General Espresso Machine Notes/Warnings:
- Upon first use (tank/reservoir models): On the initial start-up (or after a long period of non-use), it is important to make sure the pump is removing water from the tank. When the machine is powered on, you will hear the pump running. After 5 seconds, squeeze the in-line hose in the tank (usually the longest hose, has a particle filter attached). if you hear a different sound, this means the pump is working correctly. If not, immediately power down the machine and contact us. For more information, visit this page General Manual Pump Priming.
- Electrical: To avoid electrical damage to this espresso machine which is not considered a manufacturer's defect, please acquire and install a single-outlet surge suppressor rated at 1080 joules or higher. Without the recommended surge suppressor, the espresso machine can be damaged at the power switch, the electronics, the heating element, the pressurstat, or the wiring inside. For more information, visit this page Power Protection.
- Water: To increase the useful life and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled, purified, or reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale. For more information, visit this page Water Choice.
- Descaling: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. Too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine. As a preventative measure, we recommend using softened water as explained in the bullet point above.
- Backflushing: This procedure of cleaning the grouphead will need to be performed from time to time. For more information, visit this page Espresso Machine Backflush – Why 50?
Barrie M (verified owner) –
I took delivery of my Domobar Super with vibration pump from 1st Line and I’ve had it for 3 or 4 weeks. It is a fantastic machine. Works beautifully and is very robust, and appears to be well made. I also purchased a Eureka Specialita flat burr grinder with the Domobar. The two are a match made in heaven, I highly recommend the two together. I am still getting used to the massive steaming power of the Domobar with the two hole steaming tip. The espresso is amazing. The service from Jim and the 1st line staff was fantastic.
Mitchell B –
This is my 3rd espresso machine. The first was the Starbuck’s barrista — then I went up to the Rocket Giotto Premium, and finally to Vibiemme. This machine makes incredible espresso. The creme is thick and the taste is almost sweet. Major pluses: almost no down time between shots. The cup heater has handles so you can fill the reservoir without having to take off the cups. The espresso pressure indicator lets you know exactly how much pressure is being exerted at the time it is shooting — great at helping build consistency. Areas for improvement: the hot water wand could be longer.
Note: at first I couldn’t get any creme and was convinced the machine was broken. Jim asked me what type of grinder I was using — it was a $100 job I had bought just for this machine — he suggested the grinder wasn’t capable of grinding fine enough. Before ordering the “elite” which he had recommended, I resurrected my $29 Starbucks grinder and voila — at 30 seconds of grinding, a perfect shot of espresso every time. I bought the Vibiemme because my last machine had died and wasn’t repairing right. 1st line recommended the Vibiemme, saying: “we’ve never had one sent back to us for repairs.” I’m hopeful. In the meantime: bottoms up! To quote a buddy after drinking a shot: “you should put a tip jar next to this thing.”
Jeff –
I bought this machine back in 2005 from Jim and Diane. Their customer service is truly exemplary. Excellent people. The machine is perfect for me in every way. Amazing shots, consistent, the best steam wand on any machine. Built like a tank and will last for years.
EricC18938 –
I purchased a Vibiemme Domobar Super Automatic from 1st line in April 2007. Looking back at my espresso bean purchase history and based on an estimated 50 shot/ pound, I believe that my family has pulled over 25,000 shots with this machine. I keep it on a timer and so it is on 12 hours/ day everyday. Now, there have been several repairs along the way that I have performed myself. I have replaced the 4 button control panel and the vibration pump each twice, the overpressure valve, lever switch below the water tank, and plastic autoprime valve each once. As part of my 4- 6 month maintenance I have replaced the group head gasket, silicon seal gasket, and o-rings on the steam wand side every time. The quality of this machine is outstanding. Every electo mechanical device will need maintenance and I shared this repair list with you in the interest of transparency, not a complaint.