I've seen people post messages here about recent and not so recent purchases of Solis 5K's and was wondering if you use the cleaning tabs that came with the machine or have found something else? James |
James, I've used both the tabs that came with the system & Urnex Cleancaf (sample came with the machine from SM) SM sells Cleancaf in boxes of three packs. Others on the list have mentioned using Urnex Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner (also sold by SM) with excellent results. Using the Urnex will entail creating a solution in the water tank, but since you will use up at least a couple tanks with the automated cleaning cycle, it's not a bad thing. imho Bob |
On Jul 29, 2004, at 3:01pm, bob wrote: <Snip> I'm not really familiar with the Solis 5K, but Cafiza is not intended to be run through the water tank/boiler of an espresso machine. It is intended only for backflushing and cleaning portafilters, baskets, dispersion screens, etc. It's basically a detergent and I suspect it would be extremely difficult to completely flush from a boiler. John Blumel |
Not after we ran out of the samples provided. I've spent many a spare moment trying to track down a source of them. No joy. -- Rick P.S. Absolutely positively under no circumstances use CLR. |
I have had mine only 3 weeks so I have not used the tablets. I have cleaned it 2 times by removing all the parts and washing them and rinsing with lots of water. I use a Brita filter and do feel that I will get a big lime build up but I plan to use the tablets that came with the machine at the 3 month mark. RK |
Sometime around 01:43 PM 7/29/2004, Rick Farris typed: <Snip> Not that I planned to, why not? What is that stuff? The AlChemist should know, but has never looked since becoming one. <Snip> -- John Nanci AlChemist at large Zen Roasting , Blending & Espresso pulling by Gestalthttp://www.dreamsandbones.net/blog/http://www.chocolatealchemy.com/ |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. I don't know what it is, but it will dissolve the gaskets in the boiler of the SM5K. And I firmly believe Solis started with the boiler and built the rest of the machine around it. It's a pain in the neck to change the gaskets. n Rick From: AlChemist John What is that stuff? [CLR} |
On Jul 30, 2004, at 11:23am, Rick Farris wrote:
<Snip>
According to the Material Safety Data Sheet it is:
Component %
1. Water 68-74
2. Glycolic Acid 13-16
3. Sulfamic Acid 3-6
4. Disodium Capryloamphodipropionate 4-7
5. Ethylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether 1-4
6. Citric Acid 1-4
John Blumel |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. I thought the SM5K had a thermo block? |
Yeah, that isn't touching the inside of my espresso machine. Thanks. Sometime around 09:14 AM 7/30/2004, John Blumel typed: <Snip> -- John Nanci AlChemist at large Zen Roasting , Blending & Espresso pulling by Gestalthttp://www.dreamsandbones.net/blog/http://www.chocolatealchemy.com/ |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. So did I until I took it apart. J I mean, to me a thermo block is a hot thing with a tube running through it. Sort of like one of those beer cooler things where the keg sits outside, but the hose from the keg winds around through a cooler full of ice. The "water heater" in the SM5K is a hollow aluminum block about 4" x 6" x 2", with heaters (2) embedded in it and a fitting on each end. That's a boiler to me. -- Rick From: R.N.Kyle I thought the SM5K had a thermo block? |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. I have never really paid much attention to it. But have never heard the = boiler kick in even when I pull several shots in a row. That's why I = thought it had a thermal block RK |
WholeLatteLove lists the machine as having a thermoblock with one heating element... --Dave #364 From: homeroast-admin [mailto:homeroast-admin] On Behalf Of Rick Farris Sent: Monday, August 02, 2004 2:49 PM To: homeroast Subject: RE: +Solis auto cleaning So did I until I took it apart. J I mean, to me a thermo block is a hot thing with a tube running through it. Sort of like one of those beer cooler things where the keg sits outside, but the hose from the keg winds around through a cooler full of ice. The "water heater" in the SM5K is a hollow aluminum block about 4" x 6" x 2", with heaters (2) embedded in it and a fitting on each end. That's a boiler to me. -- Rick From: R.N.Kyle I thought the SM5K had a thermo block? |
So did I until I took it apart. I mean, to me a thermo block is a hot thing with a tube running through it. Sort of like one of those beer cooler things where the keg sits outside, but the hose from the keg winds around through a cooler full of ice. The "water heater" in the SM5K is a hollow aluminum block about 4" x 6" x 2", with heaters (2) embedded in it and a fitting on each end. That's a boiler to me. -- Rick |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. I told you my definition of thermo block. Now you tell me yours. -- Rick From: R.N.Kyle I have never really paid much attention to it. But have never heard the boiler kick in even when I pull several shots in a row. That's why I thought it had a thermal block |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. water running thru a block with heating coils or tubes the water line = and flow is such that the water comes to temp as it passes thru the = block, supplying continuous hot water on demand. RK |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Well then, the SM5K meets the “supplying continuous hot water on = demand” criteria, but by cheating, I would say. The SM5K maintains a body of = water at brewing temperature and it has the heating capacity to keep that body = of water at brewing temperature continuously, considering that it can only deliver around 9 oz of water per minute. Contrast that with a Livia, wherein the heat exchanger is created by = running the inlet water feed line through the middle of the boiler, so that only = the smallest amount of water is hot at one time. The reason I make a distinction is because I think that fresh water, heated at the moment it = is used, is better tasting than water that has been setting around in a “boiler.” The Livia is the former, the Solis the latter. Mind you, I’m plenty happy with the results of my SM5Ks, but it still = bugs me a little when the Solis is advertised as having a thermoblock -- = implying that fresh water is used for brewing -- when it actually brews with = water that’s been sitting for at least as long as it’s taken you to brew = your last couple of crémas. So, technically, maybe it is a thermoblock. If so, it’s a thermoblock without the supposed benefits of one. -- Rick P.S. Wait a minute! It cannot supply continuous hot water on demand! = If you want to check it out, just put a cup under the steam wand and open = the valve on the side. You’ll find out just how quickly the water drops = in temperature… J [RF] From: R.N.Kyle water running thru a block with heating coils or tubes the water line = and flow is such that the water comes to temp as it passes thru the block, supplying continuous hot water on demand. |
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Thanks for the update on the Solis Thermo block vs. boiler. I really didn't know but I could have asked the tech tonight, as he = called me. I guess I overtightened the screw (with the supplied key) = that holds the depression screen and it has stripped out of the plastic = and will not completely tighten back up. So much for plastic or my extra = twist of the key. He said finger tight. All is not lost, as there it a written Work doc. = that covers the fix. If anyone else has had this problem and wants the = doc. on the fix email me off list and I will sent it to you. I'm pleased = with the SM5K also Rick, I think it make a really nice crema and = americano. It even makes a decent espresso, better them most I have = tasted in shops. I can set the grinder on 2 and get a 1.5 oz. shot 25 sec. RK |