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Fiorenzato Bricoletta Direct Connect Lever Espresso
Machine
Overview:
A clear winner for the espresso enthusiasts and for all low-volume
coffee shops (up to 200 cups per day)! This Bricoletta has a rotary
vane pump, direct water connection, and electronic, programmable
dosage of the water through the coffee grinds for a very competitive
price! The Bricoletta sports a very solid, thick gauge stainless
steel frame which is overshadowed by its one-of-a-kind polished,
stainless steel body.
When we say 'heavy duty', you will see we mean heavy duty.
It is also the most powerful machine in its class with 1900 watts
of power. We certainly recommend a 20-amp circuit and appropriate
wiring to supply electrical power to this machine. Why the high
wattage? With the highest wattage in its class, it offers the quickest
recovery time in the boiler for the most demanding applications.
In addition, we have found that this is the ONLY machine in its
class where you can actually make espresso and steam milk at the
same time without a complete degradation of boiler pressure. In
other words, we have found all 15 amp models in this class to not
maintain boiler pressure while extracting espresso and steaming
milk at the same time. the reason is that 15 amps in the electrical
outlet is NOT enough power to do this.
The frame of this machine is constructed of two parts - the front
and rear are held together with four locknuts. Initially, we has
some problems with the front frame buck during shipping. Fiorenzato
in Italy has placed reinforced stainless steel in the front portion
of the frame to remove the potential for damage during shipping.
What we 'can' and 'can not' figure out
We have been carrying the Fiorenzato line for over 2 years with
very minimal defects. Mostly, for the Bricoletta line, the defects
were the heating elements that stopped functioning due to the customers'
lack of surge suppression. This is common problem on many espresso
machines as the filament inside the heating element is very susceptible
- even to the smallest surges. therefore, we always recommend acquiring
a surge suppressor, and even more so when placing a timer on the
espresso machine. This one we have been able to figure out.
Like many other machines in this category, the Fiorenzato Bricoletta
utilizes a MATER pressurstat to regulate the boiler pressure for
steam performance and temperature for the espresso coffee extraction.
A common problem with MATER, CEME, and JAEGER pressurstats is that
they malfunction. The simple reason is that the diaphragms and microswitches
on these pressurstats are too small. The small diaphragms are VERY
susceptible to limescale, and the microswitches are VERY susceptible
to carbon build-up - this typically happens with about 100,000 on/off
cycles. In both cases, the pressurstat is usually replaced by the
customer. Although the process is simple, it is a hassle. And, in
most cases, manufacturers will not cover this under warranty because
it is not considered a manufacturer's defect.
Since we started carrying the Fiorenzato Bricolettas over two years
ago, we have yet to replace a MATER pressurstat for any customers
who purchased their Fiorenzato Bricolettas from us. We actually
purchased 80 pressurstats from Fiorenzato-USA, and just to move
inventory, we have placed them on other makes and models of espresso
machines that utilize MATERs, CEMEs, and JAEGERs. In 2006, we even
asked the president of Fiorenzato Italy why his pressurstats do
not fail. Unfortunately, for competitive reasons, he would not share
their competitive technical advantage. This one we have not been
able to figure out, and this is one main reason why we do not recommend
to customers to upgrade to a better pressurstat - the simple reason
is that you do not need to at this time.
Easy repairs lowers your TCO (total cost of ownership)!
When this machine needs repair (as every espresso machine will
someday need repair), it is very easy to work on. There are three
philips screws to remove the top cover, and then only 2 allen key
bolts and one flat screw on the wrap-around side body panel. All
parts can be replaced while the machine is standing up. There is
no need to turn the machine upside down to get to a bottom access
panel for access to a heating element underneath. Even the machine
reset switch can be accessed with the machine in the upright position.
The bottom line is that most customers can repair this machine with
the 1st rate guidance of 1st-line's technical support. If not, the
machine can be shipped in for repair, as well. 1st-line also stocks
replacement parts for the Bricoletta.
Did we mention safety features?
Did you know that many machines in this class (except Fiorenzato,
Vibiemme, Pasquini, and Bezzera) have a missing feature to their
safety designs? Most espresso machines in this class utilize a single
boiler probe to monitor the maximum water level in the boiler. This
is to make sure that the internal heating element has enough water
to submerge the heating element fully in water. A heating element
not submerged in water in the espresso machine's boiler can become
damaged.
