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SIDEWALK SALE – VBM Domobar Super V4 Dual Boiler Switchable Espresso Machine (USED)

$1,695.00

Warranty limited to manufacturer’s defect: 90-day parts and labor.

  • Cash only sale. NO Payment by phone.
  • NJ Sales & Use Tax extra.
  • In-Store Purchase ONLY. NO Shipping.
  • First come first serve.
  • For more info please read SIDEWALK SALES

VBM Domobar Super Dual Boiler PID Espresso Machine

Overview:

Since 2008, VBM has worked well with importers, distributors, and industry professionals to upgrade their Double Domobar dual boiler espresso machine. One of the main requirements was to design and build a dual boiler espresso machine that would not have any compromises at 15 amps electrical service when compared to 20 amps.

Steam Boiler Pre-Heat: Here is the kicker on other dual boiler machines, especially those with a preheat of water through the steam boiler before it enters the coffee boiler. This design is to reduce the temperature fluctuations in the coffee boiler. However, one issue occurs! The incoming water to the boiler can be at a lower temperature when the steam boiler is off. Thus, with the same programmed PID settings, the boiler may not react fast enough to maintain temperature.

Since 2016, VBM’s solution was to have a temperature management system whereby the coffee boiler has 2 heating elements – 600 watt plus 300 watt. When the steam boiler is powered, the system only uses the 600 watt or 300 watt element in the coffee boiler to maintain temperature. However, when the steam boiler is off and there is no preheat of the water entering the coffee boiler, the VBM dual boiler uses both coffee boiler heating elements to manage the temperature being changed by the incoming colder water.

Upgraded Safety Valve on Steam Boiler: Since 2016, all VBM dual boilers have an upgraded safety valve on the steam boiler that opens up at 2 bar to prevent any excessive steam pressure out. This was to allow the programmed PID to elevate the steam boiler to a higher pressure to produce greater steam! In addition, the steam boiler was upgraded to withstand the higher steam pressure. Without the upgrade, the boiler walls would bow out, weakening the silver solder, and then creating leaks. The PID on the steam boiler can be programmed to 1.5 bar pressure. Coupled with a large 1.9 copper boiler and a standard commercial steam pipe, the throughout and capacity are there for superior performance. The steam pipe is not a no-burn wand because no-burn wands have half the diameter of the throughput of a standard pipe.

In fact, look at our PID overview sheet. With the steam boiler set at 1.5, you can also program the F.05 setting (steam boiler offset) to have the steam pressure go past 2 bar! However, the steam boiler safety valve will start releasing steam at 2.0-2.2 bar. So, be careful when adjusting the steam boiler offset. This feature was inside machines made from 2016 and on!

Please note this machine ships on a pallet with curbside delivery only. It is just to heavy for UPS or FedEx to handle properly with the care you deserve on a high end purchase.

TOP FEATURES that brings the VBM Domobar Super Double Boiler espresso machine to the TOP!

  • Two boilers: the user can operate the coffee boiler alone or the coffee and steam boiler together.
  • PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative): This allows you to manage temperature control of the coffee boiler and steam boiler. Learn more about a PID in this overview.
  • Small water reservoir (2.1 liters): Allows approximately 20 double shots for extraction without a refill. Refill can occur on the fly while the machine is operating. For those who believe the small boiler makes better coffee because of fresh water displacement, we have a smaller reservoir for the same reason.
  • PLUMB-ABLE Inbound water!!! – The machine can be used in reservoir mode or direct plumbed mode. The machine comes with an inlet stainless steel inlet cold water hose to plumb your machine into your water line. Contact us for water treatment options as well as requirements to connect!
  • Over pressure valve (OPV): Feeds excess water pressure to the drip tray and not the water reservoir. This will allow operation of the direct water connection without having the reservoir fill with overflow water which can get moldy and require constant emptying and cleaning.
  • Plumbable Drip tray: Slides out easily to drain out or can be connected to a drain with changing of included adapter and attachment of included drain hose!
  • Insulation on coffee boiler / steam boiler: Helps save energy. The insulation on the coffee boiler also aids in temperature stability for the espresso extraction.
  • Only up to 15 amps required: Without the need for any additional switches or internal adjustments.
  • Commercial-grade rotary vane pump: With the ability to make a direct water connection or use a water reservoir on the same machine with the movement of a lever under the machine. Includes stainless steel braided hose with 3/8″ male thread.
  • User programmed offset: The temperature regulation is at the coffee boiler, and the grouphead always has a lower temp. This feature allows the user to program this delta in temperature as every environment has a different offset.

