of hot water, remove the steam tip from the machine, and let it soak for 10 minutes or so. Most of the gunk should be gone by the end of the soaking time and anything that’s still clinging should easily wipe or rinse off. To purchase or learn more about Urnex Cafiza, follow the link below.

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To install the water softener, simply insert the small end into the water intake tube in the reservoir. It should start working immediately the next time water is pulled out of the reservoir and into the boiler.

It sounds like you simply need to reset your high limit switch. Please contact us at 888-411-5282 so that we can send you instructions for this procedure.

The Expobar’s group head and portafilter have a 58mm diameter, which is the standard commerical size. This means it would use a 58mm tamper as well. Information like this can be found for any of the espresso machines we carry by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

Compare-O-Matic

Expobar does not currently manufacture a single spout portafilter. However, even though the espresso is coming out of both spouts, you can catch both streams in a single cup if it is positioned in the center.

The control lever on this machine has 3 positions: up, center, and down. You move the lever to the up position to brew. Once brewing is complete, you’ll move the lever all the way to the down position, which opens the pressure relief valve, removing excess pressure and water from the brew group and depositing it into the drip tray. The center position is simple a "standby" position that you should leave the lever in when you are neither brewing nor releasing the pressure valve.

It is very simple to make cafe crema with this machine. You’ll want to fill your double shot filter basket with grounds that are coarser than you would normally use to brew espresso. Then you’ll brew 6 to 8 oz of water through these grounds to produce a cafe crema. For more information on the types of drinks that you can make with this machine, follow the link below to our article on the subject.

Articles

You don’t really clean the water filter so much as you recharge it. This is a simple process that involves placing it in a salt water solution that you draw through the filter. For detailed instructions on this procedure, please contact us directly at 888-411-5282.

It could be that through a combination of too fine grind and excessive tamp pressure, there is too much pressure build-up during brewing. This can result in the pressure relief valve diverting some of the water and pressure to the drip tray. To remedy this problem, try using a slightly coarser grind or letting up on your tamp pressure a bit. If you’ve tried these things and are still experiencing this issue, please contact our tech department at 888-411-5282 so that we can thoroughly diagnose the problem.

If you’re using the proper ground coffee level, fineness, and tamp pressure, the single shot basket will actually brew a bit "slower" than you’re used to with the double shot basket. According to the Golden Rule, even though a single shot uses half the coffee and produces half the espresso of a double shot, the extraction time will still be the same (20 to 25 seconds), which is indeed a slower brewing process than the double shot. You can learn more about the Golden Rule and other brewing tips by following the links below to our articles on the subject.

Articles

You’re correct - the device connected to the intake tube in the reservoir is indeed a water softener. The softener does require recharging every few months. For detailed instructions on this procedure, please contact us directly at 888-411-5282.

It sounds like you need to adjust your pressure stat and/or clean your vacuum relief valve. For detailed instructions on these procedures, please contact us directly at 888-411-5282.

The Expobar Office Lever runs on 110/120 volts. Information like this can be found for any of the machines we carry by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

Compare-O-Matic

This cup rail, which also fits the Brewtus, is available through us. To place an order for this item, please call us at 888-411-5282.

It sounds like you may simply need to adjust your pressure stat. Instructions are below. If you have any further questions, please contact us at 888-411-5282.

Is your Expobar running a little too hot? Not hot enough? Your pressure stat may need to be adjusted.

 Please read the entire instructions before you start.

Tools Required: 3 mm Allen wrench

Phillips head screw driver

Small flat head screwdriver

1.Always unplug the machine.

2.Remove and empty the reservoir.

3.Taking the top off. Taking the top piece of the Expobar Office Pulser/Control begins by unscrewing the 2 chrome Phillips head screws on top of the machine in the front left/right corners. The fasteners are chrome Phillips head screw or chrome 3 mm Allen bolts. They may also be a combination of both. The other two fasteners, located on the top panel near the back panel are chrome 3mm Allen bolts. They are covered with small, round, black plastic caps.

4.Lift off the top panel. On some machines, the top panel and reservoir assembly are connected. If they are, then the whole structure will lift right out of the machine. If not, then you will have to remove the large, black, step-shaped reservoir plate. After the plastic zip tie at the front is cut, it will lift straight out.

5.Identifying the pressure stat. The Expobar pressure stat is located, if facing the front of the machine, in front of the boiler, just beneath the large copper tubes that go in/out the group head. The stat is round, about 1 in across. The body is black, with a yellow face. In the center, under a small red cap is the adjustment screw. It is a small brass flathead screw slightly recessed into the yellow face of the pressure stat.

6.Clockwise turns the pressure down. Counterclockwise turns the pressure up. When you make adjustments use ¼ turns or less at a time.

7.Re-assemble in reverse order.

Regular maintenance of this machine requires backflushing every day with water and weekly with a cleaner like Urnex Cafiza. Cafiza is available through us and can be purchased online by following the link below or over the phone by calling us at 888-411-5282.

