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2. Water
All coffee beverages start with two things- coffee and water. Because the majority of espresso is water,
it should come as no surprise that quality water is important to the taste of the espresso. Additionally,
using the wrong water can eventually cause problems for your machine and even cause part failures.
So what water to use? None of the Vibiemme Domobar espresso machines can use distilled or reverse
osmosis (RO) water because these waters contain virtually no minerals. The water level sensor in the
boiler needs a small amount of minerals to sense the water level. Without these minerals, the boiler will
overfill. This can cause numerous problems and can even damage the machine. On the other hand, water
too high in mineral content or water containing the wrong minerals can cause rapid buildup of lime and
calcium deposits that can reduce boiler volume, cause poor heating performance, and lead to heating
element failure.
Water hardness test strips can be used to make sure that the water you are using is safe for your
machine. Inexpensive TDS meters are also readily available for purchase so you can test the hardness
of your water. If you find that your water is too hard, we highly recommend using either an in-tank
replaceable water softener cartridge that attaches to the inlet hose, a water-softening pitcher, or an under-
the-sink water softener designed to supply espresso machines. Check with your retailer/reseller for more
details on which of these filter systems would work best for you.
3. Connect the machine
The Domobar Super double boiler has dual systems for both incoming and outgoing water:
• incoming: water reservoir or direct-connect to existing fresh-water lines
• outgoing (waste): drip tray or direct-connect to existing drain lines
The Vibiemme Domobar Super 2B is set by the manufacturer to draw fresh water from the reservoir and
collect waste water in the drip tray. To change the pre-set incoming water selection, see point 3.2. To
change the pre-set waste water selection, see point 3.4.
IMPORTANT:
If you choose to plumb the machine in to your existing fresh-water lines, the microswitch
under the reservoir needs to be engaged (or else the machine’s safety features will prevent it from
functioning). In order to engage the microswitch:
1
- remove the
Cup Warming Tray
2
- remove the
Water Reservoir
3
- find the screw on the water reservoir platform
4
- screw it down until you hear the microswitch click (engage)
5
- once the microswitch is engaged, you can use the direct connect water supply and follow further
plumb in instructions .3.2
WARNING: If you switch back to water reservoir, the microswitch MUST BE DISENGAGED so the
safety features will work again.
IMPORTANT:
the Vibiemme Domobar Super 2B is set by the manufacturer to collect the waste water
inside the drip tray. If you use of this configuration, you must constantly check the water level inside the
tray so it does not spill over.
Vibiemme is not responsible for any damage due to an incorrect use.
