How to Tune the Dedica to Max Out at 9 Bar instead of 11. Should you do it?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

In the last video, we built a manometer out of a portafilter and blind disc. In this video, we will try different spring strengths and lengths in the OPV of the Delonghi Dedica EC685, and see if we can attain 9 bars. Join the coffee club! (subscribe): kzbin.info 0:00 Intro 1:04 Disclaimer! 1:42 OPV Prep 3:08 Test 1 with Original Spring 4:01 Test 2 with Pen Spring 5:52 Test 3 with shortened Pen Spring 8:10 Test 4 with Shortened Original Spring 10:49 Test 5 with further Shortened Original Spring 12:48 Result

[@sergeykh9544]

I saw a modification where a bolt was built into this valve and the pressure was adjusted with a bolt.

[@octaviop.4870]

Hey tom! Greetings from mexico. Man you convinced me to buy my first espresso machine. Than you very much. Your channel is my favorite coffee channel on youtube! Id like to ask for your advice. I got the ECP 3420. I had been long brewing coffee using a cheap chinese knockoff moka pot. And the change feels substantial. However i have set my mind up on finding a way to control the pressure. because id like to brew at a lower pressure. Im currently pondering as to which way would be better... spring kits (like this video) or the dimmer + manometer mod. I would think that going the extra mile and adding the manometer and the dimmer would give me extra control. but thought of asking you in case im missing something. Thanks again! And have a wonderful day!

[@fahritunca71]

@@sergeykh9544,Kenwood ES326 öyle👍.Ama köpük yapmıyor makinem,ve bir çözüm bulamadım🙄🤔

[@stephenhaynes603]

ok this looks like a fix, my machine blasts out a shot in 5 seconds and i mean blasts out same pressure as a pressure washer you would use to clean brick work. its been this way since o got it. now i know i can have a go at fixing the pressure problem by shortening the spring.thank you for your info Tom.

[@MuhammadRafi-qv6ri]

Hi tom Nice to see the way you demonstrate the opv spring reduced and pressure pretty quickly increases amazing

[@Burns4k]

When there is coffee in the filter the pressure is gonna be a bit lower than the static(no-flow) pressure you measured with the manometer. The pressure curves for the Ulka EP5 pump indicate a 1bar pressure loss per 50ml/min flow-rate increase. The 11bars static pressure might be aimed for a 9bar@150ml/min intended working point.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Burns, as it turns out, I think you are exactly right. I installed an in line manometer in a later video, and found the stock OPV to have 9 bar during an extraction. I think the only reason for the confusion, is that most companies advertise 15 bars of pressure, so people figure they have to reduce it.🙋🏼‍♂️

[@oscarmakertv6707]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner so you’re saying the stock opv is actually tuned to 9bar?

[@raelmax_]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner so you’re saying the stock opv is actually tuned to 9bar?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Honestly it seems that way, yes. If you grind right, and do a nice puck prep, I have measured around 9 bar with an inline manometer. Cheers!@@raelmax_

[@raelmax_]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks, Tom! :D

[@michaelmulvogue9165]

Thank you for your efforts putting these videos together, I've enjoyed watching them. You inspired me to open up and tinker with my EC685, which has been fun, its a surprisingly well designed little thing inside to my non-expert eyes. I recently swapped out the stock "safety valve" with an adjustable OPV from the Breville BES920, which has allowed me to reduce the extraction pressure as desired. Unfortunately though there's been a couple of unexpected side effects. The stock safety seems to be more than just a simple OPV which is why it is so chunky I think. After swapping to the Breville OPV, there is now quite a bit more vibration and noise through the machine from the pump and now have "puck sneeze" / residual pressure after pump is stopped. I do think I'm getting a better extraction now as espresso flavour has changed, although it's not overly significant to my taste buds. I'm still on the fence as to whether it was worth it and may end up putting the stock valve back in.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks so much for posting your results, Michael! I am sure that your findings are interesting to a lot of people watching. I agree, that the OPV seems to be more than an OPV, rather a safety valve. It does also have a check valve on the inlet side, to not allow water to backflow through the OPV. Also, I feel like the stock valve is more of a safety valve, opening only if the pressure would get too high in the system. So your OPV came from a Breville Dual Boiler - very nice. Did it fit as such, or did you have to get extra fittings? Where did you order it from?

