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Fiorenzato
Bricoletta Tank Lever Espresso Machine
Overview:
Everything was well thought out on this machine. The Bricoletta
sports a very solid, thick gauge stainless steel frame which is
overshadowed by its one-of-a-kind polished, stainless steel ribbed
body. The beautiful body is great when your machine will be situated
on a center island in the kitchen.
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 two
philips screws on top and 2 allen key screws on the rear frame to
remove the top cover. Then.only 2 allen key bolts on each side of
the body panel need to be loosened and one flat gold screw removed
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 is complemented with a chrome-plated, solid brass
E61 grouphead.
- The little lever next to the grouphead activates a microswitch
which turns on the vibration 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 grouphead, where you lock the filter handle into, has water
circulating with water from the boiler's heat exchanger. This
allows for active heating of the grouphead - and, it can get really
hot!
- Large 2.2 liter water reservoir removable from top of
machine for easy cleaning and refilling
- Automatic shut-off of machine when reservoir is out of water
- there is a very reliable microswitch under the water reservoir
that shuts off the machine when the water level becomes very low.
- Included rechargeable water softener in water reservoir to minimize
limescale buildup
- Rubber feet adjustable to maintain proper and level position
- the low profile allows the machine to fit under cupboards with
18" clearance, and the feet also provide greater stability
to the machine as well as gripping the countertop to prevent sliding
- 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.
- Steam wand and hot water wand swivel from front to back - this
is a nifty little feature that allows you to just place the steaming
pitcher half-filled with milk to be rested on the drip tray, and
you open the steam wand for frothing. As the front builds, you
start sliding the cup slowly forward until you are done. There
are no different angles that can force you to learn new techniques
- 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, and this is the machine that you
can leave on all day.
- Red light next to power switch indicates the machine is powered
on
- Green light indicates there is enough water in water reservoir
- 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 vacuum 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 and resetable safety thermostat on boiler
offers additional protection
- Ulka 41 watt diaphragm pump ensures minimum 9 bar needed for
espresso. Please note that other machines may say up to 19 bar
maximum (a gimmick), but only 9 bar is needed to properly extract
espresso. Anything over 9 can over extract espresso.
- Safety thermostat with reset button located on boiler - there
is an additional reset button on the boiler just in case it starts
to overheat
- Large, removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Internal boiler pressure regulator adjustable to set pressure
to desired setting - three screws on the top cover and two bolts
on bottom base allow you to gain access to the internals, especially
the pressure regulator which directly controls the pressure and
temperature
- Instruction manual in English, Italian, German, and French
- Accessories: Instruction manual, single spout filter handle,
double spout filter handle, one cup filter basket, and double
cup filter basket.
Specifications:
- Power: 1900 watts 110 volts only 60 Hz
- Weight: 44 pounds (approximate)
- Grouphead weight: 9 lbs. 3.4 oz
- Measurements: 12" W x 16 1/2" D x 16 1/2" H
- Drip tray: 11" W x 6.5" D Capacity: 40 ounces
- Heat Exchanger Capacity: 0.1 liters
- Boiler capacity: 1.5 liters
- Warranty: One year parts and 30 days labor warranty limited
to manufacturer's defect provided by Fiorenzato-USA and technical
support by 1st-line Equipment
- Made in Italy
- In tank water softener must be inspected
for damage and recharged prior to use.
Notes:
- Read a professional review of the Bricoletta here!
- When you first receive this masterpiece, please make sure the
long hose is pulling water from the reservoir upon powering on.
If not, an air pocket can occur in the pump as a result from shipping.
You can use a turkey baster filled with water to try to push out
the air pocket while the machine's pump pulls water at initial
start-up.
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.
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. |