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This doesn’t sound like anything is wrong with the machine - it’s actually working very well. The pump is kicking on because the water in the boiler has started to dissipate over the hours that the machine hasn’t been used. The pump is simply coming on to bring new water into the boiler and prevent it from burning out. This is actually preventing the machine from having a future problem and shouldn’t worry you at all.

One of the main reasons for an uneven pour like you’re describing is if your tamping isn’t level. If you simply apply more pressure on one side than the other, water will find the path of least resistance through the less-tamped side. However, if you’re pretty sure that tamping isn’t the issue, it could be that your machine is sitting on a surface that isn’t level. Try propping up the side of the machine that more espresso seems to come out of. As long as your tamping is even, this should remedy your problem.

The reservoir is accessed from the top of the machine and is removable. However, you can fill it in place if you desire. Information like this can be found for any of our machines by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

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Your thinking is correct - this is something that can be adjusted easily to fix the problem. First, remove the reservoir, and then remove the metal plate below it. Simply put a slight downward bend in the center of the metal plate, so that when you replace it the center touches the sensor before the sides reach that level. Replace the reservoir, and you should be all set. If you continue to have problems, feel free to contact us directly at 888-411-5282 for further assistance.

Blind filter baskets, or backflush discs, are available through us. You can purchase them online by following the link below or over the phone by calling us at 888-411-5282.

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The Expobar machines use 1469 watts at 120v. Information like this can be found for these machines, or any others that we carry, by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic. Feel free to contact us again with any further questions.

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Unforutnately, we do not carry a 220v version of this machine, or any other machines on our site.

You should not decalcify machines that have heat exchanger boilers (like the Expobar). 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 by Whole Latte Love or the manufacturer. 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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According to our in-house testing, the Expobar machines were able to froth up to 12 oz of milk in around a minute and a half. With the heat exchanger boiler, there is also no down time between brewing and steaming, so you can make drink after drink without stopping. You can view information like this for any of our machines by following the link below to our Compare-O-Matic.

Articles

Unfortunately, there still is not a plumb kit available for the Expobar machines. We are still working on creating one and it will be up on our site as soon as possible. Please keep checking back for updates.

This machine, like all other espresso machines, will brew at between 8 and 9 bars of pressure. The pump is capable of producing up to 15 bars, but this has no effect on the brewing pressure - it will always brew at 8 - 9 bars.

You can use the Rancilio 3-hole steam tip, however, you will want to make sure that you’re not using the adapter that comes with it because it will not fit the Expobar. You can purchase the Rancilio 3-hole steam tip by following the link below, or by calling us at 888-411-5282.

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The Expobar machines are not NSF approved. If you are looking to put this machine in a commercial environment, I would investigate your local health regulations before purchasing, as they do vary from state to state.

Whole Latte Love carries all Expobar parts.  Please give us a call at 888-411-5282 to place your order for the steam tip and we’ll have you making perfect froth again in no time.

If you’re not going to be using the machine at least every hour while it’s on, I would recommend turning it off between usage. Leaving the machine on for longer periods of non-use can result in parts wearing out and needing replacement more frequently.

The Office Lever’s pump is a vibration pump. Unfortunately, we do not carry an machines with rotary pumps at this time.

This is a clear indication that the machine is in need of cleaning.  Your Expobar should be cleaned aproximately twice a week.  The cleaning process is called backflushing and is very simple.  I have included links to an article explaining the process and also the products recommended for backflushing below.

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We would recommend using either bottled water or filtered tap water.  Over filtered waters such as Distilled and Reverse Osmosis cannot be read by the sensor in the boiler which can ultimately cause your boiler to be over filled and potentially harm your machine.

Very basically, the Golden Rule states that using the correct amount of coffee (based on a single or double shot) should produce a shot of espresso in 20 to 25 seconds. Changing the grind setting or the amount of tamp pressure you are using will change how quickly the shot is produced. Follow the links below to find more in depth discussions of the Golden Rule.

Golden Rule
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART I
Purchasing Coffee & Brewing Espresso PART II
Rituals of Making Espresso

Comments (2)

When comparing the Rancilio Silvia and the Expobar Office Lever there are several major differences. The Expobar allows for a lot more flexibility in features and capacity. The large 1.7 liter copper boiler with brass end plate takes about fifteen minutes to heat up. Once it is up to operating pressure it can brew continuous espressos all day long. Due to the boiler’s large size it can also do many lattes and cappuccinos without any down time and the heat exchanger allows you to brew and steam at the same time. On the other hand, the Silvia’s smaller (12 oz) standard boiler will require some down time between brewing and steaming, and you can only perform one function at a time.

The E61 Brew group is another great feature of the Expobar, which is the portion of the machine that the portafilter locks into. The commercial E61 brew group is known throughout the industry to be one of the best due to its thermal siphon design. The thermal siphon circulates hot water from the boiler to the group thus keeping it piping hot in times of inactivity. Its temperature stability is as good as it gets.

Warm-up time on both machines are approximately 15 minutes and the noise level is fairly similar as well. They will both provide rich tasting espresso and have been extremely durable machines.