[@panosp57]

Hello Michael, have you got any updates on this? Did you try to install a no return valve maybe? Or went back to original OPV?

[@michaelmulvogue9165]

@@panosp57 Hi, yeah I'm still running the Breville OPV mod and pulling shots with the machine daily. It's definitely improved the consistency of extractions as I'm now able to dial in the grind and then get pretty consistent shots throughout a 1kg bag of beans which I could never do before. The downsides mentioned don't appear to be causing problems with the machine. I just make sure to let the porta filter sit for about 30sec to allow pressure to dissipate and it's fine. I would say it's worth giving it a go if you enjoy pulling things apart and putting them back together again 🙂

[@panosp57]

​@@michaelmulvogue9165 thank you for this update Michael. That sounds encouraging!

[@eldabasa]

Thank you this was very exciting , So reducing pressure extend extraction time at same grind I have 15 years delonghi maybe it's at 9 bar now will try it

[@rovendoug]

Interesting results! Was a fun watch!

[@Ris-v4w]

what i've leaned from this vid is: just leave it as is ! 😅 much more experienced people and techical professionals have dialed-in this machine to be as good as possible. if they could be making the machine get significantly better coffee by just putting in a shorter spring, why wouldn't they? no extra cost, but extra bragging rights for this espresso model in the whole world 🙂 . i guess trying out to improve it through DIY at basically 0 extra cost, would definitely be worth it if a better model would be comercially available only with tweaked internals which does actually extract better coffee, so that you know there is a quality peak to look at. but in this case i don't know of there beying one. so..... happy you did these try-outs so that i won't have the need to do them, big thumbs up ! 👍👍

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I agree. That is part of the reason I did this video. I hope it can save some people some time. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@HasanBasriy]

I wouldn't agree. Factory settings are set to suit ordinary people who lack both the skills and equipment (like precision baskets) for a better coffee extraction. Even more that they don't care (or understand) the difference between good and bad extraction - I used to be one myself just a month ago. But once you start to get understanding and equipment, you want to make the machine better as well.

[@ZlicedGG]

The dedica is intended for pressurized baskets and therefore need more pressure for the extraction. Pressurized baskets ensure a good crema everytime, regardless of the coffee. The target group of the dedica definitely are beginners or just the average person wanting a more fancy coffee experience. The 6-9 bar range (the range Tom is trying to achieve) is for unpressurized baskets that you normally find in more advanced machines for more experienced „baristas“. What I want so say is, that the machine is optimized for its purpose, which is using high pressure to extract as much crema as possible, to provide a consistent experience to inexperienced consumers. Tom is trying to tinker the machine to make it suitable for unpressurized baskets, which requires a completely different workflow as well as different tools. Nonetheless I am also very grateful for the video and the prevention of me pulling apart my coffee machine :D

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Nice to see you tried a shorter spring. Also your taste opinion was valuable to me. As for another approach, you can restrict the flow out of the basket a bit (pressurized lite), as this will cause the pressure across the coffee bed to be reduced. With a normal pressurized basket, the pressure across the bottom of the basket is a bit high, so you have to coarsen the grind a bit to get an acceptable flow rate. That said, another video used a Decent and coarser grind with a short extraction time and 6 bar pressure, because they had read a recent research paper suggested that this gave better extraction. I do not think the video producer realized he was mimicking making coffee with a pressurized basket.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Tom, thanks for your input. I would like to put an in-line manometer in the machine, and test the pressure that way. That way I can see what pressures are reached when there is a permeable load at the group head. This test was just to kind of see if a baseline of 9 bars could be achieved through the mod, but I have feeling that the pressure will be lower when pulling a shot.

[@MsFarria]

Hello Tom! I have a Dedica too and I love your videos! I'm loving this series and waiting for the next episode! I inteend to lower to 9bars my dedica... Thank you!!!

[@ivandansigmun3891]

i love your spoon! It's much nicer than Mr Hoffmans. I've just purchased one of these and I'm going to try out your mods.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Awesome! Thank you! Enjoy your machine and whatever spoon you have available. 😉

[@CDdogg303]

Hey thank you for your efforts Tom. I do truly appreciate that now I dont have to go through all that for not much return. Keep up the hard work cuz I'll be watching your videos!