Quality Characteristics and Specifications found VBM Style

  • Heavy duty true VBM E61 grouphead: Maintains active flow of water from the grouphead to the heat exchanger in the boiler.
  • Professional grade brass portafilters: 1 single spout portafilter with a 1-cup filter basket and 1 double spout portafilter with a 2-cup filter basket.
  • Coffee boiler capacity / material: 0.5 liter copper boiler. This very small coffee boiler allows quicker displacement of any stale water as possibly found on larger coffee boilers for machines in this class. Boiler temperature controlled by PID.
  • Steam boiler capacity / material: 1.9 liter copper boiler and temperature controlled by PID.
  • Boiler pressure gauge: Indicates steam boiler pressure.
  • Pump pressure gauge: Indicates brew pressure during espresso extraction (reading will vary while not extracting).
  • Multi-directional stainless steel steam wand: Located on the left side and can be moved in different directions.
  • Multi-directional stainless steel hot water wand: Located on the right side and can be moved in different directions.
  • Power light: Located on the right side and indicates when the machine is powered on.
  • Heating light: Located on left side and indicates when espresso machine is heating.
  • Water light: Located in the middle and indicates when water level in water reservoir in rear is low.
  • Three stage power switch: Three stage power switch allows user to operate espresso machine with coffee boiler only or both boilers simultaneously
  • Extremely large stainless steel drip tray: Can be easily (slides out with pull of handle) removed for cleaning. Grate stays on machine when pulling out drip tray so that it is one step removal to empty.
  • GICAR branded electronic water level control: Reacts to a .02 C of temperature change in the coffee boiler.
  • Rotary vane pump and commercial-grade motor: Quieter than a vibration pump, but it is more expensive to replace. Hence, descaling is important.
  • OPV (over pressure valve): Opens when too much pump pressure exists. Located in rear of machine with easy access when the body panel, the 6 associated screws, and divider are removed. Although the pump has an adjustment screw for regulation, the OPV is an additional feature to manage overflow that may be caused by overpressure from the water company when the machine is plumbed in.
  • Accessories included: Single spout portafilter
  • Made in Milan, Italy
Brand

VBM (Vibiemme)

Height (inches)

16, approximate

Width (inches)

11, approximate

Depth (inches)

20, approximate

Weight (pounds)

84

Wattage (watts)

1600

Voltage (volts)

110

Boiler capacity (liters)

Coffee – 0.5, Steam – 1.9

Portafilter size (mm)

58

Tank capacity (liters)

2.1

Country of manufacture

Milan, Italy

Approvals

UL

Espresso Machine Warning:

  • ELECTRICAL WARNING: 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. the lack of 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.
  • WATER WARNING: To increase the useful life of and not damage your espresso machine, please use softened water. Softened water is water without calcium and without magnesium, but still has other minerals for espresso extraction. Do not use distilled water, purified water, nor reverse osmosis water as these types of water create oxidation with the metals and cause the same damaging effects as limescale.
  • DESCALING WARNING: We do not recommend descaling unless there is an issue with the espresso machine. The reason is that too much descaling can eat away at the metals and gaskets inside an espresso machine.

  1. Switch stages: To avoid any confusion on the operation of the machine:
    • Stage 0: Machine is off except low water light 'may' come on if water tank has low water.
    • Stage 1 w/ PID OFF: Brew boiler OFF and steam boiler OFF - used for initial refill without damaging the heating elements in either boiler.
    • Stage 1 w/ PID ON: Brew boiler ON and steam boiler OFF.
    • Stage 2 w/ PID OFF: Brew boiler OFF and steam boiler ON.
    • Stage 2 w/ PID ON: Brew boiler ON and steam boiler ON.
  2. No burn wands: We have decided to NOT offer no-burn steam wands because the typical internal diameter is about 50% less than a normal steam wand, and this usually affects performance times in steaming. In addition, the grouphead has a much greater area to get burned.
  3. 220 volt version: Sorry, 220-240 volt units are not available for ordering.
  4. Some assembly required: Feet are not attached to the machine.
  5. Direct connect mode:
    1. Setup: There is a screw in the water tank plate that the user can tighten to hold the plate down so the switch is activated to make the machine think there is water in the reservoir.
    2. Connecting water line: Water connection at bottom of machine is in the back left corner ~2" from the rear and ~5 inches from the left side panel. The water connection elbow under the machine is 1/4" male thread. The included stainless steel braided hose, is 46" long and has the female fitting to connect to the water connection elbow. On the opposite end of the braided hose, there is a 3/8" female thread fitting. It is best to purchase the V319 coupling to attach to your water line, and then attach the braided hose to the V319 coupling.
    3. Draining: This model has the capability to drain or not to drain. There is an included plug on the back of the drip tray. The plug can be removed or installed as desired. The machine's drain pipe can be manually directed to drain either to the right or left side of the machine. In either direction, the drain pipe can be angled 4" from either side. The included drain hose is 46" in length and has a 1/4-3/8th inside diameter which slips onto the machine's drain pipe. The drain hose needs to drop vertically 1" for every 12" it goes horizontal.
    4. Water line pressure: Should be regulated to be between 35 and 40 pounds for proper operation of this machine. Check with your local plumbing supply to advise on purchase so as to meet any local building codes. In addition, check with them about your local building code may require a backflow preventer (which does not allow boiler water to backflow into water supply).
    5. Water supply: Connection must be made to a cold water supply line only.

