Here’s are some reasons that make Vibiemme so outstanding:
True Faema E61 grouphead - Vibiemme, in the early '70s, became the offspring of Faema. And they co-owned the patent to the Faema E61 grouphead. The original group that Vibiemme uses has their logo stamped on.
Larger boiler - The massive 2.7 liter boiler is the largest you will find in this class of semi-commercial reservoir-only espresso machines. The larger boiler not only adds to the temperature stability of the grouphead, but also offers a greater amount of steaming capacity. To support this large boiler, Vibiemme has added a support bracket rather than just using the pipes to hold it on like other machines.
Wider diameter tubing to and from the heat exchanger - The tubing from the grouphead to the heat exchanger and back is a whopping 12mm outside diameter (10mm by 12mm on the curved bends) – the same diameter you’ll find on full-size commercial machines. Not only does this wider diameter tubing allow the heat exchange system to hold more water for improved temperature stability and increased water flow in the heat exchange system, but also makes it harder for scale build up to clog the passage.
Three stage power switch – Since machines are usually shipped empty of water, this switch makes it virtually impossible to damage the Heating Element during the initial boiler filling. Many other machines have an autofill valve too small to fill the boiler fast enough before the heating element heats up, which can weaken and even burn out the element.
Microswitch under water reservoir – The purpose of the high quality microswitch Vibiemme has installed under the reservoir is to stop damage to the heating element when the water reservoir is close to empty. Other manufacturers use magnetic sensors or safety level probes—which with time get coated with mineral scale and become faulty.
Full size pressurestat - Many semi-commercial espresso machines use small type pressurestats such as CEME, MATER or Jaeger. Keeping with their aim for highest quality, Vibiemme installed a full size pressurestat (UL approved, by the way). This pressurestat is more reliable and tougher then the little ones, and it is easily adjustable from the top of the machine without having to dismantle it.
Control Box (auto boiler refill relay) – As with many manufactures, Vibiemme uses the industry leader for its control box, but Vibiemme took it one step further by mounting theirs on a bracket which keeps it away from and lower than the boiler heat. It’s low enough to keep it away from the rising heat, but not sitting on the bottom of the machine where water spillage would immediately damage it.
UL Commercial Tested - Underwriters Laboratories (a.k.a. UL) tests products for public safety. Surprisingly enough, a lot of other machine sold in the US are NOT.
Pump Position – All vibiemmes are equiped with a thermal protector which, if necessary, will cut off power to prevent the pump from burning. Also, the ULKA Vibrating pump has been repositioned to minimize the vibrating noise.
Extension for three way solenoid valve – which minimizes discharge water from splashing over the drip tray and inside the base of the machine when the grouphead releases the pressure at the end of the shot.
New feet - All Vibiemme models have been upgraded with easily removable rubber-bottomed feet.
Placement of two pressure gauges - Most machines only have one boiler pressure gauge. The Vibiemme Domobar Super has a second gauge which provides the brew pressure reading while pulling a shot. This can be helpful when fine-tuning your shot, HOWEVER, the shot itself will be the final result of your skills.