[@fatihfatih1694]

Many thanks for your ideas to get always more out of the machine! Think many people who have it at home appreciate that. Maybe some day you will also think about a way to get a more constant temperature during extraction. But first things first, we just focus on the pressure right now:-D

[@matveivanable]

I installed pressure adjustment mod to my ecp DeLonghi. I think 11 bars is the best choice for ulka pump.

[@phib9405]

Thank you for video. I appreciate you have been persevering and humble with this test

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nabeelsherazi8860]

I was thinking of doing the same procedure, thanking you so much for sharing. I have my mind now on maybe designing a PID controller for the pump to maintain a tighter trajectory to 9 bars. Cheers.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

That would be very cool! But I guess you'd need an in-line manometer with digital feedback to the PID loop, right? Sounds like fun!

[@akselerant]

Nice job Tom! really done the hard work

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks very much!

[@antoniou5]

The video that i have been waiting for. I really like that you put your effort for the dedica (in budget) owners over there like me hahah. Is it possible to try some of the mr shades springs that you used for gaggia?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Glad you liked it, Andreas! No, the Mr. Shades springs are much wider than the Dedica springs. Too bad about that. What would actually be nicer is a different OPV that is adjustable.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@Alberto Rodríguez Yes, but I have not found one that will fit yet. Do you know of one?

[@Cattaable]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Found some info on reddit a while ago about a Saeco OPV that would fit Dedica as well. I swapped the spring on my Dedica with one from a ball pen and was happy enough since that I didn't need to research further to find the Saeco part. I think it's a matter of finding the right spring, with the same length and width as the original one, but different elasticity. Trial and error with different pens i guess. I don't have a manometer portafilter unfortunately to give you stats on the pen's spring I used, but maybe you can find this pen and try it "BiC Soft feel Med".

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@Cattaable I will have to check it out. It mainly has to do with coil diameter and length, I think. Did the taste change for you? How about the extraction....did it become longer?

[@peterbear2929]

@@Cattaable you know you can get a box of different size/strength springs on the Bay for not much?

[@alexanderschmidt8305]

Awesome video! Another nice video would be to see how the flow rate affects the temperature. I have the theory that if the grounds are slightly too coarse and water flows though quicker you have a smaller pressure and less temperature which both negatively impacts the taste, making it more hard to get great tasting shots from a machine like the dedica. I'm often getting good shots but also quite often the shots are less stellar from my Dedica

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Alex, I have found that a slow flow rate will equal more sour shots, while a faster rate gives me more bitter shots. I guess you're right, that all three variables play a role here: flow, pressure and temp, and they affect one another dynamically. Because the interaction of these variables is kind of arcane territory to quantify, we often lean on the optical evaluation of shot extractions. At least I do. I will pay more attention to the above mentioned variables in the future.

[@GeoS]

Hi, thanks for the video... The 13.5mm length is for the spring only or the spring with the rubber thing attached?

[@anthonyschumacher9925]

I have my beloved Dedica and I've been wondering if and how to lower to 9 bar since my bottomless extractions are disastrous due to the high pressure. I've refined other aspects (finer grind, temperature etc. ) and do get great tasting shots but I'm so happy I've found your series of videos because you have great ideas and fun videos for a "dedica-ted" espresso nut like me. I'll be waiting for the dimmer mod? Thanks Tom. P.S. I believe your accent is German (not sure) but I'm from 🇨🇭. Cool.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Anthony, thanks for your comment! I think I’m going to try to do an in-line Manometer modification before the dimmer. But I plan to both! German is my second language. Grüße nach der Schweiz!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

By the way, I am not sure I can recommend this modification is anything more than an experiment. If you’re having trouble with your bottomless extractions, you might need to adjust your input variables. The main thing is freshly roasted whole beans.

[@ththboto]

What’s your temperature setting?

[@anthonyschumacher9925]

@@ththboto medium. Should I go hottest?

[@martinkulik9466]

Wouldn't the dimmer water pump regulator switch help with it? The question is the water flow or pressure. Noticed pattern that higher pressure pumps are required to achieve 9bar while having pressure loss due to coffee flow. With 9 bar pressure fully blind basket, means that pressure is already low.

[@deyoviC]

10:42 LMAO at that "huh?!"

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yeah, wasn't expecting that result, lol.