The problem is these same espresso machines still send power to
the heating element even before the maximum water level has been
reached. The bad news is that the heating element could get damaged
from lack of enough water upon initial startup, or from the boiler
refill valve, pump, or water tank cut-off mechanism failing. The
other place we see this heating element failure is when a user removes
too much water from the water wand. The water level will drop faster
than the internal pump can refill the boiler. Hence, the heating
element can become damaged.
The beauty about the Fiorenzato Bricoletta is that no power will
be sent to the heating element UNLESS it has the maximum water level
in the boiler. This is a great feature, and one of the main reasons
we have never seen a damaged heating element strictly from lack
of water in the boiler. Yes, our technicians can tell if a heating
element became damaged from a lack of water. The bottom line is that
if you do not get an espresso machine with a feature such as this,
the user must be cognizant of the fact that the heating element could
be damaged.
Features:
-
Beautifully designed and polished stainless
steel body.
- The little lever next to the grouphead activates a microswitch
which turns on the pump to pump water through the coffee grinds.
- The heat exchanger allows you to brew and steam at the same
time (not recommended on any heat exchange machine with under
a 5 liter boiler) or immediately after each other (recommended).
- Gicar brand brain unit is one of the top notch brain units available.
It helps regulate the water level in the boiler so that there
is enough water kept over the heating element. When the heating
element is exposed to air, it can become damaged.
- Rugged stainless steel frame for longevity - we sell a lot of
machines, and we found the Bricoletta to have one of the best
frames for its class in the business.
- Industry known E61 grouphead provides exceptional espresso extractions
- the Faema E61 grouphead has hot water from the heat exchanger
pass through within the grouphead as opposed to just heat transfer
through metal attached to the boiler.
- Professional stainless steel braided hose to directly connect
to a water line - not the cheaper teflon plastic tube.
- Drain hose for drip tray to allow water waste directly into
your drain.
- Rubber feet adjustable to maintain proper and level position.
- Boiler pressure gauge properly positioned for easy reading on
front panel - this gauge allows you know when the machine is ready
for brewing. However, once warmed up, it can make espresso after
espresso until the water tanks runs out.
- Copper boiler durable for commercial applications and placed
horizontally for even heat distribution to cup warmer on top.
In addition, the lower half of the side and back panels remain
cool.
- UPGRADED FEATURE: Multi-directional
steam wand and hot water wand for ability to move forward, back,
right, and left (not shown).
- Four hole steam tip provides powerful steaming performance for
large quantities of milk. Optional
2 hole tip available for lower volumes of milk. This optional
tip does take a little longer to froth your milk, but is is the
best tip to make that perfect microfroth. Hands down!
- Non-compression steam and hot water valves - operators of the
Fiorenzato Bricoletta only need stop the knobs on the valves once
the steam or hot water stops exiting the wand. In other words,
the knobs should never be turned to the point where they stop.
- Passive stainless steel cup warmer - cups can take up to 2 hours
to heat on top of any machine.
- Red light next to power switch indicates the machine is powered
on.
- Boiler safety valve allows evacuation of steam pressure in the
event that excess steam pressure is created in the boiler.
- Mechanical 3-way valve allows immediate removal of portafilter
handle once the espresso extraction has completed as the 3-way
valve evacuates the pressure built up in the grouphead during
the espresso extraction.
- Boiler bleeder valve (a.k.a. vacuum breaker valve) prevents
vapor lock and allows the machine to be placed on a timer. If
placing machine on a timer, please make sure to plug in the timer
first, then a surge suppressor, and then the machine as timers
do cause small surges that can affect the electronics of any espresso
machine.
- Reset button on bottom of machine can easily be accessed from
right-hand side bottom.
- High limit safety thermostat with reset button located on boiler.
- Large, removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
- Rotary vane pump with ability to adjust pump pressure -
small screw on pump allows adjustment.
- Internal pressure regulator adjustable to set pressure to desired
setting on pressure gauge.
- Instruction manual in English, Italian, German, and French.
