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Click here to see New DOUBLEDOMO Double Boiler Vibiemme
I first saw the VIBIEMME DOMOBAR SUPER in their Factory in September 2004. I was so impressed with the machine's quality (see inside the machine) that I have since worked with Vibiemme on introducing this top-of-the-line machine to the American market and finding a major U.S. importer. After meeting again with company representatives at the Milan Coffee Exhibition in October 2005, Stefano's Espresso Care received one test unit, which we have been using since November 2005. The quality continues to impress us. Vibiemme has been perfecting the Domobar Super from previous versions over the last few years, and their most recent improvements and enhancements mean that this machine is the top of its class. (Scroll down to see some detailed pictures).
The main reason we classify the Vibiemme line as Best in Class is because of reliability. These machines have been since spring 2006 and have an excellent track record. Initially, we had shipping damage issues mostly attributable to mishandling by shipping couriers. However, those have been resolved with a newer style packaging and removable feet for shipping.
The second reason that makes Vibiemme Best in Class is choice components paired with quality design – attributes which not only add to the reliability factor, but also to the quality of the espresso.
Of course, part of this success is the fact that Vibiemme primarily builds full-size commercial machines, rather than only home units like many other companies that sell similar products.
Here’s are some reasons that make Vibiemme so outstanding:
- True Faema E61 grouphead - Vibiemme, in the early '70s, became the offspring of Faema. And they co-owned the patent to the Faema E61 grouphead. The original group that Vibiemme uses is heavier and better for thermal stability than the imitation E-61 groups.
- Larger boiler - The massive 2.7 liter boiler is the largest you will find in this class of semi-commercial reservoir-only espresso machines. The larger boiler not only adds to the temperature stability of the grouphead, but also offers a greater amount of steaming capacity. To support this large boiler, Vibiemme has added a support bracket rather than just using the pipes to hold it on like other machines.
- Wider diameter tubing to and from the heat exchanger - The tubing from the grouphead to the heat exchanger and back is a whopping 12mm outside diameter (10mm by 12mm on the curved bends) – the same diameter you’ll find on full-size commercial machines. Not only does this wider diameter tubing allow the heat exchange system to hold more water for improved temperature stability and increased water flow in the heat exchange system, but also makes it harder for scale build up to clog the passage.
- Three stage power switch – Since machines are usually shipped empty of water, this switch makes it virtually impossible to damage the Heating Element during the initial boiler filling. Many other machines have an autofill valve too small to fill the boiler fast enough before the heating element heats up, which can weaken and even burn out the element.
- Microswitch under water reservoir – The purpose of the high quality microswitch Vibiemme has installed under the reservoir is to stop damage to the heating element when the water reservoir is close to empty. Other manufacturers use magnetic sensors or safety level probes—which with time get coated with mineral scale and become faulty.
- Full size Parker pressurestat - Many semi-commercial espresso machines use small type pressurestats such as CEME, MATER or Jaeger. Keeping with their aim for highest quality, Vibiemme installed a full size pressurestat (UL approved, by the way). This pressurestat is more reliable and tougher then the little ones, and it is easily adjustable from the top of the machine without having to dismantle it.
- Control Box (auto boiler refill relay) – As with many manufactures, Vibiemme uses the industry leader for its control box, but Vibiemme took it one step further by mounting theirs on a bracket which keeps it away from and lower than the boiler heat. It’s low enough to keep it away from the rising heat, but not sitting on the bottom of the machine where water spillage would immediately damage it.
- UL Commercial Tested - Underwriters Laboratories (a.k.a. UL) tests products for public safety. Surprisingly enough, a lot of other machine sold in the US are NOT.
- Pump Position – The ULKA Vibrating pump has been re-position to minimize the vibrating noise.
- Extension for three way solenoid valve – which minimizes discharge water from splashing over the drip tray and inside the base of the machine when the grouphead releases the pressure at the end of the shot.
- New feet - All Vibiemme models have been upgraded with easily removable rubber-bottomed feet.
- Placement of two pressure gauges - Most machines only have one boiler pressure gauge. The Vibiemme Domobar Super has a second gauge which provides the brew pressure reading while pulling a shot. This can be helpful when fine-tuning your shot, HOWEVER, the shot itself will be the final result of your skills.
- Insulation Placement – Some other machines have an insulated boiler because they are lacking in heating power and are therefore trying to retain what heat they do have. The reason Vibiemme does not use an insulated boiler is simple:
- Insulating the boiler would interfere with the natural airflow inside the espresso machine. With an un-insulated boiler, heat will rise normally upwards not only to pre-heat the cups, but at the same time create an upward draft to keep the bottom portion, where the electrical components are located, cooler. Insulated boilers create less draft and more heat build up increases due to stagnant airflow, adversely affecting the electrical components.
- Even with the boiler walls insulated, the stagnation of heat will still affect the water reservoir, and
- For boiler insulation to become completely effective in not allowing heat build up against the reservoir, all the tubing inside should be insulated and an electrical cup warming plate should be added. If insulation is added to the wall between the reservoir and boiler, this will only increase the temperature of the stagnated airflow.
- Therefore, Vibiemme insulates only the inside of the wall between the water reservoir and internal boiler.
Below are some pictures detailed pictures and some more here (inside the Vibiemme)
Furthermore, here two different reviews from:
COFFEEGEEK
and
HOME BARISTA
Please Note: The first review was done by coffeegeek in 2005 and a lot of changes have been made to the machines since then. Just recently, Home-Barista did a more professional and in-depth review. Bottom line, the Vibiemme Domobar is a SUPER machine.
Any question? Please contact us.
Sincerely
Stefano Cremonesi
Owner of Stefano’s Espresso Care
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Electronic "ELETTRONICA"
BLACK
110V 1600W
Dimensions:
16.2"H x 10.6"W x 21"D
click here for more detail
or to purchase
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Manual "MANUALE"
PLUMB IN/Rotary Pump
STAINLESS STEEL
110V 1600W
Dimensions:
16.2"H x 10.6"W x 21"D
click here for more detail
or to purchase
Click HERE for plumb in supplies |
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Manual "MANUALE"
DOUBLE DOMO
PLUMB IN/Rotary Pump
Double Boiler
STAINLESS STEEL
110V 1600W
Dimensions:
16.2"H x 10.6"W x 21"D
click here for more detail
or to purchase
Click HERE for plumb in supplies |
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Click on the pictures below
to enlarge |
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DoubleDomo Super |
DoubleDomo Super |
DoubleDomo Super |
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Domobar Super "elettronica" |
"Elettronica detail" |
Steam wand Detail |
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"Elettronica" Grouphead Detail |
Drip Tray Detail |
Manual Group Detail |
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"Elettronica" front panel detail |
VBM logo on portafilter |
"Elettronica" Nera Detail |
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