[@hahuhahuv]

There is one more way to bring the pressure down - open partially the steam knob and like on Gaggia Classic the water flow is routed through the steam wand. I think the biggest problem of that machine is the heating element, cause the temperature of the water is depending on the flow, and I'm not sure if temperature surfing could resolve that issue, another downside of that method is that water is not exiting the shower screen evenly, so it could form channels

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey there Tarop, well I am not sure this works, as the Dedica has a binary on/off switch for the steam, rather than a crescent valve. Have you tried doing it with success?

[@alexanderschmidt8305]

Yes I was thinking the same thing. Having the temperature depend on the glow is the one main disadvantage of Thermoblock machines. The Ascaso Steel PID seems to have excellent temperature stability.

[@hahuhahuv]

​@@TomsCoffeeCorner That works because, the steam knob actually a 3 way valve (thermoblock -> grouphead or/and steam wand) which have 2 functions: It opens a valve but at full swing it's also activating a switch which is starting the pump. Before the fully opened state you have the connection to the thermoblock and if there is any pressure (from the temperature or if pump is working) it's pumping some water through the steam wand. One of the problems is that you don't know the actual flow/pressure, but you can feel what is going on. The second problem: when the valve is fully opened but before the button is pressed (so we have sufficient flow through it) there is some big resonance with the pump and the machine is at its loudest state, but I don't think it's lethal for the machine. So, i would encourage you to try this

[@hahuhahuv]

@@alexanderschmidt8305 As I see the thermoblock in that Ascasso is massive, made from big chunk of stainless steel and aluminum, the piping is very long so the water absorbs much more heat in controlled way. Btw Decent Espresso Machines have interesting technology: 1 pump for hot water (I believe the temp is constant) and 1 cold water pump (from the reservoir), so the output water is blend between them. Combine that with sensors, good control and thermal insulation and you pretty much have the best thermal stability, but that is whole another topic and price range :D

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@hahuhahuv Very interesting Todor, I shall try this method in the future. Cheers!

[@frankieitaly86]

Hi Tom and thanks for your nice dedica videos, I watched them all.... I wanted to ask you, i bought an ec685 for 35€ and i would like to refurbish it, which seals do you recommend to replace and which components? the Volumenzähler also? Thank you very much

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Just do a thorough descaling, maybe twice, and clean the machine up. If it leaks from the group head, you could replace that gasket. But it is not really a part that wears out easily. I have never had to replace mine.

[@frankieitaly86]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner ok thanks, do you recommend me replacing the opv valve and the pump gasket? I don't know how old the machine is...

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@frankieitaly86 You only need to replace the OPV if it's broken (in which case the water tank will bubble during extraction). The pumps last a real long time. I wouldn't change that stuff proactively, unless the pressure seems really low.

[@frankieitaly86]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thank you very much Tom

[@РауанНургалиев-э4у]

Hello! great video. why is the pressure rising so slowly? how does the taste of coffee change? would like to see how to install PID controller on DeLongi ECP

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think too much water is escaping out of the OVP due to less pressure of the spring. But eventually, the pressure builds up in the system. If no water escaped, it would build up much more quickly, like with the original spring at full length.

[@РауанНургалиев-э4у]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks, how much does the taste of coffee change at 9 bar?

[@adityahr1039]

Halo tom, berapa standar Bar mesin espresso pada saat descaling??

[@ricjohnquino9299]

Thank you sir'Tom🙏

[@sulidar17]

hey Tom! thanks for these helpful videos! I wanted to ask if the OVP on the Dedica Maestro Plus is the same as the Dedica Deluxe? I want to mod my Maestro Plus to 9bar and want to see if I can get an OVP that’s for the Dedica Deluxe… Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

DMP has a different OPV than the previous models, but neither are adjustable. Cheers!

[@sulidar17]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner well thats unfortunate… anyway, thanks for the reply! its nice to have an interactive creator!

[@HasanBasriy]

Could it be that the thickness of the spring wire is responsible for how fast the pressure is ramping up?

[@laurencejones1100]

Hi Tom great show... 9 bar ...the holy grail! Just wondering if the OPV 9 bar spring from the Gaggia mod would fit the Delonghi ? I know more work for you ...the moding though makes great fun of the whole coffee experience... Many thanks laudi

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Laudi, no it wouldn't fit because the output fitting going from the OPV to the thermoblock is a completely different fitting type. Maybe if there was an adapter. Does anyone know?

[@StefanoZenone]

What if you removed the spring and installed a regulating valve on the tank hose?

