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Date: 17 Nov 2006 17:17:15
From: Jeff C
Subject: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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Hi,
If there are any equipment geeks out there who can explain this, I'd
appreciate it. Yesterday I bought a brand new Elektra Microcasa from
Williams Sonoma. I brought it home and followed precisely the
instructions for getting started. The power to the machine worked (the
light on the switch came on), the pump works (I was able to fill water
from the tank into the heating chamber) , but the heating element
simply did not come on. The water in the heating chamber did not warm
up, there was no rise in pressure, and of course the indicator light
that the heating element is on did not come on.
One reason I overpaid for the machine at Williams-Sonoma was their
no-hassle return policy. I brought the machine back today and they
exchanged it without any hassle. I made them show me that the
replacement machine would work. They plugged it in and the appropriate
heating element light came on. The heating chamber was warming up
within a minute or two. I brought it home and plugged it in. It now
exhibits the same problems as the first machine. Our electrical was
recently installed and tested by a licensed pro. There's no
"overpower" in our outlets. I tested them myself and they show 120
volts.
Is there some kind of strange "reset" that can happen when the machine
is tranported from the store?
Might the heating element be so fragile that driving it up a mountain
could break it?
We live at altittude, could that matter?
None of these explanations seem likely to me, but I have no idea what
could be causing the problem. Any insight would be appreciated.
Jeff
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Date: 17 Nov 2006 17:37:53
From: stefano65
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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There is areste under the unit
so william and Sonoma they just plug the machine on with no water in
it?
that will do it....................................
call me I can guide you throught the reset
Jeff C wrote:
> Hi,
>
> If there are any equipment geeks out there who can explain this, I'd
> appreciate it. Yesterday I bought a brand new Elektra Microcasa from
> Williams Sonoma. I brought it home and followed precisely the
> instructions for getting started. The power to the machine worked (the
> light on the switch came on), the pump works (I was able to fill water
> from the tank into the heating chamber) , but the heating element
> simply did not come on. The water in the heating chamber did not warm
> up, there was no rise in pressure, and of course the indicator light
> that the heating element is on did not come on.
>
> One reason I overpaid for the machine at Williams-Sonoma was their
> no-hassle return policy. I brought the machine back today and they
> exchanged it without any hassle. I made them show me that the
> replacement machine would work. They plugged it in and the appropriate
> heating element light came on. The heating chamber was warming up
> within a minute or two. I brought it home and plugged it in. It now
> exhibits the same problems as the first machine. Our electrical was
> recently installed and tested by a licensed pro. There's no
> "overpower" in our outlets. I tested them myself and they show 120
> volts.
>
> Is there some kind of strange "reset" that can happen when the machine
> is tranported from the store?
> Might the heating element be so fragile that driving it up a mountain
> could break it?
> We live at altittude, could that matter?
>
> None of these explanations seem likely to me, but I have no idea what
> could be causing the problem. Any insight would be appreciated.
>
> Jeff
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Date: 18 Nov 2006 09:54:36
From: Jeff C
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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This turned out to be simple, and Stefano was extremely helpful and
kind. With some help fro him I was able to find the reset switch (not
mentioned in the manual). I have since begun experimenting and am
already enjoying the best home espresso I've ever made.
Many thanks again to Stefano!
Jeff C wrote:
> Hi,
>
> If there are any equipment geeks out there who can explain this, I'd
> appreciate it. Yesterday I bought a brand new Elektra Microcasa from
> Williams Sonoma. I brought it home and followed precisely the
> instructions for getting started. The power to the machine worked (the
> light on the switch came on), the pump works (I was able to fill water
> from the tank into the heating chamber) , but the heating element
> simply did not come on. The water in the heating chamber did not warm
> up, there was no rise in pressure, and of course the indicator light
> that the heating element is on did not come on.
>
> One reason I overpaid for the machine at Williams-Sonoma was their
> no-hassle return policy. I brought the machine back today and they
> exchanged it without any hassle. I made them show me that the
> replacement machine would work. They plugged it in and the appropriate
> heating element light came on. The heating chamber was warming up
> within a minute or two. I brought it home and plugged it in. It now
> exhibits the same problems as the first machine. Our electrical was
> recently installed and tested by a licensed pro. There's no
> "overpower" in our outlets. I tested them myself and they show 120
> volts.
>
> Is there some kind of strange "reset" that can happen when the machine
> is tranported from the store?
> Might the heating element be so fragile that driving it up a mountain
> could break it?
> We live at altittude, could that matter?
>
> None of these explanations seem likely to me, but I have no idea what
> could be causing the problem. Any insight would be appreciated.
>
> Jeff
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Date: 18 Nov 2006 02:51:09
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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For $1200.00 (!!!) you can do a lot better than the Elektra! but with
admittedly a lttle less frou-frou.
If 2 in a row don't work at your house, let that be a message.
Try something else?
Dave
www.hitechespresso.com
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Date: 18 Nov 2006 15:32:52
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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why would youhave to reset TWO brand new machines??
dave
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Date: 19 Nov 2006 07:04:19
From: daveb
Subject: Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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OK! WS "stress tests" your stuff for free!
not really the best idea, IMHO!
dave
162.5
stefano65 wrote:
> unit................................................
> good think there is a thermo fuse resettable eh?????
> Stefano
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Date: 19 Nov 2006 05:56:07
From: stefano65
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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daveb wrote:
> why would youhave to reset TWO brand new machines??
>
>
> dave
To answer your question Dave,
at the store they plug them in to show him that the light comes on with
no water inside the
unit................................................
good think there is a thermo fuse resettable eh?????
Stefano
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Date: 19 Nov 2006 16:20:04
From: I->Ian
Subject: Re: Strange Problems with Elektra Microcasa Heating Element
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On 19 Nov 2006 05:56:07 -0800, "stefano65" <espressocare@msn.com >
wrote:
>
>daveb wrote:
>> why would youhave to reset TWO brand new machines??
>>
>>
>> dave
>
>To answer your question Dave,
>at the store they plug them in to show him that the light comes on with
>no water inside the
>unit................................................
>good think there is a thermo fuse resettable eh?????
>Stefano
I'd like to have a look at the heating element that was run dry long
enough to trip the thermal cutout.
Sadly, all too typical of mall vendors :
sophisticated kit sold by clueless staff
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Date: 19 Nov 2006 15:26:43
From: daveb
Subject: Strange Problems -- twice
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Ian, You got that right!
but is sure is purty!
db
162.5
I- >Ian wrote:
>
> I'd like to have a look at the heating element that was run dry long
> enough to trip the thermal cutout.
>
> Sadly, all too typical of mall vendors :
> sophisticated kit sold by clueless staff
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