Expobar Lever Semi-Auto Espresso Machine

I bought this expresso machine from Whole Latte Love in 2009, and it died this week. Thus after 10 years.I found the PID temperature controller system is cooked and if to be replaced ,the parts only will cost around $600 but after that what surprise will happen.During the 10 years, the dispensing head E61 is a high maintenance item. In there are multiple springs, seals, O-rings are to be be replaced every 3 years or so, or otherwise the E61 leaked badly. If one is mechanically inclined, one can do it at home. Sending back for repair a 60 lbs item is rather expensive. I think the E61 invented 50 years ago has its age.For my new coffee machine, I stay away from from that E61 valve.

We purchased a variant of this machine from WLL in November 2015 (Brewtus IV-R). It makes absolutely fantastic espresso, and cranks plenty of steam pressure for milk-based drinks. However, in less than a year of light duty (10-15 espressos/week) it developed internal leaks in the plumbing, and the heating element of the brew boiler burned out. Both failures appear to be from design flaws: 1) inadequate fittings securing the teflon line out of the pump into the boilers, and 2) use of a shorter 120V element in the boiler for the American market, which must get much hotter to provide the same power as the longer 230V element used in the European market. Read the fine print of the Warranty carefully: it is parts and labor only, which means if it fails within the Warranty period (as ours did), you must pay shipping both ways to WLL to get repairs. They will not send you the repair parts, and they are the only service center in the USA offering warranty service (and they have a stated 3-4 week lead time after receiving it in their shop to make repairs...) This is their words, not mine.

Bought mine 15 years ago. Cost me exactly half of its current price. It runs every day making 2 to 5 cups. Maintenance: Replaced the rubber and brass parts in the group head (parts are easily available for the standard e61 head). The on/off switch broke (four dollar replacement). Replaced the boiler insulation with motorcycle exhaust wrap (should have taken a picture -10' x 2" is the right amount). I plumbed the machine with a simple float valve that keeps the tank always 3/4 full. Over the past 30 years, I have had a Pavone, Jura and, Nueva Simonelli. The latter in my office and cost $5k. For the money, the Expobar is the best. For the home, it beats the Simonelli, regardless of the cost. Yes, it is expensive but, in 10+ years you will have no regrets.

Have been using this machine for about a month now. I am not sure why another review states that WLL will not send parts? They have an extensive website just for parts for Expobar and many other machines. The online literature list part #'s for wear items like brew group gasket and water softener. This is a truly substantial machine that seems much more robust compared to the Breville Oracle dead after 15 months then quite a ride w/there customer support-after several doa replacement units settled on refund. You must keep track of the water level so it does not stop during operation. Best espresso I have ever made at home. Oh it is paired w/ the Ceado E5P

I absolutely love this unit! I've had it for over a year, now, with no issues, and I use it multiple times, daily, to not only brew espresso, but to steam my chai, froth my milk, and dispense hot water for tea. I was only looking to replace my simple Krups when it "krapped" out - I got a little carried away buying this unit, but, oh my! I have no regrets, whatsoever, for this "espresso factory" is truly a workhorse. It is a substantial piece of equipment that does take up some real estate on my counter, but it also deserves it! I keep it just off to the right of my sink where the sink "rinse" hose reaches it for (very) easy filling. I could have spent a whole lot more money getting it hooked directly into the waterline, but this way, I have the flexibility of moving it.