[@jmat46]

Thank you very much for this video, could a flow control valve be used?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, a dimmer could be installed. I should do that soon. I do not know of a flow control valve for the Delonghi. Have you found one?

[@jmat46]

Saeco adjustable ?

[@jmat46]

You tube delete some of my comments

[@guilhermefalk916]

Hi Tom! What do you think about reducing the pressure by controlling the pump power input with a dimmer mod (+manometer)?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It's a good idea! I did it on the GCP.

[@jwm2762]

I feel like the issue with shortening the original spring is that it doesnt interact with the plunger as early as the original spring did. what about shortening the orignal spring then stretching back to the original length?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey there! You could definately be right about that. I didn't quite reach the success I wanted. It would probably be best to have another spring dimensioned for this OPV, with slightly less strength than the original. I think that shortening them changes the power of their springiness in a non-linear way.

[@krzysztofm.5639]

Hi Tom, would you be able to do OPV mod for Barista Express? The proper one with coffee testing. I believe that this is the only way to get better coffee out of this machine and avoid channeling induced by extensive pressure. Thanks.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Krzysztof, I actually have a Barista Express laying around, that I could check out. I believe the OPV is adjustable, by screwing it outwards. Do you think this could be interesting for lots of people? I am not sure if this hasn't already been done on KZbin?

[@krzysztofm.5639]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner defintely it would be as I could not find a proper tutorial with test on YT. OPV is adjustable as far as I know but it looks like you need to unscrew it quite a bit to restrict pressure to 9bars. Apparently you might be on the edge of thread engagement risking some leaks from the valve or striping the thread. I wonder if putting a shorter spring would be a safer option. Also I am curious if the mod is worth doing at at all. :)

[@fouriejosh]

Hi. Any dimmer mods planned for dedica ec685? Would be nice to control pressure without changing spring, which is a pain. Would really love this video.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, I will do that - just so many projects and ideas on the forefront of my mind. Do you have a particular dimmer in mind? I would like to find a sleek little one for the Dedica.

[@mattycoze]

My dedica seems to stall and not push very much fluid from the boiler outlet... I wonder if it's for something to do with the over pressure valve?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Could very well be..

[@fahritunca71]

Kenwood ES326 please🙄🙏

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

Dimmer mod is flow control, not the pressure control, search "brass OPV" on youtube, the one was used on Breville dual boiler that one fits as well, 30 $ ish, the one I got in China was 15 ¥ =2.38 $ or so.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey, I found that model. I will have to see if I can find one of those OPVs in Europe.

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

@Alberto Rodríguez I haven't done yet, but I have installed OPVs on Delonghi 310(for 3 of them).

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Have fun, xD.

[@checkwhatsleft4565]

@Alberto Rodríguez Well, the model that I bought was water heater OPV for shower and I don't know if you can find it in ur country, it was compact and cheaper, does get the job done.

[@mohammedshalash7842]

Thanks for sharing, what is the diameter of the spring coil is it 5mm?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

4.6 mm

[@mohammedshalash7842]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks

[@davidmorrison2694]

