Boilers

Archive for the ‘Boiler Parts’ Category

Astra espresso machines are a top of the line brand for commercial enterprises and individual consumers who are very serious about their espresso. As American produced machines, Astras are designed for 110 volts, putting them at an advantage over many European machines.

There are two features that really set the Astra espresso machines apart: the sought after Sirai pressurestat and the Procon rotary pump, which is much quieter than the vibration pumps that are fitted in most espresso machines. In addition, there is heavy duty wiring, quick on/off steaming and hot water valves, and the machines work both with ground coffee and with espresso pods. Another good thing about getting Astra espresso machine is that the company is willing to customize it for you if that’s what you want. For example you have an automatic milk frother or a pump pressure gauge installed.

You can order your choice of standard panel colors, or the company will match any color upon request – should you wish to paint your kitchen chartreuse and violet, your espresso machine can be created to match. The boxy shape of the Astra receives mixed reviews. The few exceptions to the basic aluminum box can be found in their classic line, which feature options such as brass, hammered copper, and gold plating – not to mention a decorative eagle that seems to fly over the top of the crowning dome.

The Gourmet series machines are compact, yet contain a 4.2 liter boiler, resulting in a virtually endless supply of dry steam. They can produce up to 180 shots of espresso per hour. Customers report the steamer needing less than 20 seconds to steam milk for a large latte. The excellent stock tip can easily steam small quantities of milk with control. Astras can be hooked to existing plumbing or to a water reservoir, such as a five-gallon jug. The shower screen is easy to remove and clean, which is not always possible in many other espresso machines without removing the grouphead gasket. Astra Gourmet machines are popular with small businesses and also with home buyers who are serious about their espresso.

The Astra Pro is highly rated by individual consumers. It produces reliably excellent espresso and a thick, dark crema. One note of caution: it takes a while to warm up, upwards of twenty minutes. The machine can get very hot if it’s in use for a while, making it a poor choice for household with pets and small children. The self-tamping system takes a while to master. After getting the hang of this machine, it’s well worth the effort. The Astra Pro has a single gauge that displays both boiler pressure and pump pressure. It fits into an 18″ space, unlike many of its competitors.

Of the many reviews of these machines available on the web, it seems impossible to find a complaint about the durability of Astras. The manufacturer offers a two-year limited warranty on parts, and a one-year limited warranty on labor. In general, the company is very helpful on the phone, even to buyers who purchased their machine second hand. Should you decide to buy an Astra, you’ll get the best value by buying it directly from the company or from a secondhand source such as eBay.

K. Braun
http://www.articlesbase.com/coffee-articles/inside-the-astra-espresso-machine-714700.html

The Rancilio company has been producing high-end espresso machines since 1927, when Roberto Rancilio first established the “Officine meccaniche RR”. Today, Rancilio is at the front of the espresso pack. In June 2008 the company expanded by purchasing Ergo coffee systems AG of Switzerland.

Most Rancilio espresso machines are large, commercial machines. For the private consumer, the Rancilio Silvia is one of the most acclaimed and well-rated espresso machines under a thousand dollars. It features an iron support frame while its body and control panels are made of stainless steel with a satin finish. The Silvia simply looks terrific on the countertop. It is quite heavy, which is an advantage because it will not budge when the portafilter is being locked it. It is very solidly built and like other Rancilio espresso machines it is also easily serviceable, with widely available parts.

The Silvia comes with the following accessories: one filter holder, a one-cup filter, a two-cup filter, measuring spoon, and coffee tamper. You can buy an optional pod adapter kit if you wish to take advantage of the convenience of espresso pods. The Silvia features a twelve-ounce boiler – a respectable size for a boiler in this class. The portafilter is made of marine-grade brass, which is a very good material because it helps to keep the temperature stable. Another feature that users really appreciate is the three-way solenoid valve. This valve depressurizes the group head after pulling a shot – the effect of that is that the used coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter as a solid disk, rather than as a soup of hot grounds.

Like other semi-professional espresso machines, the Silvia requires a bit of experience and education to use to its best advantage. You can manually control the brewing temperature, or order an optional digital temperature control. Since this Rancilio espresso machine is so popular, there are many internet sites with tips about using and troubleshooting Silvia to achieve that perfect shot of espresso.

