It all started when…
I bought my first Saeco machine in 1995.
And I’ve bought seven more for assorted family members and for my office. All of these machines are still working well. With a little care and regular cleaning, they can make really good espresso.
In 1996, after a year of use, i decided to clean my first machine. When I disassembled the portafilter, it turned out to be 1). gross with old coffee oils, and 2). full of weird springs that I wasn’t sure how to re-attach. But, I didn’t lose any parts and I learned what goes where, and what needed to be inspected, scrubbed and soaked. Over the years, I attempted more and more teardowns- exploring the innards of the pumps, pipes and boilers– and graduually learned how to swap out most any part (and where to buy spare parts).
In 2015, I started buying used machines, rehabilitating them for friends and acquaintances. I usually have two or three machines on hand that are all fixed up and ready to sell. Every used machine I sell is cleaned inside and out. The boiler has been taken apart, cleaned and descaled. All of the parts in the water, steam and coffee delivery pathways have been inspected, cleaned and updated as necessary.
I live in Roxbury, CT. If you want to pick up a machine at my home, I’ll give you an in person demo in our kitchen. Or, I can ship a machine to you via FedEx too.
If you have questions about buying, using or cleaning a machine– send me a note . . .
pvk@infokiln.com
