plugging espresso machine into timer?

floydpink · 08-07-2009, 07:48 PM

Has anyone done this?

Reason I ask is because my soon to be new machine supposedly likes a 20 minute warmup and they say to NOT pay atention to the "ready to brew" light or you won't like the results.

The main reason I want this is for early mornings when waking up 20 minutes early would not be my favorite thing to do.

I am thinking of a heavy duty 3 prong timer able to handle the 1400 watts.

Anything to cause concern?

Thanks as always for the great insight.

Mister Moo · 08-07-2009, 08:59 PM

Gee... I never thought about that. You know, 'cause an Oscar goes from cold to brew-ready in six-minutes. Hey! I have an idea! Really. Ask Germ'rob. Use the 20-minutes of early get-up time to polish the chrome in the morning while it warms up with agonizing slowness. Hope that helps.

(Just leave it on. That 1400W element isn't burning all the time. What's another $0.10/kilowatt hour for a guy with a 20kg espresso machine anyhow?)

novasurf · 08-07-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

(Just leave it on. That 1400W element isn't burning all the time. What's another $0.10/kilowatt hour for a guy with a 20kg espresso machine anyhow?)

Agreed. But the timer is a great idea.

floydpink · 08-08-2009, 08:56 AM

I bought this 20kg machine to stop all the heckling I recieved from owning a Gaggia that heats up in less than 5 minutes. How much is a kilogram anyway? Like 2 lbs right?

I'll keep a good amount of Pig Snot Harley chrome polish on the Brasilia and it should be fine.

floydpink · 08-08-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novasurf

Agreed. But the timer is a great idea.

Hey Norm,

Since you're chiming in here, what's your thoughts on the beans they include with the machine? Not worth feeding a fancy chrome machine, right????

Mister Moo · 08-08-2009, 10:21 AM

Norman agrees with anything that speeds up the need for coffee.

I was surprised to find this 15A-rated timer for under $20; that (barely) covers your 1400W assuming your line voltage isn't dumping in the morning. High rated timers used to be rawther pricey - you may want a timer rated for more than 15A for daily use under a large load - talk to an electron genius on this if you are not one yourself.

novasurf · 08-08-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Since you're chiming in here, what's your thoughts on the beans they include with the machine? Not worth feeding a fancy chrome machine, right????

Good for practice. LOL at Moo.

floydpink · 08-11-2009, 03:56 PM

Fwiw, I asked WLL about leaving the machine pluggedin and they don't recommend it.
They say it reduces the life of the Patsy as well as the prongs and grouphead gasket.

Who knows how accurate that is...

germantown rob · 08-11-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydpink

Fwiw, I asked WLL about leaving the machine pluggedin and they don't recommend it.
They say it reduces the life of the Patsy as well as the prongs and grouphead gasket.

Who knows how accurate that is...

Well that is maintenance any how.

If you use a timer just have it click on with plenty of time to warm all the brass up. 1400 watts will do it in half an hour but if you compare the portafilter temp to that of when it has been on 45-60mins you'll pull better shots. You don't want anything to reduce the temp of the water. My Oscar says it is ready in 10-12min but the shots taste like crap and even though 30min is much better 45 is prime.

floydpink · 08-11-2009, 07:49 PM

I'm sure I'll figure out a system that works best and am thinking about just leaving it on at night then shutting it off all day when I am at work.

Just noticed a typo, I meant to say Pstat, NOT patsy.

I know that all the coffee shops and restaurants keep theirs on all day...

08-07-2009, 07:48 PM	#1
floydpink crazy diamond Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: Orlando Posts: 1,955 Trading: (17)	plugging espresso machine into timer? Has anyone done this? Reason I ask is because my soon to be new machine supposedly likes a 20 minute warmup and they say to NOT pay atention to the "ready to brew" light or you won't like the results. The main reason I want this is for early mornings when waking up 20 minutes early would not be my favorite thing to do. I am thinking of a heavy duty 3 prong timer able to handle the 1400 watts. Anything to cause concern? Thanks as always for the great insight. __________________ "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"

08-07-2009, 08:59 PM	#2
Mister Moo I barely grok the obvious Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Lizard Lick, NC Posts: 1,417 Trading: (3)	Re: plugging espresso machine into timer? Gee... I never thought about that. You know, 'cause an Oscar goes from cold to brew-ready in six-minutes. Hey! I have an idea! Really. Ask Germ'rob. Use the 20-minutes of early get-up time to polish the chrome in the morning while it warms up with agonizing slowness. Hope that helps. (Just leave it on. That 1400W element isn't burning all the time. What's another $0.10/kilowatt hour for a guy with a 20kg espresso machine anyhow?) __________________ "I hope you had the time of your life."

08-08-2009, 08:56 AM	#4
floydpink crazy diamond Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: Orlando Posts: 1,955 Trading: (17)	Re: plugging espresso machine into timer? I bought this 20kg machine to stop all the heckling I recieved from owning a Gaggia that heats up in less than 5 minutes. How much is a kilogram anyway? Like 2 lbs right? I'll keep a good amount of Pig Snot Harley chrome polish on the Brasilia and it should be fine. __________________ "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"

08-08-2009, 10:21 AM	#6
Mister Moo I barely grok the obvious Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Lizard Lick, NC Posts: 1,417 Trading: (3)	Re: plugging espresso machine into timer? Norman agrees with anything that speeds up the need for coffee. I was surprised to find this 15A-rated timer for under $20; that (barely) covers your 1400W assuming your line voltage isn't dumping in the morning. High rated timers used to be rawther pricey - you may want a timer rated for more than 15A for daily use under a large load - talk to an electron genius on this if you are not one yourself. __________________ "I hope you had the time of your life."

08-11-2009, 03:56 PM	#8
floydpink crazy diamond Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: Orlando Posts: 1,955 Trading: (17)	Re: plugging espresso machine into timer? Fwiw, I asked WLL about leaving the machine pluggedin and they don't recommend it. They say it reduces the life of the Patsy as well as the prongs and grouphead gasket. Who knows how accurate that is... __________________ "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"

08-11-2009, 07:49 PM	#10
floydpink crazy diamond Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Pete Location: Orlando Posts: 1,955 Trading: (17)	Re: plugging espresso machine into timer? I'm sure I'll figure out a system that works best and am thinking about just leaving it on at night then shutting it off all day when I am at work. Just noticed a typo, I meant to say Pstat, NOT patsy. I know that all the coffee shops and restaurants keep theirs on all day... __________________ "If we weren't all crazy we would go insane"