Hi Tom, thanks for all your work and experimentation on the Dedica! I have been looking for a GCP, but they are so popular in the US that finding anything decent for less than 2-3x the price of a Dedica is impossible. But I'm out of work and money is tight, so I'm switching to a Dedica. Just debating used vs new. New is less than $50 higher than used. I am thinking it is worth that premium to ensure no scaling in the small thermoblock passages, as I think that will be the primary cause of failure on these units. To the subject of the pressure have you tried running the same manometer tests on the 9bar modded GCP? Seems like you could build a similar housing cheaply using a back flush plate for the 58mm portafilter... maybe incorporate a bleed valve too! :D There has been so much work done on the GCP if you benchmark parameters on that it gives a target for working on the Dedica. For springs get some measurements from the original and then visit McMaster Carr, they have a ton of compression springs in different materials, spring rates and corrosion resistance in both pre cut and longer stock. Following link is to cut length compression springs in inches, which seems to have much bigger supply than metric. There is also cheaper longer spring stock, but from you experiments it sounds like you think the length needs to remain set and the spring rate needs to be adjusted. That might get cost prohibitive. www.mcmaster.com/products/springs/compression-springs-7/system-of-measurement~inch/ btw mcmaster is a high cost site as they do MRO low quantity, stocked items to to get repairs done next day, but they have a ton of stock that can be shipped immediately. Other spring companies have better cost, but McMaster is a fantastic research site. Thoughts on temp control: your surfing techniques already have the Dedica out performing a stock GCP holding portafilter temps at basically a 90 average with a small drop 10 seconds in or so. Clearly the Thermoblock has the heating capability to increase temps at the stock flow rates since temps raise through the end of the shot. This does not seem to be triggered by a low temp value as the start of the increasing temps occurs at a higher point (~87) with the steam hack. It almost seems to be flow or time based. Clearly a PID mod would be the prefered solution, but some kind of manual heater override/jumper at a specific time after starting the shot may be a cheap alternative.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for those insights, David. To address the question of pricing, the GCP can be had for $450 on Amazon, while the Dedica is around $300. So it's not such a huge gap in the USA. In the EU, the GCP does in fact cost 3x the price of a Dedica. Have you considered an ECP 3420? I have been experimenting with that one, and I prefer its results over the Dedica. I recently made a video about it. But yeah, the Dedica can hold a good temp curve with the steam mode hack, although I don't know how well repeatable it is. I just measured it for the video. Have you ever been to Goodwill by the way? I have found espresso machines there very cheap. I found a Dedica EC685 for $7, an EC155 for $7, and a Saeco Via Venezia for $10. I was delighted! Of course they are far and few between, but it's fun to have a look at Goodwill anyway. You could also consider Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Finally, Amazon Warehouse Deals is a great resource for like new equipment for cheap. Cheers! Tom

[@HasanBasriy]

We have (1) spring wire thickness; (2) spring length; (3) spring diameter; and (4) number of rounds in the spring. I wish to know which factor affects what, so that to pick the best suiting spring for my desired profile.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think also the characteristics of the steel used will make a difference, too. You'd probably need a spring expert to help choose one, based on the design of this valve, or else just use trial and error. Cheers!

[@jorgeguerreroduhart6543]

Hi, nice experiment, i want to try it on my coffee machine.. what is the diameter of the original spring? To be as accurate as possible. Thank you!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think I listed it in the video description or comment. If I remember right, it's 5.5 mm

[@jorgeguerreroduhart6543]

@@TomsCoffeeCornerthank you!

[@d171087shadow]

It's better to put dimmer than to change spring on OPV

[@qwerasdf686]

Hi, ive got Delonghi ec156 little older machine and i want good espresso, can u tell me how can i change pressure from 12 to 9 bar? Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sorry, never opened one of those. But, 12 bar is the max pressure with a blind disc. It will be lower during an extraction, I’ve found.

[@serakovevgeniy7117]

Hi Tom! Really appricite for your affot about showing how to get really close original espresso in small budget! Please clarify the lengh of pen spring ofter cutting? PS I'm on the way to install inox flange btween 2 parts of biler - and get almost 500ml )

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I actually would not recommend doing that. Shortening the spring changes its characteristics. It's what I tried showing here.

[@serakovevgeniy7117]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner unfortunately original spring was lost - so during waiting a new one - it will be great to use pen spring

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@serakovevgeniy7117 A pen spring will work, but it is also slow to react...

[@elfista3503]

Hey, after cut to 13.5 no water in portafilter😅 pump are pump

[@fouriejosh]

We need a PID for this espresso machine. Temperature control is major issue on these machines and the most inconsistant. If this can be solved we will have a great little contender. Can you help us?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh boy, I am not sure about that. It is so tight in the Dedica, I am not sure where a relais or control board would fit...

[@fouriejosh]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Ya it is pretty tight in there. Small footprint being it selling point. I just changed the anti-drip valve as per your instructions in another vid. Thanks. Now my machine is like new again for price of pennies. Why don't you do the first prototype work re the PID and see if it is even possible. Even if it is ugly and the PID must live outside. Always possible to investigate to reduce size after proof of concept works or build a custom SS case for it on the side. I really think this is the only thing this machine needs extra after the manometer. It will then compete with the big boys.

[@gianlucaugolini3796]

I think that the dimmer mod is finally the best mod for dedica, as you told at the end of the video. If is possibile install a dimmer you can control better the preinfusion, go to 9 bar and then slowly go to 5-6 at the end of the shot.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Gianluca, yes I will try to get to this in the future. It would be fun to try. But I have to find the right type of dimmer to install. Any ideas?