Ask a question

Please ask follow up questions as a new question. Submitted questions will be first reviewed, answered, and lastly publicized.

    What is the best bottomless 58 mm porta filter for VBM double boiler V4?
  1. 0 votes
    Q What is the best bottomless 58 mm porta filter for VBM double boiler V4? answer now
    Asked by Atillo on January 17, 2022 2:40 pm
    Answered by the admin

    We are sorry that we do not like using the word 'best' as this is usually never the case. More unfortunate, the bottomless we prefer is currently out of stock.

  2. I purchased a vediemme double Duomo in 2009. I live in PA and it's a long drive. I have had the machine serviced there twice. My wand is leaking and I need some help on what parts I can order from you to fix it.
  3. 0 votes
    Q I purchased a vediemme double Duomo in 2009. I live in PA and it's a long drive. I have had the m...... Read more answer now
    Asked by Vito on May 5, 2021 12:50 pm
    Answered by the admin

    There are several points that a wand may leak. However, this one seems to be the repair you need.

  4. Hi there, I have an older VBM Domobar Super Double Boiler. My machine operates as normal - heats up, builds pressure. After some time (usually within 30 mins), PID shuts off, heating light turns ON, power light remains ON, water reservoir switch is triggered and light is OFF, machine stops building up steam pressure. When I pull lever, pump turns on and pushes water. Any ideas what could be wrong with it? Any help is much appreciated
  5. 0 votes
    Q Hi there, I have an older VBM Domobar Super Double Boiler. My machine operates as normal - heats ...... Read more answer now
    Asked by Efim on December 10, 2020 9:16 pm
    Answered by the admin

    Sorry for the delay as we had a bunch of these requests get lost in our system. It sounds like a new brain unit it needed.

  6. The description states "old style" - how does this unit differ from the current model?
  7. 0 votes
    Q The description states "old style" - how does this unit differ from the current model? answer now
    Asked by ANDREW on April 16, 2020 10:36 pm
    Answered by the admin

    Pressurstat on steam boiler versus newer models have PID on steam boiler.

  8. Hi I have a VBM Domobar Dual Boiler espresso machine that I purchased from Thomas Cara in San Francisco. You were their supplier at the time, but Chris Cara retired a few years ago so I have been purchasing bits and pieces from you directly. I would like to convert my machine, which I think is a V-3, to a V-4. My original VBM paperwork states that it was manufactured on 5/21/2013. It uses a PID for the coffee boiler and a Pressurestat for the steam boiler. The pressurestat has now failed. Question 1: Is my machine the right model to use that procedure? Question 2: Is it only 3 new parts that I need to do the conversion? Question 3: Do I need any specialized supplies or tools eg., sealers, greases, wrenches, etc. to complete? Question 4: Does the new “Brain” require programming to my machine and if so are instructions included? Thank you very much and stay well. Roger VC
  9. 0 votes
    Q Hi I have a VBM Domobar Dual Boiler espresso machine that I purchased from Thomas Cara in San Fr...... Read more answer now
    Asked by Roger Van Craeynest on April 6, 2020 9:30 pm
    Answered by the admin

    Sorry, the instructions are  more for our technicians referral. In addition, we do not sell 'all' the parts because we do not want customers to do this modification. Why? Because the chance of making a mistake is very, very high, and then we get defective claims made by customers contacting their credit card company that the parts were defective, when in fact, they were damaged. Hence, we will not sell all the parts. The only way to have this done is by shipping in the machine to us. At that point, it is usually not worth it.

  10. Hello, I have the VBM Domobar Super Dual Boiler PID Espresso Machine. It is not building up any pressure. The gauge on the right does not move when I pull the lever down to pull a shot, and therefore no espresso comes out. If I take off the portafilter and pull the lever down water will come out. I have had the machine for about 4 years now so I am very familiar with grind settings and how that could affect being able to pull a shot or not. My espresso machine was working fine the last few days and I have not had to change the grind setting on my coffee grinder. Please advise. Thank you, Terry
  11. 0 votes
    Q Hello, I have the VBM Domobar Super Dual Boiler PID Espresso Machine. It is not building up any p...... Read more answer now
    Asked by Terry Chaney on October 7, 2019 8:23 pm
    Answered by the admin

    The best thing is to put in the blind filter, lift up the grouphead lever for 60 seconds, and read the higher pressure on the brew pressure gauge. If it reaches 8-11 bar on the gauge with the  blind, then the machine is working fine.

    If lower than 8 bar, there may be an issue with the attached water softener, pump, the gauge, the OPV, or the grouphead. If there is a water softener attached or inline, test without it. If the problem persists, descale the machine.

    As we all know, when the seasons change to spring or fall, the grind fineness should change. However, the machine can be tested with the blind.