Overview
This particular model has consistently outperformed many of its competitors, in terms of reliability and performance, and surprisingly, there is not simply one, but in fact, several reasons for this!
While other manufacturers only belatedly started to utilize a similar restrictor in the thermosyphon tubes to better regulate overheating of their E61 groupheads (2 tubes running from grouphead to boiler), Vibiemme did this from the very beginning, to enhance their espresso extraction performance!
Vibiemme still uses 10mm inside diameter/ 12mm outside diameter thermosyphon tubes, whereas most other manufacturers are using smaller tubes (which tend to create greater overheating of the grouphead). Keep in mind: more metal used, translates to greater cost for the manufacturer (whereas less metal equates to less manufacturer-cost) … obviously there is no skimping at Vibiemme, and for them, no price is too steep when it leads to tangible results in quality espresso production!
Another contributor to the reliability of a Vibiemme espresso machine, is the position of its electronics, which are located down in the bottom, rear of the machine – well away from the heat of the boiler! Couple the large boiler with high output steam wands, and this machine froths milk in a jiffy. In fact, Vibiemme has refused to use so-called “no-burn” steam wands for two reasons: they slow down performance to froth milk AND they have silicone inside the pipe, which can sometimes tend to create foul odors.
Vibiemme is renown for having the most robust grouphead in the industry. Hands down! Customers who see these E61 espresso machines in person tend to gravitate towards the Vibiemme grouphead, due to its robustness of structure. Structural integrity doesn’t stop with the grouphead, either … the Vibiemme DOMOBAR SUPER HX rocks an all stainless steel body and chassis (with no black-enamel-painted frame, which could chip and/ or rust)!
The high-quality construction and unparalleled reliability/ performance of this Vibiemme DOMOBAR SUPER HX espresso machine stipulates that the only next step up from it, is to invest in a full-on commercial espresso machine. If you can fit this machine in your home and office, you will not regret purchasing this it!
Features
Features specific to the Vibiemme DOMOBAR SUPER HX Vibratory Pump (Manual) Espresso Machine:
- Beautiful polished stainless steel body panels
- Small lever on side of grouphead allows user to engage/ disengage pump and three-way manual solenoid valve to start/ stop espresso extraction
- Manual three-way solenoid valve below grouphead allows removal of portafilter handle from grouphead immediately after espresso extraction has terminated
- Insulation on inner wall between water reservoir and internal boiler
- The electronic “brain” unit is located on the bottom rear … well away from heat that rises from a hot boiler and can damage electronics
- Easily self-repairable (although some skill needed) – this machine is one of the easiest to diagnose and repair (can save on shipping costs!)
Features common to the entire Vibiemme DOMOBAR SUPER Espresso Machine line:
- Heavy-duty true Vibiemme (Faema-patented) E61 grouphead: Maintains active water flow from the grouphead to the heat exchanger in the boiler.
- The heat exchanger allows you to make espresso after espresso, until water reservoir is emptied
- Professional-grade brass portafilters: one single-spout portafilter with a 1-cup filter basket, and one double-spout portafilter with a 2-cup filter basket.
- Boiler Capacity: 1.8 liters plus 200 ml heat exchanger inside (capacities do not include thermosyphon tubes, steam pipe/ hot water tubes, grouphead, etc)
- Removable 2.1 liter pour-over water reservoir
- Boiler pressure gauge: Indicates steam boiler pressure (reading will vary between .8 and 1.2 bar pressure). The setting can be varied by adjusting the full-size pressurestat through the access port under the cup warmer tray on top of machine.
- 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; can be moved in multiple directions.
- Multi-directional stainless steel hot water tap: Located on the right side; can be moved in multiple directions.
- Power indicator light: Located on the right side; indicates when the machine is powered on.
- Heating light: Located on left side; indicates when espresso machine is heating.
- Water level light: Located in the middle; indicates when water level in water reservoir (in rear), is low.
- Three-stage power switch: allows user to fill internal boiler without sending power to the heating element (prevents damage upon initial start up).
- Full-size Parker pressurestat (rated as one of the best boiler pressure regulators): monitors boiler pressure.
- Extremely large stainless steel drip tray: Can be easily removed for cleaning (slides out with pull of handle). Grate stays on machine when pulling out drip tray to facilitate one-step removal, when emptying tray.
- Premium GICAR-branded electronic water level control (for internal boiler): is located in lower right rear corner of machine, where there is least amount of heat build-up.
- 41Watt vibratory pump (“vibe” pump), rated up to 15 bar, with air valve bypass.
- Largest OPV (over pressure valve): Opens when too much pump pressure exists. Located in rear of machine, with easy access (once the body panel and 6 associated screws are removed).
- Accessories included: Single-spout portafilter, double-spout portafilter, 1-cup filter basket, 2-cup filter basket, blind filter basket (for backflushing), plastic coffee scoop, common plastic tamper (we do recommend upgrading to a better quality tamper).
Specifications
- Measurements: 16.5" H x 10.6" W x 20" D
- Width (w/ wands extended out): 19.25"
- Weight: ~62 pounds (28 kilograms)
- Power: 1600 watts, 110 volts, 50/60 hertz, 16 amps
- Boiler Capacity: 1.8 liters plus 200 ml heat exchanger inside (capacities do not include thermosyphon tubes, steam pipe/hot water tubes, grouphead, etc.)
- Water tank capacity: 0.55 gallons (2.1 liters)
- Country of Manufacture: Made in Milan, Italy.
- Product Safety Listing: UL Commercial for home and office use (please note that NSF approvals have not been applied for use in coffee shops, restaurants, and other foodservice establishments. Please check with your local health department if NSF is required for your foodservice establishment).
Notes
- The Philadelphia Inquirer stated "Even these high performers were blown away, however, by the gleaming chrome gargantua of the Vibiemme ($1,500), a retro- styled semi-commercial machine weighing in at 63 pounds. With a computer board to monitor temperature, a big boiler that transitions with no time delay between coffeemaking and frothing (a major difference in some machines), and the option of going fully automatic or manual, this was the luxury limousine of the test. Its espresso was not just silky in texture, topped with a swirling, multihued crema, it sang ethereal notes of fruitiness and chocolate the other machines didn't produce."
- Types of water that cannot be used with this espresso machine.
- Some assembly required. Feet are not attached to the machine.
- Service Notes:
- Backflushing: This machine should be backflushed minimum once every 50 espresso extractions using detergent. This is only for cleaning the oils from the grouphead.
- Water Usage: We prefer that one uses softened (not just filtered) water, to prevent lime scale build up. Descaling really is for internal cleaning of the machine.
Q&A:
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Q: The Manual version has a three-position lever (“off”, “passive pre-infusion”, and “brew”). This sounds like it gives me more control, but it does make me totally responsible for timing and stopping the brew. Is that correct?
A: That is 100% correct. Please note that vibration pump espresso machines already have a built-in pre-infusion cycle. The reason for this is that vibration pumps typically take up to 8 seconds to get to full pressure; for that reason, during those first 8 seconds, the ground coffee in the filter basket will be getting passively “pre-infused.”
Product Warranty
Vibiemme Warranty:2 Year Parts & Labor (limited to Manufacturer’s Defects, only)