[@gianlucaugolini3796]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I think a single pole dimmer will work, like Lance Hedrick used in the mod of the bambino plus

[@ArgentumStudio_Old]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner hihi ! do you still plan to make a dimmer mod for dedica?

[@leonbraun363]

@@ArgentumStudio_Old wondering the same thing. If he doesn't post a video soon, I will have to take matters into my own hands. haha

[@elmeralcayde6062]

Is there a way i can modify my ariete 1318 espresso machine. I've been searching online for a long time. Thanks in advance

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hmm, I don't know Elmer. I have never seen the inside of such a machine. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@leju666]

Is it possible to buy somewhere the spring ready to get 9 bars?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, but you don't need to mod it. It will hit 9 bars with a coffee extraction.

[@leju666]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Ok, thank you so much🙂

[@oscarmakertv6707]

Where did you get the springs?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

One is the original, and the other is a pen spring.

[@dingnextstop]

Hi Tom, I’ve just finished doing the spring mod on my dedica, I cut the original spring to 14mm, seems to work ok but need to readjust my grind I think as puk is wetter, did you find your espresso was slightly sour after mod? Andrew

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Andrew, for me it was actually a little bitter. I would need a little more time to play around with it though. Let me know how your results progress. Cheers! ☕️

[@dingnextstop]

Hi Tom, I’ve gone finer on grind using Colombian beans, I’m using 14g IMS competition basket on bottomless portafilter, I’m now using 1.5 ratio 14g in 21g out in 29 seconds…… before the spring mod I was never able to get anywhere “near” 20 seconds… So far so good!👍🏻

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@dingnextstop Interesting result Andrew, thanks for posting. How is the taste? At a 1.5 ratio that is more like a ristretto, yes?

[@dingnextstop]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner my apologies Tom I’m a newcomer to home barista, I’ve only had the machine since Christmas so still experimenting, i was a inland waterway engineer years ago so love tinkering and fixing things,I love coffee ie Cortado, cappuccino etc but as yet still don’t find espresso “ enjoyable”…. I suppose need to train my palate… if only I could “ taste” what is classed as ‘ good espresso’ maybe then I would have a starting point, mine visually looks ok but I still have to add a dash of milk to drink it… sad eh..? 😁

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@dingnextstop Hey Andrew, go to a well rated cafe nearby, and try some of their espressos. A good barista can make a wonderful espresso shot, that is not sour nor bitter, with great mouth feel and almost a sweetness to it. But you need a good barista, good bean, and capable equipment to get a so called "God shot." Or, a lot of luck. I am an engineer too, and I find that espresso is a perfect hobby for guys like us. Cheers!

[@passoborgo]

Am I wrong or in a video I saw that you put a pressure gauge on the side? great, but the real problem with this small but fantastic machine is that, even if you set it to the maximum temperature, the coffee comes out lukewarm. did you find a method to solve it? in addition to heating the cup of course. Greetings from Italy

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Buon Giorno! Yes, I mounted one to the side. It is a lovely machine, but yes the heat could be just a bit higher. You could warm up your PF first, that would help. Make sure your cups are pre-warmed too. Then, you could do the steam mode hack. Cheers!

[@passoborgo]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner yes, I preheat the cup by letting the water come out so at the same time I clean the residues of the previous coffee. I will also try to warm up the filter holder. did you create the video of the side pressure gauge? I don't think I will because I don't have your manual skills but I'd like to see how you did the job. anyway, I think the Dedica remains the best quality/price machine on the market (by changing the pressurized filter holder though) also considering the space it occupies (before I had a Lelit). ciao, ottimi video 👌

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@passoborgo kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZTWnmyMrJt9qKM :)

[@paetgmeiner3620]

Nice test. Sadly pressure to 9.5bar with 13.5mm spring takes much too long Do you think trying a different spring with original lenght and less N/m strength will let it speed up? I think it only makes sense to mod a non pressurised filter with constant 9bars in 25sec-30sec If that works, one machine to rule them all ;-)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, I have to agree with you. The buildup of pressure takes much too long like that. Different springs with different tensions will probably yield a different result. Just doing these tests however, I would recommend keeping the OPV as it is.

[@paetgmeiner3620]

... another idea: open the steam valve to reduce pressure during extraction Sadly I do not have your pressure control tool, so it will be hard to tell how far to open it. Maybe an idea for another video?! Thanks a lot for all your inspiration!!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@paetgmeiner3620 Good idea to try! People use this hack with the Gaggia Classic Pro, too.