- Accessories: Instruction manual, 58mm single spout filter handle,
58mm double spout filter handle, 58mm one cup filter basket, and
58mm double cup filter basket.
Specifications:
- Power: 1900 watts 110 volts only 60 Hz.
- Weight: 54 pounds (approximate).
- Measurements: 12" W x 16 1/2" D x 16 1/2" H.
- Drip tray: 11" W x 6.5" D.
- Boiler capacity: 1.5 liters.
- Heat Exchanger Capacity: 0.1 liters.
- Warranty: One year parts and labor warranty limited to manufacturer's
defect. Please note that the rotary vane pump is not covered under
warranty if a determination is made that the pump was operated
without water. Please make sure that you connect a water line
with water available to the machine prior to powering the machine
on.
- Made in Italy.
Notes:
- Read a professional review of the Bricoletta here!
Mid-section exemplifies nickel plated boiler. Lower section contains
rotary vane pump and motor for quiet operation and precise pump
pressure.
New upgraded steam wand included with this
espresso machine.
Customer Reviews:
Mike M. - Custer, WI
Benvenuto at 1st-line......Hi Jim, Diane, Moses and
others.
Just a quick note to express my delight for my Bricoletta and you’re
help and support on purchasing this wonderful, woefully, under-rated
espresso ‘La machine’.
We live north of Madison Wisconsin in a smallish town with six area
coffee/espresso shops and even though my son works at one café,
I find myself hurrying home to have coffee rather than stopping
at one of these shops because, thanks to the bricoletta, my espresso
at home is much more desirable and outstanding!
Even when I venture to Madison, I've only found one café
who can consistently make good-quality espresso, like anywhere in
Italy or like I can at home, I'm pleased to say!
So now, thanks to you guys, I've upped my coffee snobbery
and can not take as much pleasure in my favorite hobby and that
is riding my bike and stopping at each café I happen by,
much like we did in Italy when I had the honor of being the mechanic
for our universities international bike tours ...sadly those days
are over....but great coffee at home can make up for much of it
and I have many memories of the Italian landscape to let my mind
wander in!
So....molto grazie for helping me in my pursuit of great coffee
at home.
Auguri
Ciao –Mike M.
FAQ:
Q: We are currently planning our kitchen and I need to know
the specifications for the direct connect water line. Can you
tell me what type of fitting needs to be installed to enable us
to connect the machine using the supplied stainless line? Also,
can you describe the best arrangement for the waste line? Does
it just run into a sink or can it actually be plumbed into a waste
line?
A: Both direct water connect versions of the
Bricoletta and Volante need a 3/8th inch male threaded fitting.
The measurement is in BMU (British Metric Units) which is impossible
to find in the USA. Therefore, we recommend a plastic/teflon male
thread that can be found in a local Lowe's store or Home Depot
Store. The female threads on the stainless hose can be cross-threaded
(common practice with commercial machine installations in the
USA) after teflon-taping the 3/8th inch standard NPT male threads
of a metal fitting. If using the plastic/teflon fitting, the
teflon tape is not needed.
The best arrangement for the drain line is that for every foot
that the drain hose lays across, it must drop a minimum of 1
inch. If it does not drop 1 inch, then waste water will backup
and leak. You have the option of running the drain hose to the
sink or plumb it into a waste line - the choice is yours and dependent
upon one's own personal decision.
Q: What are the differences between the Volante Lever Direct Connect espresso machine and the Bricoletta Volante Lever Direct Connect espresso machine?
A: The Volante has a pump pressure gauge to monitor pump pressure (not always needed if you get the right amount of espresso in the right amount of time) and a less expensive body style. The Bricoletta has a more expensive styled body and do not have a pump pressure gauge.
Replacement Parts:
Grouphead Gasket |
Dispersion Screen |
Service Notes:
Backflushing: This machine should be backflushed minimum once every 50 espresso extractions using Cafiza (our instructions included with purchase). This is only for cleaning the oils fromt he grouphead.
Descaling: This really is for internally cleaning of the machine. Recommended once every 3 months using Dezcal. However, it can be more or less time depending upon the amount of magnesium and calcium is in your water, how often you use the machine, and how much time you leave the machine powered on each day. Join our email list to get monthly reminders on how to descale the different machines we sell.
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