Hints, Tips, And Tricks; Maximizing Steaming Power; Minimizing Temperature Variations During The Pull - VBM Lollo HX User Manual

7. Hints, Tips, and Tricks

7.1. Maximizing Steaming Power

You probably have noticed that the heating element cycles on an off while the machine is in operation and
even when it is idling. That can be seen by watching the Heating Element Activity Lamp on the control
panel. That cycling can be used to your advantage when steaming milk. For the greatest production of steam
throughout the steaming cycle, start steaming just before the heating element turns off. You can judge this by
watching the Heating Element Activity Lamp in conjunction with the boiler pressure gauge. The goal is to begin
steaming when the boiler is as hot as its range allows while the heating element is still energized. As you draw
off steam the pressure in the boiler (and thus the temperature) will drop slightly which keeps the heating element
energized. With a little practice you will be able to do this without hardly even thinking about it..

7.2. Minimizing Temperature Variations During the Pull

A similar procedure can be used for the brew cycle. The best time to begin pulling a shot is when
the heating element has just turned off. This gives a bit more temperature stability as well because it
eliminates the variable of the heating element coming on during the pull. If the heating element comes on
during a pull, you will hear the pump lose a bit of power because the heating element is drawing a large
percentage of the circuit's available current. If the circuit that feeds electricity to your Vibiemme Domobar
is challenged by the demands of the machine, this procedure will help lessen that load.
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