[@mistar-t]

interesting

[@diypedalindonesia1369]

There is another problem with dedica is due its low water temperature. Because i have tested with max temperature setting, it only reach 80 degree celcius max. Which is considered too low for some roasting profile. anyway, if you lower the pressure, there will be lower steam pressure. Which is not good for frothing the milk.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well you could potentially temp surf. I was thinking about experimenting with that too. So if you turn the steam mode on for a few seconds, that should bring the temp up. Let me know if that helps.

[@michaelmulvogue9165]

Yeah I see water temp floating around 78-83deg C as it leaves the group head on my machine. I suspect though that the water temperature as it leaves the thermoblock would be closer to the ideal 90-96 deg. The pipe taking heated water to the group head is just thin uninsulated teflon tube that runs the length of the machine and then goes into plastic group head so I think there's probably a bit of thermal loss happening in that tubing. I'm was thinking I might wrap the tube in a bit of foam insulation just to see what happens.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@michaelmulvogue9165 Good idea, Michael! The thermal heat loss is the biggest complaint advanced users have for this machine. If you can find any way to tune that, I am sure people would love to hear the results! Tom

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

could this solve the issue with blowing out the gasket at the group head? i bought a new silicone gasket and it blew out again.

[@paulpassman8294]

Anyone know the outside diameter of the spring?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi, it is 4.7 mm.

[@paulpassman8294]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner ok, thanks for that.

[@northox]

Arent we supposed to start the timer only at the first drop? 45-15=30s 14:14

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I like to start timing when I start the extraction. It's a whole process, not just the first drop.

[@виталиймальцев-в2ф]

Жду видео про установку диммер .

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, you are not the only one. Shall I do that? I need a decent quality dimmer that looks nice.

[@виталиймальцев-в2ф]

Привет Том, вот это клапан подходит на мою Delonghi ecp33.21 ( AT4026003600 )Его можно регулировать, значит подойдет и на Dedica, спасибо за видео

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You are welcome! I am glad to hear the OPV fits in the ECP33.21 also. Cheers!

[@виталиймальцев-в2ф]

Посмотри этот клапан OPV на твою Dedica вот артикул товара AT4026003600

[@serakovevgeniy7117]

Благодарю за подсказку - в принципе отличный вариант без "пляски с бубном". Купил сразу 2 клапана Ariete - но есть нюанс - в моей DeLonghi ECP 33.21W помпа давит 15 бар и выкручивая на всю регулировочный винт - все равно на выходе немного повышено 9,8-11 бар. По этому тоже пружину видимо нужно подрезать ))) ...или есть вероятность что сам винт под шестигранник может откручиваться? Не зря же он там с краев подплавлен..- как высчитаете? И подскажите как вы замеряли давление - манометр в линии после OPV или в холдере?

[@виталиймальцев-в2ф]

@@serakovevgeniy7117 да подрезать нужно, расплавить для фиксации при желании. Давление мерил манометром на группе. Манометр крепил к корзине на 1 порцию из комплекта кофеварки, сам пользуюсь корзиной с алиэкспресс без двойного дна

[@cristobal.palmero4919]

14g for a double?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, maybe even 16g depending on the roast.

[@АлександрГуров-м4б]

I doubt that the spring from the pen is made of stainless steel

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I really do not know. That is why I actually suggest not to do this mod. The OPV is not made anyway to be adjusted...

[@alemholas]

Thank you for your videos! I am wondering, do you think a mod like the one in this Lance Hendrick video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSbkJSjm9OYapI , is possible on the Dedica? Or the pump is incompatible since it involves a spring? Cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You can add a dimmer to any machine, but there is little space in the Dedica. At some point, I will do a video on it. I show how to do it here on a GCP, but the principles are the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ_EiYKlnN2Zh68

[@alemholas]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner That is nice to hear c: An episode as something like "the ultimate Dedica" would be fun c: Cheers!

[@c0naNnn]

10:42 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔huh 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@johnmaniscalco8835]

Great video but it was driving me insane listening to him say “OVP” over and over again…

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

My bad! Thanks for watching, anyway!

[@blackimp4987]

that plastic housing is very weak. it's clear that by oopening and closing it manytimes it can break easily.