When it comes to steaming and frothing milk, the Silvia has a hot water button to control the flow of water from the steam wand, as well as a steam button. It comes with a single-hole steam tip that is popular with consumers. The company also offers a three-hole steam tip as an option.

A good burr coffee grinder is vital for use with the Silvia – cheap grinders simply can’t get the coffee fine enough. The Rancilio Rocky is a good choice. It is possible to buy the Silvia and the Rocky as a package to save money.

K. Braun
http://www.articlesbase.com/coffee-articles/the-rancilio-espresso-machine-where-elegance-meets-steel-714704.html

It is in each individual’s interest to look at our own properties and assess their ENERGY PERFORMANCE to see if we ourselves are doing everything we possibly can to cut down on wasted energy from our homes and surroundings.

The climate in Scotland is significantly colder than that experienced in other parts of the UK, thus energy use in identical properties is higher in Scotland.

Energy used in homes is responsible for more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions, and 80 per cent of this is for heating. Turning down your thermostat, good insulation and more efficient boilers can help – and there is also support available to make your home more energy efficient.

You can get help to make your home more energy efficient, via the Home Energy Saving Programme, making it more attractive than ever to do something. You can make savings on your annual fuel bills and help the environment at the same time.

Every household in the UK is eligible for at least 50 per cent off loft and cavity wall insulation. A range of energy saving devices like low energy light bulbs, home energy monitors and energy saver plugs are also available. Taking up these measures could help you save  hundreds of pounds every year on your energy bills, and you can access them through energy suppliers.

Pensioners or people from low income households may also be eligible for free improvements to their homes, like insulation, along with other support.

It’s time to take action with your heating:

-  by turning down the thermostats for both heating and hot water

-  adjusting the radiator valves

- setting the electronic timer for a shorter period of time and only having it on when you need it

This cuts out on a surprising amount of wasted energy with clever use of your central heating controls. You could be saving around 10% on your annual heating bills by turning the thermostat down by just 1%. You will probably not even notice the difference, but the environment will. Lets work together at reducing our carbon footprint.

Choose an energy efficient boiler

More than 80 per cent of home energy use is for heating and hot water – so getting a more energy efficient boiler can make a big difference. Look out for the Energy Saving Recommended label when you’re choosing a new boiler. This label can only be used on the most energy efficient products, usually the top 20 per cent of those available.

· Find an energy efficient boiler

· Insulate your walls and loft (is your loft insulation 270 millimetres thick?)

More than half the heat lost in a typical home escapes by the walls or the roof. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation will not only reduce the heat escaping, but could also cut your fuel bills by up to £180 every year.

Cavity wall insulation

Installing cavity wall insulation can take just a couple of hours for a typical three-bedroom house, and can be done from the outside. Your building needs to have cavity walls. You can insulate solid walls too, but this is a bigger and more costly job to do.

Loft insulation

Loft insulation is easy to install –anyone is capable of doing it. Even if you already have loft insulation, check how thick it is. Adding another layer to bring it up to the recommended 270 millimetres will save both energy and money being wasted. You will notice the difference as a large percentage of our heat is lost this way.

Other ways to keep the heat in

Walls and roofs are the biggest heat loss culprits, but you don’t have to stop there:

    * installing double glazing can half heat lost through windows

    * insulate your hot-water tank

    * lag your pipes

    * put draught-proofing strips round windows and doors – if you can feel cold air coming in, it means warm air is going out the same way, this is such an easy procedure for such a big gain

    * if your home has a cellar space, under-floor insulation can help keep the warmth in.

Think about renewable energy sources for your heating

Renewable energy can sometimes be an option for both heating and powering homes. The commonest renewable energy technologies are solar, wind, water (hydro) and biomass, which involves burning plant products or animal waste. Using renewable energy can make a significant contribution to reducing climate change effects.

    * Generating your own green (renewable) energy

SUMMARY

If each and everyone responded to the above measures and took action in the ENERGY PERFORMANCE of our homes and surroundings we could all make a difference in reducing our carbon footprint and thus helping protect our environment.

Energy used in the home is responsible for more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions. Reducing the amount of energy you use for heating is one of the biggest things you can do to help reduce climate change.

epcseo
http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/energy-performace-for-buildings-742458.html